Postpartum recovery remains under-supported, new research finds

A gap in care that begins after birth

Pregnancy in Australia is structured, monitored, and supported. Appointments are scheduled, questions are answered, and care pathways are clear.

Then comes postpartum recovery.

New research from Ninja Mama, based on responses from 79 Australian mothers who gave birth within the past three years, suggests this is where the system starts to thin out. Only 35% of mothers reported feeling prepared for recovery, while many described feeling blindsided by the experience.

The findings raise a practical question. Are we adequately supporting women through one of the most physically demanding stages of care?

A consistent pattern, not isolated stories

The research, based on Australian women who gave birth within the past three years, points to a consistent experience rather than a handful of outliers.

Louise Beever, founder of Ninja Mama, says the data reflects what she has been hearing directly from mothers.

When we meet mums at expos or speak with them through messages and customer support, the same theme comes up again and again – ‘I had no idea postpartum would be like this.’

That recurring feedback prompted the research.

“We were consistently receiving this kind of feedback, which is what ultimately prompted us to formalise the research and better understand the scale of the issue.”

What stood out most was just how universal that experience is – it’s not a handful of women, it’s the majority.

An incomplete care model

The findings point to a structural imbalance.

Pregnancy is supported through regular care, education, and monitoring. Postpartum recovery, despite being critical to both physical healing and emotional adjustment, receives far less structured attention.

This becomes particularly clear at discharge. According to the research, 85% of mothers reported receiving little to no structured postpartum recovery guidance when leaving hospital.

Louise describes it simply.

Postpartum recovery is still treated as an afterthought. There’s a lot of focus on getting mum and baby safely through birth, but far less structured support once she goes home.

The gap is not just clinical. It extends to the people around the mother.

“We also see a big knowledge gap among partners and support people. Many genuinely want to help but don’t understand what recovery involves.”

When physical recovery affects mental wellbeing

The impact is not limited to physical symptoms.

According to the research, 78% of respondents said their physical recovery negatively affected their mental wellbeing.

That connection is not surprising, Louise says.

When a mother is in pain, exhausted, and unsure what’s normal, it can quickly impact her confidence and emotional state. We hear of women who begin to feel like they’re failing, simply because they weren’t expecting the extent of the physical impact recovery has on their body.

One response from the survey captures the shift in support after birth.

“We spend nine months being listened to and supported, and then just one to two hours after giving birth, many of us are sent to the metaphorical wolves when it comes to our bodies’ recovery.”

A system relying on self-directed recovery

Another consistent finding is how much recovery is left to the individual.

According to the research, 77% of mothers reported purchasing their own postpartum recovery products without clear guidance.

Many mothers reported needing to source their own information, products, and support. Often, this happens without clear guidance from healthcare providers.

It suggests that postpartum recovery is not embedded as a defined phase of care. Instead, it sits outside structured clinical pathways, relying heavily on personal research and informal support networks.

The data points to something more practical. Support needs to extend beyond the hospital discharge.

Where support can be strengthened

The findings do not point to a single solution, but they do highlight where change could start.

Louise points to earlier preparation and clearer follow-up.

Postpartum recovery should be treated as a standard phase of care. That means better education before birth – ideally including partners – and more consistent follow-up after discharge.

Clarity for support networks is also critical.

“Support people should be given clear, practical guidance on what recovery actually looks like and how they can help, so they’re not left guessing in those early days.”

Reframing postpartum recovery

At an individual level, awareness still plays a role.

“Postpartum recovery is real and it deserves preparation. Your body has gone through a major physical event, and healing takes time.”

Understanding what is normal can reduce uncertainty and help mothers communicate what they need.

“It also helps you communicate your needs to the people around you, so you’re not trying to navigate it alone.”

From recognition to responsibility

The findings reinforce a simple shift in thinking.

Postpartum recovery is not just an extension of pregnancy care. It is a distinct phase that requires structure, attention, and support.

Improving outcomes will depend on how effectively this phase is recognised, supported, and embedded within the broader healthcare system.

Sources

Ninja Mama. (2026). The state of postpartum recovery in Australia 2026 report.