Significant Muscle & Strength loss Postpartum??

Hi all,

I’m 8 weeks postpartum (c-section) and breastfeeding. I wanted to start working out again and was shocked by how much strength and muscle I lost.

For example, before pregnancy (or up until second trimester), I used to complete an hour long HIIT class, lunge or squat with 40-50lbs (20-25lbs dumbbell each arm). Bicep curls with 15-20lbs.

Yesterday I did squats and lunges with bodyweight, and I was literally shaking doing 10-15x in a set followed by extreme soreness.

Previous to pregnancy, even after not working out for months, I was able to lift similarly & pick things back up easily.

I’m genuinely scared how long recovery will take. Is this normal? How was your experience?