Why Postpartum Lasts 2 Years: The Hilarious, Hormonal, and Heartfelt Journey No One Warned You About

Dear Beautiful People

Postpartum is not just a fleeting phase—it’s a two-year journey (at least!) of healing, growth, and transformation. While those early weeks may get all the attention, the reality is that the rollercoaster ride of postpartum continues long after the first few months. This journey is a mix of stinky armpits, wild cravings, unexpected “mom rage,” and a whole lot of laughter and love. After giving birth, we tend to focus on the immediate weeks of recovery, but our bodies and minds are on a much longer journey of transformation. Those initial postpartum weeks might be filled with the most obvious physical recovery, but the reality is that the healing process continues well beyond that, often lasting up to two years or more. It’s a time when your body, hormones, and emotions are recalibrating as you settle into motherhood. You brought life into this world—your body is a miracle worker. But once the baby is born, the changes don’t just stop. In fact, they’re just beginning. Your hormones, brain, body, and emotions are on a two-year quest to find their new rhythm.

Postpartum is more than physical healing—it’s emotional, mental, and spiritual transformation. Your brain is literally rewiring itself to focus on caregiving. Hormones like oxytocin (the bonding hormone) are at play, while cortisol levels (stress hormones) fluctuate. It takes time for everything to stabilize.

Fun Stats:

• Hormones take up to 2 years to recalibrate after childbirth.

• Breastfeeding can delay full hormonal balance by suppressing ovulation.

• Sleep deprivation in postpartum affects mental clarity, emotional regulation, and even digestion.

Let’s dig into the truths about postpartum, why it lasts so long, how you can embrace this messy, magical time and what really happens after you have a baby.

Hormonal Shifts (a.k.a. Why Do I Smell Like a Teenager?)

Here’s the deal—pregnancy and birth send your hormones on a wild ride that doesn’t just end when the baby is born. Estrogen, progesterone, and oxytocin are recalibrating, and guess what? This sometimes comes with stinky armpits. Yes, postpartum body odor is real, and no, you’re not alone. Think of it as your body detoxing and adapting to its new state. Seriously, no one warned me that postpartum would make me feel like I was going through puberty all over again.

Pro tip: Stock up on deodorant and embrace the funk. Your body is just doing its thing.

Eating Habits (Why Am I Eating Like a Teenage Boy?)

Let’s talk cravings. I’m not talking pregnancy cravings—I’m talking about the postpartum beast mode that happens when your body’s like, “Feed me now!” Your body needs fuel—lots of it. Totally normal. The point is, your body is still healing and adjusting, so those weird hunger pangs and eating habits are just part of the process. Embrace it! Grab that snack and keep fueling your body—it needs it!

Fun fact: Breastfeeding moms burn up to 500 extra calories a day! So, yes, you deserve that extra cookie (or five).

Mom Rage (Why Am I So Mad at Everything?)

Okay, let’s get real for a second. Postpartum can come with some serious mom rage. You know those days when your partner breathing too loudly makes you want to throw something? Yep, welcome to postpartum mom rage, brought to you by hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the general overwhelm of motherhood. You’re not a bad mom—you’re a normal mom dealing with the tidal wave of postpartum emotions. The rage is real, but it’s also temporary (just like the sleepless nights). When you feel it creeping in, give yourself grace, take a breather, and remember it’s okay to be mad sometimes. We’ve all been there! You’re doing your best.

Supporting Yourself During the Two-Year Postpartum Period

This journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about healing. Here’s how we can honor this time of healing and transformation (and maybe laugh a little along the way)

•  Nourish Your Body (Even if That Means Snacks in Bed) - Your body has done incredible work, and now it’s healing and needs nutrients to recover. Focus on nourishing foods that give you energy, but also give yourself permission to indulge in those late-night cravings. Warm, hearty meals like soups, stews, and cooked grains are great for digestion and energy. But let’s be real—sometimes it’s about that midnight snack or eating straight from the peanut butter jar. Whether it’s avocado toast or an entire box of cookies—do you

• Give Yourself Grace (Even When You Smell or Snap) - Yes, you might feel like a hormonal teenager again. Yes, your emotions are all over the place. And yes, you might have moments where you just want to scream into a pillow (or at your partner’s loud breathing). You’re navigating a hormonal and emotional rollercoaster. It’s okay to have off days, cry at commercials. Humor and self-compassion go a long way.

• Prioritize Rest (Whenever You Can) - Sleep deprivation is no joke, and sometimes the exhaustion just makes everything seem worse (like the rage, the smells, and the endless hunger). Rest when you can, take naps if possible, and never underestimate the power of asking for help when you need a break.

• Move Your Body (Even if It’s Just a Dance Party in the Kitchen) - Movement doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym. Some days, it’s just about dancing in the kitchen with your little one or going for a short walk outside. These small movement can release endorphins, help you feel grounded, and help release some of that pent-up energy.

• Seek Emotional Support (Because We All Need a Vent Session) - Whether it’s talking to a therapist, joining a mom group, or just having a good old-fashioned vent session with your best friend who lets you ugly cry, having a support system is essential. Don’t hesitate to get the emotional support you need. Postpartum emotions are real, and sharing them can make the world of difference.

Honor Your Postpartum Journey

Postpartum isn’t a race—it’s a sacred and profound transformative experience. Your body, heart, and mind are recalibrating to nurture your baby and rediscover yourself. It doesn’t end when the postpartum bleeding stops or when the baby starts sleeping through the night (though wouldn’t that be nice?). Your journey of healing and rebalancing is ongoing, and every stage deserves to be honored and nurtured.

As you move through this two-year chapter, remember:

• You’re doing an amazing job.

• Your feelings—good, bad, and stinky—are valid.

• It’s okay to ask for help.

Postpartum isn’t just a season—it’s a rebirth for you, too.

With love,
Dru Erin Houchen