S2E1 The Myth of "Bouncing Back After Baby" with Courtney Naliboff and Ruth Macy, DPT

The TabooDespite our cultural belief that birthgivers should return to their pre-pregnancy selves, postpartum bodies are not meant to "bounce back"—they are meant to heal, and forcing weight loss or rapid fitness recovery can cause harm.Links + ResourcesCourtney’s band, Bait Bag (check out “Girl Push-ups”!)Book RecommendationsYour Postpartum Body by Courtney Naliboff and Ruth MacyTami Lynn Kent’s Wild Mothering: Finding Power, Spirit, and Joy in Birth and a Creative Motherhood (Reclaim Your Wild Book 3)Time Stamps* 07:15 — What bounce-back culture looks like today.* 12:00 — Patriarchy, perfectionism, and why postpartum bodies are policed.* 17:45 — The science: what actually happens to the body after pregnancy and why “six weeks” is a myth.* 23:10 — Pelvic floor, core strength, and “quick fixes.”* 28:20 — Mental health and identity shifts* 33:00 — How to advocate for yourself in postpartum.Key TakeawaysNot all things return to baseline in six weeks after birth; it can take to three years (but we haven’t studied it enough; only 2% of NIH funding is dedicated to women’s health, and it’s mostly on how to get pregnant).And this pressure to “get your body back” after birth isn’t about health. It’s rooted in misogyny, beauty standards, and unrealistic expectations that erase the realities of postpartum recovery and childbirth.True recovery means prioritizing function, energy, mental health, and connection. It might look like setting boundaries with family, friends, and even healthcare providers.The Guest ExpertsCourtney Naliboff is the co-author of Your Postpartum Body: The Complete Guide to Healing After Pregnancy, published in 2024 and is a columnist and reporter for Working Waterfront. Her co-author, Ruth E. Macy, has her doctorate in physical therapy, and specializes in pelvic health. She has been in the industry for 20 years.Did this resonate with you? Tell me in the comments (I read every single one):Consider becoming a paying subscriber and support the podcast here:Up next, we cover the hidden history of red lipstick, ADHD in motherhood, food and fertility, and more.xo —Micah This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit micahlarsen.substack.com