Having a baby is one of the most wonderful things in the world. However, after recovering from the birth of our new little human and the celebration of the new arrival, parents start to put in the hard yards. The first three months are especially grueling, but it can be hard for parents to express their challenges at what is pictured as a time of joy. Read on as we chat with Jane Cronin from Clinicians around post-pregnancy health and happiness.

Having a baby is one of the most wonderful things in the world. However, after recovering from the birth of our new little human and the celebration of the new arrival, parents start to put in the hard yards. The first three months are especially grueling, but it can be hard for parents to express their challenges at what is pictured as a time of joy. Read on as we chat with Jane Cronin from Clinicians around post-pregnancy health and happiness.  

What is initially going on for a new mum in the post-partum period? 

In the first few weeks, mums will be physically recovering and healing from the birth of their child. They might be feeling uncomfortable and sore or have restrictions on what they can do after a C-section. Hormone levels drop dramatically straight after birth and it is normal for women to experience what is commonly known as the baby blues in the first week or two. This is where women might feel oversensitive, anxious, weepy or irritable. However, this normally passes quickly after the initial hormone drop. Overall, it is a time of getting used to new routines, new family dynamics and new responsibilities. 

What can be some of the challenges that can affect mood post-pregnancy?  

The obvious one is sleep deprivation. In the first 3 months, a baby does not differentiate between night and day and will wake every 2-3 hours. This makes getting a deep and restorative sleep challenging and we all know how lack of sleep can make you grumpy and affect many areas of daily functioning. Hormone level changes can still play a part after the initial post-pregnancy drop. They start returning to a more balanced state, but only fully return to pre-pregnancy levels once women start menstrual cycles again. Progesterone is one of our key hormones and helps us feel calm, so when it is out of balance it can lead women to feel less relaxed. Breastfeeding also affects hormone levels, namely oestrogen. Lower oestrogen levels can affect our serotonin levels, which is our happy hormone.

What can I do to support my best sleep at this time? 

Waking and feeding the baby is non-negotiable, however, the key is being able to get back to sleep quickly after feeds. At night try to keep lighting low which helps your brain remember it is nighttime.

Stay away from your devices whilst feeding as they stimulate the brain and the blue light affects melatonin levels, which are your sleep hormones. Magnesium is a mineral that is important for deep sleep and healthy sleep patterns. Good levels can be found in nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, avocado, and for treats dark chocolate.

There are also relaxing herbs that can be used around this time, even when breastfeeding. Herbs like chamomile and lavender are calming for the nervous system, so great for relaxing and getting back to sleep.

 My child is getting into better sleep patterns, but I am still feeling tired. What other reason could there be?

Good nutrition is important post-pregnancy, but many women focus on this during pregnancy, but forget about it after giving birth. However, this is a time when nutrition is important as we are building ourselves back up and repairing the body. Also, many minerals and vitamins can become depleted during pregnancy, such as iron. This can affect energy as it is important for transporting oxygen around the body. So if you are feeling constantly fatigued consider getting a blood test from your doctor for iron, vitamin B12 and folate. You might also like to check thyroid function as this can affect energy and is affected in some women post-pregnancy.  

 What can I do to support relaxation and positive mood?

At this time of great change, it is normal for women to feel overwhelmed. Getting out of the house is really important, even if it is just for a quick walk. Daylight is important for our brain to release our feel-good hormones. It also helps with our sleep when the brain gets the contrast of light then dark at bedtime. Exercise is also a way of releasing endorphins, but you will need to go easy with this until the body is recovered. Sunlight on the skin is important for creating vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for a positive mood, so it is important to maintain healthy levels.

When looking at support for mums Clinicians have just launched a new product Post-Pregnancy Mood & Sleep. This uniquely combines key nutrients and herbs to support positive mood, calm and sleep. It includes magnesium and vitamin D for mood and sleep support. Another key ingredient is folate, an activated form of Vitamin B9 that is well-absorbed and immediately effective for all women. It supports healthy red blood cells and energy, and supports healthy folate levels as low levels of folate have been associated with low mood. This formula also features two key herbs for mood, relaxation and sleep. Lavender and chamomile are gentle but effective herbs, that are suitable for all mums, including those who are breastfeeding. Just take 2 capsules in the evening for a relaxing night.