BLOG Post #47: Postpartum Hormonal Crash: What the Hell Just Happened to my body?

Congratulations! 🎉 You just grew and birthed a whole human! Now that you’ve got a tiny person in your arms, you’re probably feeling a whirlwind of emotions—pure joy, exhaustion, confusion, and maybe a sudden urge to cry because you dropped a sock. Welcome to the Postpartum Hormonal Crash, a not-so-fun rollercoaster that’s totally normal but feels like absolute chaos. Let’s dive into the science behind why your hormones are throwing a tantrum and what you can expect during this wild ride.

The Pregnant Hormonal Party 🎉

While you were pregnant, your body was basically hosting a hormone rager that lasted nine months. Estrogen and progesterone, the two major hormones of pregnancy, skyrocketed to support your baby’s growth and development. You might have been glowing (thanks, estrogen!) or finding new levels of zen (hello, progesterone), but these hormones weren’t just for fun—they were hard at work:

• Estrogen: This hormone increased blood flow to your uterus, stimulated fetal development, and even helped prep your breasts for breastfeeding. During pregnancy, estrogen levels are up to 100 times higher than usual. No wonder you felt like a superwoman (most days, anyway).

• Progesterone: Responsible for maintaining the uterine lining and preventing early contractions, progesterone kept your body in “baby-growing” mode. It also helped keep you calm, which is why some moms-to-be feel more relaxed during pregnancy.

So, you’ve got this lovely hormonal cocktail keeping everything steady, and then—BAM!—delivery happens.

The Big Hormonal Drop

After your baby is born, your hormone levels don’t just gently float down. No, they plummet off a cliff. Estrogen and progesterone drop faster than your postpartum snack cravings, which can leave you feeling physically and emotionally out of whack. Here’s what’s going on:

1. Placenta Exit = Hormone Freefall: The placenta, your body’s hormone factory during pregnancy, is suddenly out of the picture. When it leaves, your levels of estrogen and progesterone crash almost immediately. Within 24 hours of giving birth, your estrogen levels return to what they were before pregnancy. That’s a huge drop in a very short time—cue the mood swings.

2. Prolactin Takes Over: With estrogen and progesterone out of the way, prolactin—the hormone responsible for milk production—takes center stage. Prolactin’s job is to help you make milk, but it’s also linked to feelings of protectiveness and nurturing. So while you’re trying to bond with your baby, your brain is saying, “Milk, milk, milk!”

3. Oxytocin’s Time to Shine: Oxytocin, the “love hormone,” is released during breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact, helping you bond with your baby. It’s also responsible for those pesky afterpains (uterine contractions) that happen when you nurse. But emotionally, oxytocin is giving you all the feels—making you want to snuggle your newborn and, in the next second, sob because they’re growing up too fast (they’re not, but it feels like it).

Why the Hormonal Crash Happens (The Evolutionary Purpose)

You might be wondering, “Why is my body doing this to me?!” Believe it or not, there’s an evolutionary purpose behind this hormonal chaos. It’s your body’s way of shifting focus from growing a baby to nurturing one. The massive drop in estrogen and progesterone signals your body that it’s time to prioritize milk production and bonding with your baby.

Evolutionarily, this crash served to:

• Ensure Survival of the Baby: Prolactin makes sure you’re physically able to breastfeed, while oxytocin helps you bond with and protect your newborn.

• Shift to Care Mode: Your emotional vulnerability and hyper-focus on your baby (thanks, hormones!) is nature’s way of keeping you closely attuned to their needs. You’re hardwired to put that tiny human first—even if it feels overwhelming at times.

How Does It Make You Feel? 😵‍💫

Let’s be real: The postpartum hormonal crash can make you feel like a walking disaster. While every person’s experience is different, here’s a snapshot of what you might go through:

• Mood Swings: One minute, you’re sobbing over an adorable baby hat. The next, you’re laughing hysterically because you spilled breast milk on the couch. This is totally normal. Your emotions are on a trampoline, bouncing from one extreme to the other.

• Exhaustion: Those sleepless nights with a newborn aren’t helping, but part of the extreme fatigue is hormonal. Your body is adjusting to a post-pregnancy state while healing from delivery. Be kind to yourself—you just did something incredible.

• Weird Sweats and Chills: Thanks to your hormones, your body is recalibrating its temperature regulation, which is why you might wake up drenched in sweat or shivering. It’s like your body’s internal thermostat is on the fritz. Super fun.

• The Baby Blues: About 80% of new moms experience the baby blues, which usually hit a few days after birth and can last up to two weeks. It’s not the same as postpartum depression (more on that in a sec), but it can feel like moodiness, sadness, or anxiety.

When to Be Concerned

While most hormonal crashes are normal, there are times when things might be a little more serious. If your emotions start to feel out of control or you’re experiencing intense sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety, you might be dealing with postpartum depression (PPD).

• PPD affects about 1 in 7 new moms and is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s treatable, and it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if you’re struggling.

• Symptoms of PPD can include feeling disconnected from your baby, loss of interest in things you usually enjoy, overwhelming fatigue, and thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. If any of these sound familiar, reach out to a doctor immediately—help is available.

How to Survive the Hormonal Crash

So, how do you survive the postpartum hormonal crash without losing your mind? Here are a few tips:

1. Rest When You Can: Yes, it’s cliché, but it’s true. Your body is healing and adjusting, and sleep is your best friend. Even short naps can make a big difference.

2. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Drinking water and eating nutrient-dense foods can help your body regulate itself. Bonus points if you can manage to get some protein and healthy fats into your diet (although we all know snacks are life right now).

3. Lean on Your Support System: Whether it’s your partner, family, or friends, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You need time to heal and adjust, and there’s no shame in needing an extra hand (or five).

4. Laugh Through the Chaos: Humor can be your saving grace. Postpartum life is messy, unpredictable, and downright weird at times—so laugh when you can. Embrace the absurdity of this hormonal rollercoaster.

Final Thoughts

The postpartum hormonal crash is real, it’s intense, and it’s something every new parent should be prepared for. But like all things in parenthood, it’s temporary. Your body is going through a lot, but it’s all part of the process of healing and adjusting to life with a new baby.

So when the tears come (and they will), remember: you’re not alone. You’ve just done the hardest, most badass thing a person can do. Give yourself grace, lean into the crazy, and know that this too shall pass.

And in the meantime, keep a good stash of snacks, tissues, and Netflix on standby. You’ve earned it. ❤️

Stay fresh, have a laugh & join the club!

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