Incase you haven't heard, postpartum is a forever thing. What the female body endures during the first two years post birth is incredible. But what exactly does happen to the female body during this time? I'm glad you asked. Here is a very brief overview of some of the key points:
Zero - Six weeks
This is the first 6 weeks post birth. The body has just endured child birth, birthed the placenta (which is a huge organ at this point) and the body needs to try and recover from this massive life event. We are learning how to become a mum and the brain is continuing to rewire itself at the speed of light during this phase. We are sleep deprived, learning to breast feed and our body is going through the biggest hormonal shift we will ever experience in life.
Estrogen and progesterone plummet over night, prolactin and oxytocin increases and our neurotransmitters fluctuate. Not to mention the physical aspects like a shrinking uterus, lochia, cracked nipples and nursing a c-section scar or swollen perineal.
Six weeks - Six months
Our hormones remain low, particularly if breastfeeding. We become more sleep deprived as lack of sleep catches up with us and the adrenaline wears off. Libido is low and periods are often irregular or are yet to still return. Hair loss may begin to occur. During this stage, the thyroid is very sensitive and there is the possibility of postpartum thyroiditis occurring. Postpartum depletion and postpartum depression/ anxiety are also at high risk during this phase. The body starts to increase in strength and stress and cortisol rise due to the changes in the brain and sleep deprivation.
Six to Twelve months
Ovulation and periods may return, cortisol imbalances may present themselves, particularly if sleep deprivation is still at play. Energy and nutrient depletion symptoms may be more visible and this will impact mood and neurotransmitters. If nutrient stores are vital, then mood will improve, if imbalances and deficiencies occur then mood will remain low. Hair shedding should slow down, muscle tone begin to return and body weight should slowly start to regulate - providing sleep and nutrition are good.
One to Two years
By this point, most cycles have regulated and PMS/ PMDD are most likely to occur around the 18-24 months postpartum mark. PMS may show up even if you hadn't experienced it pre pregnancy. Prolactin decreases, progesterone and estrogen stabilise and the changes to the rewiring of the brain remains. Pelvic floor, core strength and connective tissue should be close to normal, if not already. There's great nervous system regulation, less stress and emotions feel as though they have calmed. Most women report to feeling like themselves again around the two year mark.
By this point, most cycles have regulated and PMS/ PMDD are most likely to occur around the 18-24 months postpartum mark. PMS may show up even if you hadn't experienced it pre pregnancy. Prolactin decreases, progesterone and estrogen stabilise and the changes to the rewiring of the brain remains. Pelvic floor, core strength and connective tissue should be close to normal, if not already. There's great nervous system regulation, less stress and emotions feel as though they have calmed. Most women report to feeling like themselves again around the two year mark.
So if you are in the trenches of postpartum, give your body the time, rest and replenishment it needs. If you are looking for more ways to support your postpartum recovery, than you can shop The Postpartum Bible ebook here.