I never thought I would become a mother. After ending a 15-year marriage, I had made peace with the idea that motherhood might not be part of my story. But when I met Kees, everything changed. We wanted a baby, and after months of trying—despite my endometriosis, disappointing IVF and almost untreatable low ovarian reserve—I finally fell pregnant. I was ecstatic.
And then, just as quickly as it came, the joy was gone.
At our 13-week scan, we learned that our baby no longer had a heartbeat. I was devastated. What followed was not just grief, but a complete hormonal and emotional collapse. My body thought I had given birth. The pregnancy hormones lingered, then crashed, leaving me exhausted, anxious, and disconnected from myself.
I experienced what I now recognise as Postpartum Anxiety—even though I had no baby in my arms. My heart raced for no reason, sleep became impossible, and I felt consumed by a fear I couldn’t name.
When I eventually fell pregnant again and gave birth to my daughter, I was met with another unexpected wave of Postpartum Anxiety. This time, I knew what it was. But that didn’t make it easier. Even when you finally hold your baby, the worry doesn’t just go away.
If you feel like you’re constantly on edge, unable to relax, or battling intrusive thoughts that won’t stop circling—you are not alone, and you are not broken. There is a reason for what you’re feeling, and there are ways to ease the weight of it.
Why Postpartum Anxiety Feels So Intense
Postpartum is a time of enormous hormonal shifts, whether you've experienced a miscarriage or given birth. Your body and brain are recalibrating, and that process isn’t always smooth.
1. The Hormonal Crash
During pregnancy, oestrogen and progesterone are at their highest levels, helping regulate mood and emotional stability. Within 24 hours of giving birth (or losing a pregnancy), they plummet. This sudden drop disrupts serotonin (the “feel-good” hormone), contributing to anxiety, mood swings, and emotional instability.
2. Cortisol Overload & Hypervigilance
Your body is wired to keep your baby safe, but this protective mechanism can go into overdrive. The brain’s fear centre (the amygdala) becomes hypersensitive, making even small things feel overwhelming. This is why many new mums experience:
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Intrusive thoughts—worrying about worst-case scenarios
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Heart racing, restlessness, or a constant sense of dread
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Postpartum depression rage, where irritability feels uncontrollable
3. Nutrient Depletion & Exhaustion
Between pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, your body is completely depleted of key nutrients—especially iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, which are essential for mood stability. Without replenishing them, it’s much harder for the nervous system to recover.
How to Soothe Postpartum Anxiety Naturally
1. Rebuild & Nourish Your Nervous System
I spent months feeling like I was running on empty, and I didn’t realise that my body was literally lacking the minerals and adaptogens needed to regulate stress.
Mama Recover became one of my daily rituals for postpartum healing—a blend of herbs designed to support hormonal balance, ease anxiety, and replenish nutrients lost through pregnancy and birth.
Key ingredients that help calm postpartum anxiety:
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Oat Straw – High in magnesium and B vitamins, which relax the nervous system
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Holy Basil (Tulsi) – An adaptogen that lowers cortisol and soothes stress responses
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Stinging Nettles – Packed with iron and calcium, essential for energy and emotional stability
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Raspberry Leaf – Supports hormonal balance and uterine healing
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Lady’s Mantle – Helps regulate oestrogen fluctuations
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Hibiscus Flower – Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting immune function and vitality
Drinking a nutrient-dense, hormone-balancing tea isn’t just about hydration—it’s a small, tangible way to support your body every single day.
2. Regulate Blood Sugar to Stabilise Mood
One of the biggest mistakes I made postpartum was living on coffee and toast. The sugar and caffeine spikes made my anxiety worse, sending my nervous system into overdrive.
Simple ways to support your mood through food:
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Start the day with protein (eggs, nuts, seeds)
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Add healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nut butter) to meals
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Pair carbohydrates with protein & fat to avoid blood sugar crashes
Balancing blood sugar is one of the most underrated ways to regulate mood and energy postpartum.
3. Prioritise Rest (Even If Sleep Feels Impossible)
One of the hardest parts of Postpartum Anxiety is the exhaustion. You’re told to “sleep when the baby sleeps,” but what if your mind won’t switch off?
Instead of stressing about how little sleep you’re getting, focus on micro-rest:
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10-minute deep breathing sessions to calm the nervous system
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Lying down with your eyes closed (even if you don’t fall asleep, your body still benefits)
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Using magnesium before bed to aid relaxation
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A warm cup of Mama Recover before bed, rich in calming herbs that naturally promote relaxation
Shifting from "I need to sleep" to "I need to rest in whatever way I can" was a game-changer for me.
When I first experienced Postpartum Anxiety, I felt completely alone. I didn’t realise that so many women were struggling with the same invisible weight—the racing thoughts, the exhaustion, the fear.
But here’s what I now know: Your body can recover. Your mind can recalibrate. You won’t always feel this way.
If you’re struggling, start with one small step:
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Drink a calming herbal tea that supports your nervous system.
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Eat one balanced meal today to nourish your body.
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Take one deep breath and remind yourself: This moment will pass.
Postpartum is a wild, beautiful, and deeply transformative time, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
If you’re looking for a simple, nourishing way to start supporting your recovery, consider adding Mama Recover to your daily routine—because small, daily acts of care lead to big, lasting changes.
References
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O’Hara, M. W., & McCabe, J. E. (2013). Postpartum depression: Current status and future directions. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology.
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Brummelte, S., & Galea, L. A. (2016). Postpartum depression: Etiology, treatment, and consequences for maternal care. Hormones and Behavior.
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Kendall-Tackett, K. (2007). A new paradigm for depression in new mothers: The central role of inflammation and how breastfeeding and anti-inflammatory treatments protect maternal mental health. International Breastfeeding Journal.
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Groer, M. W. (2005). Differences between exclusive breastfeeders, formula-feeders, and controls in immune function, mood, and maternal-infant bonding. Biological Research for Nursing.
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.
