By Hilary Metcalfe
Motherhood has a way of warping time. The days stretch into sleepless nights, feeding sessions blur together, and the idea of resting—truly resting—feels impossible.
But here’s what no one talks about: postpartum isn’t just about sleep deprivation. It’s a biological, hormonal, and neurological recalibration—one that demands more from a mother’s body than almost any other life stage.
The world tells new mums to “just nap when the baby naps,” but the truth is, resting postpartum isn’t just about sleep—it’s about nervous system recovery, mineral replenishment, and hormonal balance. And when those needs aren’t met? That’s when exhaustion turns into long-term burnout, hormonal crashes, and chronic depletion.
This is why we need to rethink how we support breastfeeding mums. It’s not about ‘helping her get more sleep’—it’s about helping her body and mind slow down, reset, and recover.
The Biology of Postpartum Depletion & Why Rest Matters
💡 Breastfeeding keeps cortisol (the stress hormone) high, making deep relaxation difficult. The body is on constant alert, prioritising baby’s needs first. Unless a mum actively signals to her body that she’s safe to slow down, she stays in mild survival mode—leading to increased fatigue and emotional burnout.
💡 Milk production depletes minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These nutrients are critical for muscle relaxation, nervous system balance, and stable energy levels. Without replenishment, mums experience restless sleep, tense muscles, and mood swings.
💡 Estrogen, which has a calming effect, remains low for months postpartum. This hormonal shift can cause anxiety, increased sensitivity to stress, and difficulty winding down—even when exhausted.
To truly support a breastfeeding mum, we need to give her more than just time to sleep—we need to help her body relax on a biochemical level.
1. A Daily Ritual That Signals Rest: Hydration & Herbal Support
One of the biggest drains on a breastfeeding mother’s body is constant dehydration. Since breast milk is 87% water, hydration isn’t just about drinking enough—it’s about replacing the minerals, electrolytes, and micronutrients lost with every feed.
And while water is essential, what the body really needs is deeply restorative hydration that also supports relaxation and hormonal balance.
🌿 Key ingredients that help a mum truly slow down:
-
Fennel & cinnamon (found in The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata) help regulate blood sugar and digestion, preventing postpartum crashes.
-
Oat straw & holy basil are rich in B vitamins and adaptogens that calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
-
Stinging nettle replenishes iron and calcium, both of which are depleted during breastfeeding and essential for postpartum recovery.
🎁 The ultimate relaxation gift:
✔ The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata – A mineral-rich, deeply hydrating tea designed to nourish, restore, and create a moment of pause in a new mum’s day.
✔ The SABI Calming Herbata – A gentle, stress-reducing infusion with lemon balm and chamomile to promote deeper relaxation and ease tension.
✔ The SABI Mama Infusions Set – A collection of nourishing blends designed to support a mum’s changing postpartum needs.
✔ Blästa Henriët Linen Eye Pillow – A weighted, heat-infused eye pillow that helps release tension and signal the body to relax.
2. Magnesium & Weighted Warmth: Helping the Body Truly Unwind
Have you ever felt utterly exhausted yet unable to fully relax? That’s because breastfeeding keeps cortisol (the stress hormone) elevated, making deep rest difficult—even when mums are completely drained.
One of the easiest ways to shift the body into a true state of relaxation is through magnesium and weighted warmth. Both help lower cortisol, reduce muscle tension, and improve sleep quality.
🔥 Why warmth & magnesium are essential postpartum:
-
Applying heat therapy (like a warm compress or heat pack) encourages oxytocin production, which supports milk letdown and relaxation.
-
Magnesium is one of the first minerals depleted during breastfeeding, and a deficiency can cause restless sleep, mood swings, and tension headaches.
-
Weighted warmth activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm an overstimulated postpartum body.
🎁 The perfect comfort bundle:
✔ Nourish London Magnesium Body Butter – A fast-absorbing magnesium lotion that soothes muscles and promotes deep sleep.
✔ Blästa Henriët Wheat Bag – A natural, weighted heat pack that can be placed on the shoulders, lower back, or stomach for instant relaxation and tension relief.
✔ Bamford B Silent Pillow Mist – A blend of chamomile, lavender, and frankincense to create a ritual of calm before sleep.
3. Slow, Intentional Skincare: A Moment of Reconnection
Postpartum skin changes aren’t just about appearance—they’re a reflection of what’s happening internally. Because estrogen stays low for months after birth, many breastfeeding mums experience dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation.
The solution? Hydration inside and out.
🌿 What helps restore postpartum skin?
-
Prebiotics & hyaluronic acid (found in The SABI Prebiotic Moisturiser) support skin barrier repair and deep hydration.
-
Seaweed & adaptogens (found in The SABI Active Nutrient Serum) help boost elasticity, reduce inflammation, and restore postpartum skin function.
-
Collagen-rich formulas help counteract the estrogen drop, which contributes to skin thinning and loss of glow.
🎁 A skin ritual that feels like self-care:
✔ The SABI Active Nutrient Serum – A deeply restorative, collagen-boosting serum infused with seaweed and antioxidants.
✔ The SABI Prebiotic Moisturiser – A rich yet lightweight body cream that replenishes hydration and supports postpartum skin recovery.
Slowing Down Is the Key to Thriving in Postpartum
Breastfeeding and new motherhood can feel relentless, but true postpartum recovery isn’t about pushing through—it’s about replenishing what’s lost.
It’s about hydration that truly restores, warmth that soothes, skincare that nourishes, and rituals that bring a moment of calm to the chaos.
The best gifts for breastfeeding mums aren’t just things that make life easier—they’re reminders that she deserves care, too. Because when a mother is nourished, rested, and truly supported, she has the strength to show up fully—for herself and her baby.
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.
