As a new mom, you’re hit with an onslaught of information that can be overwhelming — from the changes your body goes through after giving birth to caring for your little one day by day. It’s easy to feel like there’s so much you don’t know or understand about what your body is going through. But remember: You are not alone. New motherhood can be challenging, and finding the answers to your questions and concerns can seem overwhelming. But we have good news: There’s no better resource than other moms! Here is a compilation of everything you need to know about postpartum hormones and how they affect your body after birth.
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What Are Postpartum Hormones?
Postpartum hormones are the hormones your body produces after giving birth. While it may seem like your body is suddenly producing hormones out of nowhere, Mother Nature has this whole process carefully orchestrated. Hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, prolactin, and oxytocin play a crucial role in your and your baby’s well-being. Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that regulate and control a range of body processes. They travel through your bloodstream to affect organs and tissues throughout your entire body.
Understanding Your Hormones Cycle
As with all bodily processes, hormones follow a cyclical pattern. External factors, such as your environment, diet, and even stress, influence your hormones. And, in turn, they can also affect your body by regulating your metabolism, growth and development, mood, and even your menstrual cycle.
Hormonal changes are a normal part of the postpartum period, but the exact changes and timing will vary from woman to woman. Hormone levels vary throughout the day, reaching their peak during certain hours. This is why it’s so important to find out how your body works post-birth. Your uterus will shrink back to its normal size within a few weeks of the baby being born, but your hormone levels may stay elevated for several months. The exact length of time will depend on you, your baby, and your individual experience.
How Do Postpartum Hormones Affect Your Body?
– Your breasts.
If you have already experienced tender breasts and swollen nipples during your pregnancy, this will peak soon after giving birth. If you are breastfeeding, your body will produce more milk. If you feel like your breasts are overly tender, leaking, and your nipples are cracked and bleeding, talk to your doctor. This is normal, but, if you notice it is causing discomfort, there are ways to treat it. Trying a warm compress can help ease the situation.
– Your abdomen.
Some women will notice a darker pigmentation on their abdomen, called the linea nigra. This is normal and will fade within six months. Your abdomen will be very sensitive and may be uncomfortable during sex.
– Your Mood and Emotions.
You’re likely to experience mood swings and feel more emotional as your hormone levels rise. You may cry more easily, feel irritable, and have trouble sleeping. There are many reasons why this may happen after birth. Mainly because right after giving birth, you will experience a dramatic and sudden drop in your “estrogen” and “progesterone” levels. This can contribute to “baby blues,” mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and sadness.
Meanwhile, you will also experience a sudden rush of “oxytocin, ” which is a bonding hormone, and it will suddenly turn on your motherly mode. But extreme levels of oxytocin make you worry about your baby and her wellbeing, resulting in extreme levels of anxiety. The physical and emotional stress of caring for a newborn also contributes to anxiety.
– Your Energy Levels.
You may feel very tired at first, especially in the beginning. This is normal, and probably the result of the many changes your body is going through. Your energy levels will probably rise as you and your baby get into a more consistent routine.
– Your Sleep.
You will probably have more trouble sleeping. This is a result of your changing hormone levels and may also have to do with caring for your baby.
7 Ways Your Body Changes After Birth Due to Hormones
- – You may experience more aches, pains, and cramps.
Breastfeeding hormones can cause blood vessels to expand, which can make you more sensitive to pain, especially in your breasts, nipples, and uterus.
- – You may feel lethargic or tired.
After giving birth, your body will likely require more sleep. If you’re breastfeeding, you may need to sleep longer.
- – Your appetite may increase.
After giving birth, your body will likely need more calories and protein. You may notice you’re suddenly hungrier — or crave different foods — than you were before. For some women, when under stress, anxiety or feeling angry, they feel more hungry or find food satisfying. This is also because of hormonal influence.
- – There may be difficulty regulating your emotions.
You may feel more emotional than usual, or like you’re “on an emotional roller coaster”. This is normal and probably has to do with the hormonal changes your body is undergoing.
- – You may feel bloated.
This is most likely a result of your growing uterus and the increase in your progesterone levels after birth.
- -You may experience vaginal discharge.
This is normal, and nothing to worry about. It’s caused by a rise in your estrogen levels. Some discharge is normal after giving birth, but if it’s heavier than usual, or if you notice a change in colour, you should contact your doctor.
3 Ways Postpartum Hormones Affect Your Baby
– Your Baby’s Feeding Schedule may change.
Your breasts may produce more milk, and your baby may feed more often. You may notice your baby is feeding more often, or feeding for longer periods of time. This is normal. Let your baby dictate the schedule — it’s not a clock! It’s important to stay hydrated and eat regularly, even if you don’t feel hungry.
– Your Baby’s Bowel Movement may change.
Newborns have infrequent bowel movements — usually once every two weeks. Your baby may have his first bowel movement while he is in the womb, or may not have one until several days after birth. This might change after your baby is born.
– Your Baby’s Sleep may be affected.
Newborns sleep a lot. Babies wake up often, though, especially in the first few weeks after birth. You may find your baby waking up more often, and he may feed more often. This is normal.
What’s Normal, and What’s Not
Pregnancy and postpartum are a whirlwind of emotions. Even if you’re strong, under hormonal influence, you may feel weak and cry for no reason. Hence, there are a lot of changes in body, mind and habits that you will experience during these phases of your life. All of these have something or a lot to do with hormones.
– Changes in your breasts.
These may be tender and swollen — especially if you are breastfeeding. Some women also report feeling full, heavy, or tingling in the breasts. This is normal.
– Sleep changes.
You may notice yourself waking up more often. This is normal and has to do with the sleep cycles of newborns.
– Changes in your mood.
You may feel more emotional than you did before. This is normal and has to do with the hormonal changes in your body.
– Changes in your appetite.
You may notice yourself craving different foods. Foods that you may once despise. It is normal to ring your partner and ask him to bring you whatever it is that you crave for. You may find yourself seriously craving that cheesecake you always quarreled about with your partner. You may be unwilling to eat even your favorite meal. These changes are normal and sometimes reach the point where you simply wish for food, but then when it is in front of you, you won’t eat it.
– Changes in vaginal discharge. This may be a change in colour or quantity. This is normal.
-Changes in your energy levels. You may feel very tired at first. This is normal. Your energy levels will likely rise as you and your baby get into a more consistent routine.
Important Note: You’re Not Alone
Postpartum hormones are temporary, but they affect every new mother. It’s helpful not to forget that you’re not alone. Feeling overwhelmed or confused is common, and it’s important to talk to someone. You can reach out to your partner, a friend, or a family member for support. If you need professional help, you can also reach out to your doctor or postpartum care provider. Some people find that keeping a journal or talking to other mothers online can help them sort out their feelings.
Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect mother — you’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough. There’s a lot to deal with after birth, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Remember to take care of yourself, and let others help you, too. It’s best to discuss it with someone you can trust.
