Kylie Kelce Debunks 'Crazy' Myths About Postpartum Recovery

The podcast host and mother of four gets real about the realities of life after childbirth.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:52pm

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Kylie Kelce, a former athlete and current podcast host, has been vocal about shattering myths and misconceptions around the postpartum period. In a recent episode of her show 'Not Gonna Lie,' Kelce addressed the common belief that postpartum only applies to the first six weeks after giving birth, calling it 'crazy.' She explained that it can take up to a year for a woman to truly feel like herself again after childbirth, citing studies that show a majority of women experience various health issues during this time.

Why it matters

Kelce's candid discussion about the realities of postpartum recovery aims to challenge the unrealistic societal expectations placed on new mothers. By dispelling myths and providing a more accurate understanding of the postpartum experience, Kelce hopes to empower women and support them during this transformative time.

The details

Kelce, who has four daughters, shared that she typically doesn't feel like herself again until about a year after giving birth. She criticized the common notion that the postpartum period ends at the six-week mark, when women typically have their first check-up with their doctor. Kelce emphasized that this is far from a 'finish line,' as studies show women can experience a range of physical and mental health issues for up to a year after childbirth. The podcast host also addressed the pressure on new mothers to 'bounce back' to their pre-pregnancy bodies and routines, calling this expectation 'crazy' and noting that women are not even cleared for strenuous activity until six to eight weeks after delivery.

  • Kelce's youngest daughter, Finnley, turns 1 next week.
  • The postpartum period is generally thought to last about a year.
  • Studies show 47% to 94% of women in high-income countries experience one or more postpartum health issues.
  • Mental health problems can occur up to a year after childbirth.
  • The first three months after birth are known as the 'fourth trimester,' when new mothers often receive the most support.

The players

Kylie Kelce

A former athlete and current podcast host who is a mother of four daughters.

Jason Kelce

Kylie's husband, the former center for the Philadelphia Eagles, who retired from the NFL in March 2024.

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What they’re saying

“People still believe postpartum only applies to the first six weeks after giving birth. That's crazy.”

— Kylie Kelce, Podcast Host

“It takes me until I am typically a year out of giving birth to feel more like myself. This is f—ed up because when you read studies about when you're truly healed, it isn't even close to six weeks.”

— Kylie Kelce, Podcast Host

“We're not 'bouncing back' in six weeks. You're not even cleared for strenuous activity until six to eight weeks after giving birth.”

— Kylie Kelce, Podcast Host

“We can't be out here like, 'No, that was great!' What? A human just exited that door.”

— Kylie Kelce, Podcast Host

The takeaway

Kylie Kelce's candid discussion about the realities of postpartum recovery aims to challenge the unrealistic societal expectations placed on new mothers. By dispelling myths and providing a more accurate understanding of the postpartum experience, Kelce hopes to empower women and support them during this transformative time.