By The SABI and Fab Little Bag
Did you find yourself surprised by the sudden return of your period after giving birth?
Postpartum is a time of profound transformation, a journey filled with moments of joy, love, and overwhelming change. It’s a time where the boundaries of your resilience are tested, and where each day brings new challenges and triumphs. Among these many transformations, the unexpected arrival of your first period can be a significant and often emotional milestone, one that marks a new chapter in your postpartum journey.
This phase brings with it a whirlwind of emotions. The physical discomforts, coupled with potential emotional turbulence, can be overwhelming as your body works to adjust and heal.
In this blog, we delve into the emotional currents and explore the physical trials your body undergoes as it strives to find a new equilibrium. Central to this journey is the vital role of hormone balancing, key to easing the transition and reclaiming a sense of normalcy and well-being.
The Physical Journey
After giving birth, the period pause, known as lactational amenorrhea, can last for several months, depending on breastfeeding patterns. For many women, the return of menstruation marks a new chapter in their postpartum journey. Often, it comes with heavier, longer or more painful periods due to the uterus's ongoing healing process. It can still be enlarged or have a thicker lining postpartum, which can have an impact on shedding rate and efficiency. She’s doing her best!
The postpartum period is characterised by significant hormonal fluctuations. The drop in progesterone and oestrogen levels post-birth can lead to irregular and unpredictable menstrual cycles. These hormonal shifts can also trigger mood swings, fatigue, and heightened emotional sensitivity.
Physically, postpartum menstruation can be more demanding than pre-pregnancy periods. Many women report experiencing stronger cramps, heavier bleeding, and more pronounced PMS symptoms. This increased physical discomfort can be attributed to the body's ongoing adjustment and recovery after childbirth.
For instance, endometriosis can cause severe pain due to tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the uterus. Uterine fibroids, which are benign growths in the uterus, can lead to increased bleeding and pain. Stress or lifestyle changes, derived from the new mum's life, such as lack of sleep and anxiety, can also make PMS symptoms more intense.
Riding the Emotional Waves
Identity and Body Image: The postpartum period is a time of significant identity shift. The return of menstruation can evoke complex feelings about one's body and femininity. Many women grapple with body image issues, dealing with the pressures of the “snap back” culture, and feeling disconnected from their pre-pregnancy selves. Embracing this new identity and fostering self-compassion is crucial during this time.
Mental Health Challenges: Postpartum depression and anxiety are real and prevalent issues that can be intensified by the return of menstruation. It's essential to recognize the signs of these conditions and seek professional help if needed. Support from family, friends, and mental health professionals can make a significant difference.T
The Hormone Component
Nourish Your Hormonal Health with a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is pivotal for stabilising hormonal fluctuations and promoting overall well-being. Consuming foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and B vitamins can significantly support hormonal balance and alleviate PMS symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish (the most bioavailable form, several times over: herring, sardines and anchovies are the most sustainable options and low-mercury), flaxseeds, and walnuts, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate menstrual cycles. Magnesium, present in leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains, plays a crucial role in reducing cramps and mood swings. B vitamins, abundant in animal-based muscle meat, organ meats, eggs, legumes, and dairy products, are vital for energy production and hormone regulation. Additionally, staying hydrated is equally important to maintain optimal health and support your body's natural processes. If you are still breastfeeding, consider adding electrolytes to your water to support hydration!
Embrace the Power of Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies have been trusted for centuries to support hormonal health, with herbs like red clover, oat straw, lady’s mantle, raspberry leaf, and stinging nettles being particularly effective. Red clover helps balance oestrogen levels, oat straw alleviates stress, lady’s mantle reduces heavy bleeding and cramps, raspberry leaf tones uterine muscles and regulates cycles, and stinging nettles reduce inflammation and support detoxification. All herbs which we favour in our postpartum hormone balancing infusions.
