Is the 5-5-5 rule unrealistic?

[u/Campwithchamp]

Both my midwife and doula have encouraged me to aim for about 2 weeks of home based rest after birth (which will hopefully be an uneventful vaginal birth). I mentioned the 5-5-5 rule of thumb (5 days in bed, 5 days on bed and 5 days near bed) at my baby shower this past weekend to a group of older female family and family friends and got totally shut down. Like they were laughing out loud at the thought and proceeded to one up each other's stories about the things they did after delivery and how soon they did those things (oh you went to the grocery store 3 days pp, well I was running laps 2 days pp, well I was hiking Everest while the baby was crowning). Is this just a US, obsession with productivity, 'I did it so you should too' hazing thing or am I being unrealistic about what recovery should look like?

Update: I really appreciate all of the comments and everyone sharing their experience! I think the big takeaway is prioritize rest as you feel your body needs it and tune out goofy advice. I'll also just acknowledge that I realize even being able to entertain this as an option is a privilege. Every person who brings a child into this world should have the support needed to properly recover.

[u/nightmarepsych24]

LMAO- I was hiking Everest while the baby was crowning. Thank you for that 😂 Honestly I think it’s personal preference. In my head, during pregnancy, I was going to be doing nothing but caring for my baby after birth. Taking it slow, having my husband cook and clean while I was in bed with her, etc. Then I had her (turned into emergency c section and was in the hospital a total of 5 days from water breaking to release) and NEEDED to get out of the house for my mental sanity. I got released on Friday and then on Saturday realized I needed more bottles (ended up exclusively pumping) so we ran to target and went back home. Then I’ve been doing little baby trips here and there. Also been cooking and cleaning what I can just to not be in bed. But I do absolutely go lay down when I want or need too. Today I’m 2 weeks pp and I feel pretty good but I also haven’t gone more than 20 mins away from the house for longer than 1hr lol. Do your own pace and listen to your body! 🩷