Navigating the Early Challenges of Postpartum Stress

Giving birth is a time of overwhelming love. But even though our hearts may be bursting with love and happiness, it doesn’t change the fact that our routines, lifestyle, and even our bodies are now significantly different. If you’re looking for healthy ways to help manage your new normal, consider incorporating these pillars of postpartum health into your every day.

Nutrition: Childbirth and breastfeeding can deplete nutrient stores. Nourish your body with consistent meals and plenty of hydration.

Movement: Practice gentle movement to build strength and soothe overworked muscles. This can be anything from a postnatal massage or acupuncture, to yoga or afternoon walks.

Community: Connecting with community helps reduce stress levels by providing a sense of belonging and support. If you need a place to start, join Shed the Silence, our female-led online community that helps cultivate connections between women experiencing hair challenges, including postpartum hair thinning.

Sleep: Prioritize healthy sleep patterns with your newborn, and practice self-care in the evenings. Take a bath, read a book, or spend time with a loved one.

Mother-baby connection: Support brain health while connecting with your baby by reading, listening to music, playing with facial expressions, and having skin-to-skin time.

Self-care: Even though it may be the last thing on your to-do list, set aside “me” time during these early days of growth. Try meditating before the baby wakes up, even if only for 5 minutes, or squeezing in a self-care shower with our Build-Up Blocker Scalp Mask.

At Nutrafol, we saw the unique challenges that postpartum women face—including key root causes of hair thinning like physical and emotional stress, hormonal changes, and nutrient depletion—and developed Nutrafol Postpartum. This OBGYN-formulated daily hair growth supplement supports whole-body recovery in postpartum women through vital replenishment with breastfeeding-friendly vitamins, minerals, and natural ingredients.* 

Interested in integrating the pillars into your routine? Give these ideas a try.

Practice mindful eating. When you’re eating, take a moment to identify if it’s because you are hungry or if you are eating as a stress response. Carve out time to be in the present moment while eating, paying close attention to the effect of the food on your senses.¹ 

Establish a morning routine. This doesn’t have to be anything huge. In fact, you should start small by writing down 3-5 things you’d like to get done each morning. This can include eating breakfast, getting yourself and the baby dressed, or taking a walk with the stroller.

Try a mindfulness practice. At Nutrafol, we are big believers in the power of mindfulness. We offer a complimentary Headspace membership with every subscription, so you can access their complete library of meditations, many of which support the pillars above.

Give yourself grace. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s OK—and you’re not alone. Your body recently went through a huge change, and you’re likely experiencing hormonal fluctuations. Recognize your strength through the art of giving birth.