Manage Stress for Hormonal Harmony
Chronic stress is a significant disruptor of hormonal balance and can exacerbate menstrual symptoms. Adopting stress-management techniques is crucial for maintaining hormonal harmony and overall well-being. Practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises are highly effective in reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. Yoga combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation, helping to lower cortisol levels and improve mood. Meditation and mindfulness practices can enhance emotional resilience, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of inner peace. Deep breathing exercises activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a state of calm and relaxation. Incorporating these practices into your daily routine, even in small doses, can make a significant difference in managing stress and supporting hormonal health.
Prioritise Self-Care for Optimal Health
Finding time for self-care is essential for maintaining hormonal balance and overall well-being. Self-care practices, whether they involve engaging in a favourite hobby, taking a relaxing bath, or simply setting aside quiet time for reflection, can help recharge your body and mind. By prioritising self-care, you signal to yourself that your health and happiness are important. This commitment to self-care can create a positive feedback loop, reducing stress, enhancing mood, and supporting hormonal health.
Expert Tips for Managing Postpartum Periods:
Navigating the return of your period postpartum can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, you can manage this transition smoothly. Here are some expert tips to help you through:
1. Choose Suitable Products: Opt for comfortable and absorbent, toxic-free menstrual products. Your body is still in recovery mode, and choosing gentle, hypoallergenic products can prevent irritation and provide the comfort you need. Look for organic cotton pads or tampons and consider menstrual cups if they are suitable for you. Brands focusing on non-toxic materials can help ensure you're using products that are safe and gentle on your body.
2. Stay Prepared: The unpredictability of your first postpartum periods means it’s wise to be prepared for unexpected moments. Keep essentials in a small period kit containing your favourite menstrual product and disposal bags like FabLittleBag handy. These discreet and eco-friendly disposal bags are perfect for managing used menstrual products, ensuring you’re always ready no matter where you are. Keeping a small kit with your preferred menstrual products in your bag can save you from inconvenient surprises.
3. Self-Care: Prioritise self-care to manage emotional and physical changes. Incorporate practices that help you relax and rejuvenate. Warm baths, gentle exercise, and sufficient rest are crucial. Make time for activities that make you feel good and help you recharge. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity, especially during this period of adjustment.
4. Seek Support: Reach out to other mums and friends for support and if you feel you need more help, consider healthcare professionals for guidance. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms or emotional distress, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor or a mental health professional. They can provide tailored advice and support to help you manage your postpartum period effectively. Additionally, joining support groups, either in person or online, can connect you with other mothers going through similar experiences, offering a sense of community and understanding.
The journey through postpartum menstrual changes is a profound and multifaceted experience, deeply woven into the tapestry of motherhood. It's a time marked by significant physical and emotional shifts, each carrying its own set of challenges and revelations. By understanding these impacts, embracing hormone-balancing practices, and implementing practical tips, new mothers can navigate this phase with resilience and grace.
This journey, while challenging, is also a remarkable opportunity for growth and self-discovery. It invites you to listen to your body in new ways, to understand its needs and rhythms, and to cultivate a deeper connection with your own well-being. Embrace this new chapter of motherhood with an open heart, recognizing the strength and courage it takes to navigate these changes.
You are not alone on this path. Each step you take towards understanding and nurturing yourself is a testament to your resilience. The postpartum period is not just about enduring; it's about adapting and navigating yourself amidst the waves of change, finding your inner strength, and emerging with a renewed sense of self.
REFERENCES
https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-are-my-period-cramps-so-bad-all-of-a-sudden-8418529
https://www.verywellhealth.com/top-causes-of-heavy-menstrual-bleeding-3522223
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 aims to change the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment, and loneliness to awareness and 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 offer you an invitation to get to know your body and its cycles better –– an invitation to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormonal cycle to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can support and balance your hormone levels. Look for the right sources of information. Know that there is help, and know that you’re supported.
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DISCLAIMER
The SABI blog and articles are not meant to instruct or advise on medical or health conditions, but to inform. The information and opinions presented here do not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals for your unique situation.
