The 6-Week Postpartum Myth with Dr. Sarah Oreck

Let’s get one thing straight: the idea that you’re “healed” and “back to normal” at six weeks postpartum? A total myth.

In this episode, we sat down (again) with the brilliant Dr. Sarah Oreck, reproductive psychiatrist, founder of Mavida Health, and medical advisor for the FDA Cleared Natural Cycles fertility tracking app, to talk about where that six-week “all clear” even came from—and why it’s doing so many new moms a disservice.

Here’s the truth:

• Mental health is the number one complication of childbirth—more common than preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.

• The first six weeks postpartum are when baby blues peak and postpartum depression or anxiety can BEGIN - it's not always immediate.

So no, you don’t magically bounce back at six weeks—physically, emotionally, or mentally.

Dr. Oreck breaks down how this outdated system misses the most critical window for care—and what we can do about it. She shares how tracking your symptoms (mood, bleeding, hair loss, the works) using tools like Natural Cycles’ NC Postpartum feature can help you advocate for yourself and give your doctor real data to work with.

We also talk about the real “return to sex” conversation (spoiler: only you get to decide when you’re ready), how breastfeeding hormones can impact desire, and why the best aphrodisiac for a new mom might just be someone else doing the dishes.

Because what drives desire postpartum? Feeling supported. Feeling seen. Feeling like your partner gets it.

WIWIK takeaway: Six weeks is just a number. Recovery is a process. You’re not “behind” if you’re not “back.”

Listen in for actionable ways to track your healing, share the mental load, and push for the care you deserve..

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