I thought postpartum recovery was all about sleepless nights and adjusting to life with a newborn. What I didn’t expect was how much my body, mind, and emotions would be turned upside down. No one really prepared me for the messy middle — the exhaustion, the overwhelm, and the feeling that I had to hold everything together while running on empty. It hit me like a train.

If you’re in the thick of it, you’re not alone. Here’s what I wish someone had told me about postpartum recovery — and what helped me find my footing again.

1. Recovery Takes Longer Than You Think

• It’s not a 6-week check and done. Healing (physical + emotional) takes months.

• Give yourself permission to move slowly.

2. Sleep Deprivation Changes Everything

• Brain fog is real.

• Your memory, mood, and energy are all affected.

• This is why having systems (like a tracker) matters so much.

3. You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup

• Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s survival.

• Even 5 minutes a day makes a difference.

4. The Mental Load Is the Hardest Load

• Appointments, feeds, meals, shopping — it all piles up.

• Writing things down lightens the mental clutter.

5. Building Support Is Essential

• Waiting for help doesn’t work; you often have to create your own village.

• Tools, routines, and even paper systems can become part of that support.

Where the Planner Fits

This is why I created the Postpartum Planner and Journal: Your Guided 3-Month Journey.

• It helps you track the things that matter (sleep, mood, meals, support).

• It gives you gentle structure so you feel less scattered.

• It’s a little anchor in the chaos.

📖 Get your copy here

Postpartum recovery is messy, beautiful, exhausting, and transformative — all at once. I can’t promise it’ll be easy, but I can promise you don’t have to do it all in your head. Tools like a planner won’t fix everything, but they will give you space to breathe, reflect, and feel more in control.

What do you wish, someone had told you about postpartum recovery? Comment below, I'd love to know 🧡