i-went-back-to-work-days-after-giving-birth-women-who-take-maternity-leave-are-lazy-and-they-need-to-hit-the-gym-too

Title: I Went Back to Work Days After Giving Birth—But That Doesn’t Make Other Moms Lazy

I’ll be honest with you—I went back to work just days after giving birth. My inbox was overflowing, I felt pressure to “bounce back,” and I thought pushing through the exhaustion was a badge of honor. But here’s the truth: that decision doesn’t make me better than other moms. And it definitely doesn’t mean women who take maternity leave are lazy.

At first, I really believed that hustling right away was the only way to prove I was strong, capable, and committed. I even caught myself silently judging moms who were still in their pajamas weeks after giving birth. I thought, Why aren’t they back on their feet? Why aren’t they hitting the gym yet?

Now I know—I was wrong.

Every woman’s postpartum journey is different. Some of us heal quickly, others don’t. Some have support systems, others are doing it all alone. Maternity leave isn’t about being weak or lazy—it’s about recovery, bonding, and survival in a whole new world. And frankly, no one should feel guilty for taking the time their body and baby need.

I’ve since realized that pushing yourself to work or to “get your body back” immediately after birth isn’t always empowering—it can be harmful. I was mentally and physically drained, running on fumes, and pretending I had it all together when I didn’t.

So no, taking time to rest doesn’t make you lazy. And getting back to the gym isn’t some gold standard for motherhood. I’ve learned to respect every mom’s pace—and I hope you do too.

Let’s stop shaming and start supporting each other. Whether you returned to work in a week or took the full twelve, you’re doing your best. And that’s powerful.