By Hilary Metcalfe
Breastfeeding is often described as an act of pure nourishment, a bond, a moment of quiet connection between mother and baby. And while all of that can be true, there’s another side to the story—one that doesn’t get talked about enough.
The exhaustion. The depletion. The feeling of running on empty.
Because postpartum isn’t just about recovery—it’s about recalibration. A mother’s body isn’t simply healing after birth; it’s also undergoing some of the most extreme hormonal, neurological, and metabolic shifts of her life—all while producing breast milk, sustaining a newborn, and likely operating on broken sleep.
And yet, so many mums are left thinking, Why do I feel so drained? Why am I constantly on the verge of tears? Why do I feel like I’m running a marathon on fumes?
Here’s why.
The Science of Postpartum Burnout
💡 Hormonal Depletion: In the first six weeks postpartum, oestrogen and progesterone plummet by 90%, causing mood swings, extreme fatigue, and increased sensitivity to stress. (Source: Journal of Endocrinology)
💡 Cortisol Overload: The constant cycle of feeding, waking, and tending to a newborn means cortisol (the stress hormone) stays elevated for longer than normal. High cortisol depletes magnesium, B vitamins, and electrolytes, leading to brain fog, irritability, and poor sleep quality—even when you do manage to sleep. (Source: National Institute of Health)
💡 Breastfeeding Drain: Milk production demands extra hydration, iron, and calories. A breastfeeding mum needs up to 700 extra calories per day, yet many are unknowingly nutrient-depleted, running on quick energy spikes from caffeine and sugar, leading to inevitable crashes. (Source: WHO)
The result? Burnout that feels physical, emotional, and mental all at once.
So, How Do You Replenish a Body That’s Giving So Much?
By supporting what breastfeeding and postpartum take away. The body needs nervous system support, hormone balance, deep hydration, and restorative nourishment—not just “more sleep” (which, let’s be honest, isn’t an option).
Here’s what actually helps.
1. Rebuilding the Nervous System with Adaptogens & Minerals
When I was breastfeeding, I felt wired but tired—physically drained but unable to relax. That’s because breastfeeding stimulates oxytocin (the bonding hormone), but also keeps cortisol high.
This means postpartum mums are stuck in a state of nervous system hyperactivity—always alert, always tending, rarely resting.
🧠 What the body needs: Minerals and adaptogens that lower cortisol and support nervous system regulation.
💡 The science:
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Oat straw (found in The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata) is rich in B vitamins and silica, which help calm the nervous system and restore depleted adrenal glands. (Source: Journal of Herbal Medicine)
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Holy basil (also in The SABI blend) is an adaptogen that reduces stress-related inflammation and balances energy levels. (Source: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine)
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Electrolytes (like magnesium and potassium) replenish the minerals breastfeeding depletes, helping with mood stability and deep relaxation. (Source: Nutrients Journal)
🎁 What actually helps:
✔ The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata – A nervous system-supporting, mineral-rich infusion that replenishes what breastfeeding takes away.
✔ Wild Nutrition Breastfeeding Complex – A postnatal blend of magnesium, B vitamins, and adaptogens for stress resilience.
✔ Frank Green Insulated Bottle – Because if hydration isn’t easy, it doesn’t happen.
2. Regulating Hormones with Blood Sugar Balance
Ever feel fine one minute, then shaky, irritable, or ravenous the next? That’s blood sugar instability—one of the biggest hidden causes of postpartum burnout.
When breastfeeding, the body pulls glucose into milk production, which can cause sudden energy drops, sugar cravings, and mood swings. Pair that with skipping meals or relying on caffeine for survival, and you’ve got a recipe for fatigue, anxiety, and hormonal imbalance.
🥑 What the body needs: Slow-digesting proteins, healthy fats, and blood sugar-balancing herbs.
💡 The science:
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Cinnamon (found in The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata) helps stabilize blood sugar and prevent insulin spikes, reducing postpartum crashes. (Source: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition)
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Fennel seeds (also in The SABI blend) support digestion and milk production while preventing post-meal energy crashes. (Source: Journal of Medicinal Food)
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Collagen-rich foods support hormone regulation, tissue repair, and postpartum skin health. (Source: Nutrients Journal)
🎁 What actually helps:
✔ The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata – Supports blood sugar balance, nervous system health, and postpartum energy stability.
✔ Ancient + Brave True Collagen – Helps rebuild postpartum tissues, balance blood sugar, and restore lost nutrients.
✔ Mum Bub Hub Postnatal Meals – A ready-made, slow-releasing energy meal service designed for new mums who don’t have time to cook.
3. Restoring Skin & Body with Deep Hydration
Postpartum skin changes aren’t just cosmetic—they’re hormone-driven signs of depletion. Dryness, breakouts, inflammation, and a loss of elasticity all happen due to estrogen’s sharp drop after birth.
And while hydration starts internally, supporting skin topically helps lock in moisture and replenish what’s lost.
💡 The science:
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Seaweed extracts (found in The SABI Active Nutrient Serum) help restore collagen production and combat postpartum dryness. (Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences)
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Prebiotics (like those in The SABI Prebiotic Moisturiser) rebuild skin barrier health, which weakens due to postpartum hormonal shifts. (Source: British Journal of Dermatology)
🎁 What actually helps:
✔ The SABI Active Nutrient Serum – A collagen-supporting, ultra-hydrating serum that restores postpartum skin health.
✔ The SABI Prebiotic Moisturiser – A deeply nourishing, hormone-friendly cream for postpartum dryness and elasticity loss.
Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honour—It’s a Sign to Replenish
Breastfeeding mums give so much—but they can’t pour from an empty cup. Supporting postpartum burnout isn’t about adding more to her plate—it’s about restoring what’s been lost, so she can feel strong again.
Because a nourished mum isn’t just a better mother—she’s a healthier, happier version of herself.
HORMONAL & PROUD
Created as a brand to help women navigate the toughest moments in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum — and practically every stage of life –– The SABI is changing the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment, and loneliness to awareness and even, pride. As more than a wellness brand, The SABI offers a carefully-crafted line of products to carry you through your hormonal journey, including rituals, supportive tools, and ancient herbal remedies that have been tested time and time again by women and now come backed by medicine. The SABI is a blend of science and nature conceived by women who have experienced the joys and deep struggles of bringing a child into the world, the pains of a heavy, difficult period, miscarriage, and difficulty conceiving.
We invite you to get to know your body and its cycles better –– to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormones to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can support and balance your hormone levels. We are here to help with the information, understanding and natural tools to support your body and the emotional process along with it.
