Having a baby is one of the most beautiful things in the world, but none of us can deny that it is not exactly a walk in the park.
In 2011, Dr. Julie Wray from Salford University arranged a study where she interviewed a number women at different stages of life following the birth of their child.
The study aimed to garner an insight into what recovering from childbirth is really like for mums.
Julie's research focused on both the emotional and physical recovery that comes with bring a baby into the world, because while we all know the effects childbirth has on the body, our emotions are also hugely influenced.
"Women feel that it takes much longer than six weeks to recover and they should be supported beyond the current six to eight weeks after birth. The research shows that more realistic and woman-friendly postnatal services are needed," explained Julie, in her work.
The interesting research also found that hospitals can have a negative effect on a new mum's recovery process, and that in many a more friendly postnatal service is needed to help out new mums.
There is also an argument that in today's world, mums do not spend enough time getting used to being a mum - as the process of childbirth has become such a quick, almost run-of-the mill process.
Mums need time - they need time to bond with their new baby, and they also need time to come to terms with their new role as a parent, while also allowing their bodies to heal.
The study concluded that the current planning and content of routine provision of postnatal care in hospital requires "urgent revision".
"Women's expectations of their health and wellbeing and their needs in the early weeks and months after giving birth, differ from those understood by professionals who continue to adhere to a traditional and ritualistic provision of care.
Midwifery needs to re-examine its role in postnatal care, take account of what women say and consider new ways of addressing care after birth."
What are your thoughts on post-natal recovery times, mums? Did you find that you had sufficient time to heal?
