02/13/2026
Why Many Moms Hurt More at 6 Weeks Than 6 Days Postpartum (And Why You’re Not Broken)
If you’re a new mom who felt surprisingly okay in the first few days after birth—only to feel worse weeks later—you’re not imagining things.
In fact, one of the most common things I hear from postpartum moms is this:
“I thought I’d feel better by now… why do I actually hurt more?”
The truth is, six weeks postpartum is often harder on the body than six days—and there are very real, physiological reasons why.
Let’s unpack what’s happening.
1. The Early Postpartum “Buffer” Wears Off
In the first few days after birth, your body is still benefiting from a hormonal cushion:
Elevated oxytocin (bonding + pain modulation)
Residual endorphins from labour
Adrenaline from the birth experience
Often: more rest, more support, fewer physical demands
Many moms are also still being taken care of—by partners, family, or hospital staff.
By 4–6 weeks, that buffer fades.
Hormones shift dramatically, support decreases, and real life kicks in.
2. Relaxin Is Still High—But Support Is Lower
Relaxin, the hormone that softens ligaments and joints during pregnancy and birth, does not disappear immediately after delivery. It can remain elevated for several months, especially if breastfeeding.
What that means:
Joints (pelvis, SI joints, spine) are still less stable
Muscles are often fatigued or inhibited
The body is being asked to do more with less support
So while tissues are still vulnerable, moms are:
Carrying babies
Feeding for hours a day
Lifting car seats
Walking more
Returning to exercise or work
It’s a mismatch between capacity and demand.
3. Posture Changes Catch Up With You
New motherhood is incredibly physical—but not always in balanced ways.
By six weeks postpartum, many moms are spending hours:
Leaning forward to feed
Looking down while holding baby
Sitting unsupported
Sleeping in awkward positions
Carrying weight asymmetrically
Over time, this leads to:
Neck and shoulder pain
Mid-back and rib discomfort
Low back and pelvic pain
Wrist and elbow strain (“mommy thumb”)
These stresses accumulate, which is why pain often peaks later, not sooner.
4. Muscles Are Weak, Not Lazy
After pregnancy and birth, the core system (deep abdominals, pelvic floor, diaphragm, spinal stabilizers) often isn’t firing optimally—even if you feel “cleared” at six weeks.
This can create:
Pelvic instability
Compensatory muscle tension
Poor load transfer through the pelvis and spine
Pain isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a signal that the system needs support, coordination, and time.
5. Sleep Deprivation Amplifies Pain
Chronic sleep disruption:
Increases inflammation
Lowers pain thresholds
Reduces tissue recovery
Impairs nervous system regulation
By six weeks, exhaustion often becomes cumulative—and pain feels louder when the nervous system is depleted.
6. Expectations Don’t Match Reality
There’s a quiet but powerful cultural message that by six weeks postpartum, you should be:
“Back to normal”
Exercising again
Cleared and capable
But healing isn’t linear. When pain shows up at six weeks, many moms feel confused, discouraged, or even ashamed—when in reality, this timing is incredibly common.
What Can Help? Postpartum pain is not something you have to “push through.” Supportive care may include:
Gentle assessment of pelvic and spinal alignment
Addressing joint mobility and stability
Nervous system regulation
Postural support and feeding ergonomics
Gradual, appropriate movement—not rushing recovery
The goal isn’t to “fix” you—it’s to support your body as it adapts to motherhood. Postpartum care shouldn’t end at delivery—or at six weeks. You deserve support through this transition and especially the first few months of motherhood.
