The postpartum period is a special but also challenging phase in which your body adapts to a totally new situation. In addition to physical recovery, profound hormonal changes take place. The hormones that played a leading role during pregnancy, such as estrogen and progesterone, suddenly decrease significantly. At the same time, other hormones, such as prolactin and oxytocin, play a greater role. These changes affect both your body and your emotions.

Hormonal fluctuations in the postpartum period

Estrogen and progesterone

During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone were essential for your baby's growth. These hormones reached their highest levels ever, but after delivery, they drop abruptly. This can cause mood swings, crying spells and feelings of insecurity, also known as the "baby blues." Although these feelings are usually temporary, they can feel quite intense.

Prolactin

Prolactin is the hormone that initiates and stimulates milk production. During pregnancy, the amount of prolactin increases significantly, allowing your mammary glands and milk ducts in your breasts to develop. However, the high progesterone level during pregnancy still suppresses the action of prolactin, so milk production does not really get going until after delivery. Once progesterone drops after delivery, your body begins to produce breast milk.

In addition to stimulating milk production, prolactin has another role. It provides a calming effect and helps you focus fully on your baby. This can help you relax, but it can also contribute to feelings of fatigue. Moreover, you can get rid of excess prolactin by crying. So those familiar maternity tears are helpful and not at all strange!

Oxytocin

Oxytocin, also called the "cuddle hormone," plays a crucial role in childbirth. It triggers labor and postpartum contractions and helps the uterus return to its normal size after delivery. But oxytocin does more than that: it strengthens the bond between you and your baby during the postpartum period. For example, it is released during skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. This hormone often makes you feel warm and loving, which can be especially valuable during the intense period.

How hormones affect your emotional and physical recovery

The hormonal changes in the postpartum period affect not only your emotions, but also your body. For example, the decrease in estrogen can cause drier skin, hair loss and sensitive joints.

Emotionally, the fluctuations can lead to mood swings, irritability and a sense of overwhelm. This is a normal response from your body, but it can also be challenging. It is important to remember that this is a phase and recovery takes time.

How can you support yourself during this period?

Recovering after giving birth is quite a big job, so allow yourself the time and space to take good care of yourself. This is really the time to build in some more me-time, even though it may feel difficult with a little one around you. In addition, consider:

• Nutritious eating. Try to eat meals that really nourish you. Think avocado, nuts, oily fish or flaxseed for that omega-3, along with lots of vegetables, fruits, fiber and protein. These kinds of foods do so much good for your mood and help your body recover.
• Exercise. No, you really don't have to exercise right away. A gentle walk with the stroller or some simple postnatal yoga can already make a world of difference. It gives you energy and you often feel just a little better afterwards.
• Sleep when you can. Sleeping with a newborn in the house is a challenge. But really, grab those moments of rest where you can. Even lying down for 15 minutes while your baby sleeps can help you recharge your battery a bit.
• Ask for help. This is perhaps the most important one. You really don't have to do it all by yourself. Ask your partner, your mother, a friend - anyone - to take over some tasks from you. Whether it's just babysitting, cooking or just offering a listening ear. "It takes a village to raise a child. - a beautiful expression and SO true.

Remember: this is a phase and you are doing great. Being kind to yourself right now is perhaps the best gift you can give yourself (and your baby).

In conclusion

The postpartum period is a special time full of new experiences, challenges and changes. It is not only a time of recovery, but also a chance to reconnect with yourself and your new role as a mother. Your body has done so much work - it deserves love, attention and care. Take it day by day, and don't be afraid to ask for help or take a moment to reflect on what you need.

Be proud of yourself, even on the days when it feels tough. You don't have to know or do it all at once. Give yourself space to grow, learn and recover. You are stronger than you may think and you can do this!