Septiningtyas Shares Postpartum Recovery Journey and the Physiological Challenges of Returning to Fitness After Childbirth

The transition into motherhood is often described as a transformative experience, yet for many women, the physical toll of pregnancy and childbirth remains a challenging hurdle that persists long after the delivery room. Septiningtyas, the wife of prominent Indonesian lawyer Sangun Ragahdo, recently brought this reality to the forefront by sharing her personal struggles with postpartum recovery. Following the birth of her first daughter, Galenée Aglaia Hime Ragahdo, on April 26, 2026, Septiningtyas has been candid about the significant decline in her physical stamina and the arduous process of reclaiming her pre-pregnancy fitness levels. Her experience serves as a poignant case study for the physiological and psychological adjustments required during the "fourth trimester" and beyond.

Three months into her journey as a new mother, Septiningtyas utilized her social media platform to document her first attempt at returning to cardiovascular exercise. After an 11-month hiatus—encompassing the entirety of her pregnancy and the initial weeks of postpartum recovery—she attempted a running session, only to find that her body did not respond with the same vigor it once possessed. Through a post on her Instagram account, she revealed that the experience was far more taxing than anticipated, describing a sensation of "starting from zero" in terms of both physical strength and endurance. This admission highlights a common but often under-discussed reality for new mothers: the body that emerges from childbirth is fundamentally different from the one that entered pregnancy.

The Chronology of Recovery and the Return to Activity

The timeline of Septiningtyas’s journey began with the high-profile arrival of her daughter in late April 2026. As the wife of Sangun Ragahdo—a lawyer who gained national attention for his involvement in high-stakes legal cases—her transition into motherhood was met with significant public interest. For the first two months following the delivery, the focus remained on the health of the newborn and the immediate healing of the mother. However, as the three-month mark approached, the desire to regain a sense of physical self led Septiningtyas back to the track.

The "11-month gap" she referred to is a critical period in maternal health. During these months, the cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal structure, and hormonal balance undergo radical shifts to support fetal growth and eventually the labor process. When Septiningtyas attempted her first run, she noted that her "bengek" (shortness of breath) was palpable, a clear indicator that her aerobic capacity had diminished significantly. Her statement, "It turns out that besides the body shape not being like before, the body’s strength also starts again from zero," resonates with millions of women who find that the "bounce back" culture often ignores the internal physiological rebuilding required.

Physiological Factors Behind Postpartum Stamina Loss

The exhaustion and lack of stamina reported by Septiningtyas are not merely matters of "being out of shape." They are rooted in complex biological processes. Medical experts, including midwives and obstetricians, emphasize that postpartum fatigue is a clinical reality affecting approximately two-thirds of new mothers. According to Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, a prominent midwife, this fatigue is characterized by an overwhelming sense of tiredness that can drain a person both physically and emotionally, often leading to a lack of energy and difficulty concentrating.

Several key factors contribute to this decline in stamina:

1. The Prolonged Influence of Relaxin

During pregnancy, the body produces a hormone called relaxin. Its primary function is to soften the ligaments and tissues in the pelvic area to allow for the expansion of the birth canal. However, relaxin is not site-specific; it circulates throughout the entire body, affecting every joint and ligament. This hormonal presence can persist for several months after childbirth, particularly if the mother is breastfeeding. The result is a feeling of "looseness" or instability in the joints, which makes high-impact activities like running feel significantly more difficult and increases the risk of injury.

2. The Impact of Delivery and Physical Trauma

Whether a mother undergoes a vaginal delivery or a Cesarean section, the body experiences significant trauma. A C-section involves major abdominal surgery, requiring the re-knitting of multiple layers of tissue and muscle. A vaginal birth involves the stretching and potential tearing of pelvic floor muscles. In both scenarios, the core—the body’s central powerhouse—is compromised. For Septiningtyas, the feeling of starting from zero is a literal reflection of her muscles needing to relearn how to stabilize the body during the repetitive impact of running.

3. Hormonal Shifts During Lactation

The hormonal environment of a breastfeeding mother is markedly different from that of a non-lactating woman. To facilitate milk production, the body maintains lower levels of estrogen. Estrogen is a vital hormone for maintaining muscle mass and strength. When estrogen levels are suppressed, women may experience muscle aches, joint pain, and a general sense of physical weakness. This biological trade-off ensures the infant is nourished but often leaves the mother feeling physically depleted.

The Psychological Component: Resilience and Realistic Expectations

Beyond the physical limitations, Septiningtyas’s journey highlights the psychological resilience required to navigate the postpartum period. The decision to "start all over again from the beginning" reflects a mindset of perseverance. In a digital age where social media often showcases "perfect" postpartum bodies just weeks after delivery, Septiningtyas’s honesty about her struggles provides a necessary counter-narrative.

Psychological fatigue often mirrors physical fatigue. The sleep deprivation associated with caring for a newborn, combined with the cognitive load of learning new parenting skills, contributes to a state of chronic stress. When a mother attempts to add the physical stress of exercise to this mix, the "bengek" or breathlessness she feels is as much a mental hurdle as it is a respiratory one. Experts suggest that the first 6 to 8 weeks should be dedicated almost exclusively to rest and internal healing, yet the pressure to return to a pre-pregnancy aesthetic often pushes women to resume activity sooner than their bodies are ready for.

Broader Implications for Maternal Health and Fitness

The experience shared by the wife of Sangun Ragahdo underscores a broader public health issue regarding postpartum support. In many societies, medical check-ups for mothers significantly decrease after the initial six-week postpartum visit, even though the body continues to recover for a year or more. The "The Whole Mother" resource, cited in the context of Septiningtyas’s experience, suggests that listening to the body’s internal signals is more important than adhering to a strict fitness timeline.

For women looking to follow in Septiningtyas’s footsteps and return to activity, experts recommend a graduated approach:

• Pelvic Floor and Core Rehabilitation: Before engaging in cardio, mothers should focus on activating the deep core muscles and the pelvic floor, which are often "turned off" during pregnancy.
• Low-Impact Beginnings: Walking, swimming, or postpartum-specific yoga are often better starting points than running to avoid overtaxing joints influenced by relaxin.
• Nutritional Support: Ensuring adequate caloric intake, particularly for breastfeeding mothers, is essential to combat the feeling of weakness.

Conclusion: A Message of Encouragement for New Mothers

Septiningtyas concluded her update with a message of solidarity: "It’s okay, let’s start everything from the beginning again." This sentiment is a powerful reminder that recovery is not a race, but a journey of rediscovery. By sharing her vulnerability, she has validated the feelings of countless other mothers who may feel discouraged by their own physical changes.

The birth of Galenée Aglaia Hime Ragahdo marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Ragahdo family, one that involves balancing the demands of high-profile professional lives with the fundamental human experience of growth and healing. As Septiningtyas continues her journey toward fitness, her story serves as an informative guide on the importance of patience, the science of the female body, and the enduring strength required to navigate the complexities of motherhood. Her openness contributes to a healthier, more realistic dialogue about the postpartum period, encouraging women to prioritize their long-term health over immediate results.