10 Tips for Balancing Postpartum Hormones to Heal Postpartum Anxiety
“It’s Just Hormonal, Take an SSRI”: Why That’s Not the Whole Truth
I recently had a mom reach out to me who went to her doctor, explained her symptoms, and was told, “It’s just hormonal. There’s nothing we can do but take an SSRI.” Sound familiar?
This is a story I hear far too often. And I want to assure you, there is so much you can do to soothe your symptoms naturally. That statement couldn't be further from the truth.
There are countless ways to nourish your body after childbirth, and medication isn't your only option. In this blog and throughout this playlist, we’ll talk about natural ways to balance your hormones postpartum.
What Is Postpartum, Really?
If you're questioning whether you're "postpartum," know this: postpartum refers to any time after a pregnancy, not just the first six weeks. Despite what Google or your workplace might suggest, the body takes fully two years to recover hormonally and nutritionally after birth fully. And if you've had babies close together, you’re likely experiencing nutritional depletion.
This depletion can include:
Loss of blood
Decreased minerals
Amino acid deficiencies
Breastfeeding vs. Not Breastfeeding: Your Hormones Respond Differently
The Breastfeeding Mom
If you’re breastfeeding, hormones like prolactin and oxytocin are elevated. These hormones suppress:
Dopamine, your "happy hormone"
Estrogen, the hormone that supports libido, vaginal health, and mood
This can lead to:
Vaginal dryness
Low libido
Increased UTIs
Hot flashes
The Weaning or Non-Breastfeeding Mom
If you're weaning or have stopped breastfeeding, hormone levels fluctuate for up to two years postpartum. During this transition:
Estrogen and progesterone begin to rise
Estrogen may remain low until your cycle returns
If estrogen becomes dominant over progesterone, you may experience insomnia, mood swings, or anxiety
So, How Do You Balance Hormones Naturally?
Here are 10 holistic strategies to begin balancing your hormones after childbirth:
1. Clean Up Your Diet
Your food is foundational. Focus on:
Organic produce
Grass-fed meats
Wild-caught fish
Whole grains and healthy fats
Low omega-3 levels are linked to depression and inflammation. In my private health consultations, we always start by evaluating your diet. Try journaling your meals for three days to identify gaps.
2. Support with the Right Supplements
You may need to fill nutrient gaps with high-quality supplements, especially if:
You have an MTHFR gene mutation
You’re low in vitamin D, B vitamins, or omega-3s
In some cases, IV nutrient therapy may help restore balance more quickly.
3. Eat Before Coffee
One of the most common (and damaging) mistakes is drinking coffee on an empty stomach. If you struggle with anxiety or wake up with a racing heart, start your day with protein-rich food before caffeine or skip it altogether.
4. Reduce Environmental Toxins
Xenoestrogens from bleach, plastics, and non-organic food can increase estrogen dominance. To lower your exposure:
Use natural cleaning products
Filter your air and water
Choose non-toxic cookware and food storage
5. Lower Your Stress
Stress activates the fight-or-flight response, increasing cortisol and depleting nutrients. Tools like:
Ashwagandha (with caution)
Meditation and breathwork
Herbal teas can help reduce cortisol and improve hormone health.
6. Check Your Thyroid
Your thyroid can shift from hyper- to hypothyroid in just a few months postpartum. Ask your doctor for a full thyroid panel, not just TSH.
7. Replenish Amino Acids
This is one of the most overlooked aspects of hormone health. Amino acid supplementation has shown incredible results in healing postpartum anxiety. Stay tuned for my amino acid test results in a future blog.
8. Drink Herbal Teas
Herbal teas like stinging nettle and milky oat tops are rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. They help:
Stabilize blood sugar
Support iron levels
Reduce symptoms like heart palpitations (as seen in many of my clients!)
Try my One Daily Tea Blend as a gentle, effective option.
9. Use Supplements Wisely
Certain supplements like DIM can help clear excess estrogen, but dosage matters. Too much DIM may reduce serotonin, worsening mood issues. Always work with a practitioner when using hormone-related supplements.
10. Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is critical to hormone regulation. If you're struggling with insomnia or poor sleep, consider enrolling in the 1-hour masterclass to learn why we don’t sleep.
Conclusion
Balancing your hormones naturally after childbirth is not only possible, it’s incredibly empowering. Your diet, stress levels, sleep, and environment all play major roles in your healing journey.
