By Hilary Metcalfe

I remember thinking I’d feel relief once my baby was finally in my arms. After months of pregnancy exhaustion, hormonal ups and downs, and waiting for birth, I thought postpartum would be the part where my body felt like mine again. But the reality?

I felt depleted, anxious, and completely out of balance. My emotions swung from deep love to overwhelming exhaustion, my energy crashed, and even though I was breastfeeding, my hormones still felt like they were working against me. Why didn’t anyone tell me that postpartum recovery was just as intense as pregnancy itself?

The truth is, breastfeeding places huge demands on a mother’s hormonal system. Oestrogen and progesterone drop dramatically, stress hormones fluctuate, and cortisol, prolactin, and oxytocin are all working together in a delicate balance to sustain milk supply. When this system is off, it can lead to:

• Mood swings & anxiety

• Sleep disturbances

• Fatigue & adrenal depletion

• Milk supply fluctuations

This is where adaptogens come in. These powerful, plant-based compounds have been used for centuries to help the body adapt to stress, regulate cortisol, and restore hormonal balance — making them invaluable for postpartum recovery and breastfeeding mums.

Let’s dive into how adaptogens can support hormonal health, energy, and emotional resilience during breastfeeding — and how I formulated The Breastfeeding Herbata to include the best adaptogens for postpartum wellness.

Postpartum Hormonal Shifts During Breastfeeding

The body is simultaneously managing lactation, recovery, emotional regulation, immune function, and sleep — often with limited reserves.

1. Understanding Hormonal Shifts in Breastfeeding

The postpartum period is one of the most intense hormonal transitions a body can go through. After birth:

• Oestrogen & progesterone drop significantly, which can impact mood, skin, and energy levels (source).

• Cortisol (the stress hormone) fluctuates, affecting milk letdown, sleep, and emotional well-being (source).

• Oxytocin & prolactin regulate breastfeeding, but high stress levels can inhibit milk production (source).

This is why many new mums feel like they're on an emotional rollercoaster — because their body is constantly trying to find equilibrium. Adaptogens help bridge the gap by gently supporting the endocrine system, improving stress resilience, and stabilising energy levels.

Common Symptoms & Their Hormonal Drivers

2. Holy Basil: The Cortisol Regulator & Emotional Balancer

Holy Basil (Tulsi) is one of the most powerful adaptogens for postpartum mothers. Studies show that it lowers cortisol levels, reduces stress, and enhances mental clarity — which is key when sleep deprivation and emotional overwhelm kick in.

Benefits for Breastfeeding Mums:

✅ Supports emotional well-being & reduces postpartum anxiety
✅ Promotes balanced cortisol levels, preventing burnout
✅ Encourages oxytocin release for improved milk letdown

💡 Holy Basil is a key ingredient in The Breastfeeding Herbata, helping breastfeeding mums feel calm, centred, and hormonally supported.

3. Moringa: The Lactation-Boosting Adaptogen

Moringa is known as “Mother’s Best Friend” because of its incredible ability to support lactation and postpartum recovery. Clinical research has found that moringa can significantly increase milk volume due to its high levels of phytoestrogens, iron, and calcium (source).

Benefits for Breastfeeding Mums:

✅ Naturally increases milk supply
✅ Replenishes lost minerals & prevents postpartum depletion
✅ Provides plant-based iron, which supports energy levels

💡  Moringa is blended into our Herbata to enhance milk production while nourishing the mother’s body.

4. Vervain: The Nervous System Soother

Vervain is traditionally used to support the nervous system, ease tension, and improve sleep quality — which is essential for new mums who are exhausted but still wired.

Benefits for Breastfeeding Mums:

✅ Encourages relaxation & deeper sleep
✅ Supports the nervous system, reducing tension & stress
✅ Helps with postpartum headaches & muscle tension

5. Oat Straw: The Mineral-Rich Mood Stabiliser

Oat Straw is packed with calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins, all of which are crucial for hormonal balance and nervous system support. Studies show that oat straw can reduce feelings of overwhelm, improve mood, and support cognitive function — which is exactly what a sleep-deprived new mum needs (source).

Benefits for Breastfeeding Mums:

✅ Replenishes lost minerals for postpartum recovery
✅ Supports brain function & prevents mental fog
✅ Promotes relaxation without sedation

How These Adaptogens Support the Postpartum System

Balancing Hormones & Nourishing Yourself While Breastfeeding

Motherhood asks everything of you — but who is replenishing you while you give so much?

Hormonal balance isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about consistent, gentle support. Adaptogens like Holy Basil, Moringa, Vervain, and Oat Straw work with the body’s natural rhythms to restore balance, reduce stress, and provide the nutrients lost through breastfeeding.

With every sip of The Breastfeeding Herbata, you’re not just supporting milk supply — you’re caring for your body, mind, and hormones.

ABOUT HILARY Hilary Metcalfe is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, whole foods chef, and women’s health product developer whose work is grounded in both science and lived experience. Before co-founding The SABI, she worked in sustainability and corporate strategy—experience that now informs the brand’s commitment to ethical sourcing, transparency, and long-term impact. Her own journey through fertility challenges, miscarriage, Adenomyosis fuels her mission to help women reconnect with their cycles, understand their hormones, and feel truly supported in their bodies. At The SABI, Hilary leads product development, formulating OB-GYN-approved rituals and hormone-conscious skincare rooted in nutrition, herbal wisdom, and clinical insight. Originally from Los Angeles and raised in Baja California, she lives in Todos Santos, Mexico, with her husband Kees, rescue dog Flint, and their rainbow babies, Paloma and Bea.

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.

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.