In this episode, Dr. Kayla breaks down why weeks five through eight postpartum are a critical bridge phase between early healing and true strength building. If you've been "cleared" at your six-week appointment and are wondering whether that means you can jump back into workouts, core exercises, or running, this conversation will help you create a safe, strategic plan. You'll learn what medical clearance really means, why healing continues beyond six weeks, how to rebuild your core and pelvic floor through breath and pressure management, how to monitor symptoms like doming or leakage, and why strength training during this season should feel restorative — not depleting. If you're navigating the early postpartum months and want to return to movement with confidence instead of rushing the process, this episode will help you rebuild in a way that supports your body long-term.

Takeaways:

Being "cleared" at six weeks is a starting point, not a return to intensity.
Weeks five through eight are about building foundational strength before complexity.
Core recovery focuses on function and pressure management, not aesthetics.
Pelvic floor symptoms are feedback to modify, not ignore.
Postpartum strength training should energize and support healing — not exhaust you.

Links & Resources:

Read the related Holistically Well Blog Post
Use code POD20 for 20% off Dr. Kayla's comprehensive Holistically Well Postpartum Program! JOIN HERE: drkaylaborchers.com/postpartum

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46 | When and How to Start Strength Training Postpartum (Weeks 5–8)