Postpartum Anxiety & Nutrient Depletion: Why New Mums Need More Support

The moment a baby is born, a mother is transformed—but so is her body. The incredible process of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery requires enormous amounts of energy, nutrients, and hormonal shifts, yet so often, new mums are expected to bounce back as if nothing happened.

Meanwhile, exhaustion sets in. Sleep is broken. Hormones fluctuate wildly. And for many women, anxiety creeps in—sometimes without warning.

What most people don’t realise is that postpartum anxiety isn’t just emotional—it’s biological. Nutrient depletion plays a major role in how a mother feels after birth, affecting hormone balance, brain chemistry, and the nervous system’s ability to handle stress.

This is why proper nourishment and deep replenishment are essential for every new mum—and why tools like Mama Recover can help rebuild what pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding take away.

Why Postpartum Anxiety Is Linked to Nutrient Depletion

During pregnancy, a baby gets everything it needs from a mother’s body stores—pulling from her iron, calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 reserves to develop properly【1】.

By the time birth arrives, many mums are deeply depleted, but the focus immediately shifts to the newborn. There’s little discussion about what the mother needs to recover, let alone how those deficiencies affect her mental health.

Here’s how nutrient depletion contributes to postpartum anxiety:

• Low magnesium = heightened stress response. Magnesium helps regulate cortisol and adrenaline, which control stress levels. Low magnesium can make new mums feel constantly on edge【2】.

• Iron deficiency = extreme fatigue + emotional instability. After birth, blood loss depletes iron stores, which directly impacts mood, energy, and brain function【3】.

• B-vitamin depletion = nervous system dysregulation. B vitamins support serotonin production and reduce panic-like symptoms—but many new mums are severely deficient【4】.

• Omega-3 loss = increased risk of postpartum mood disorders. DHA, an essential fatty acid, is used up during pregnancy. Low levels are linked to anxiety, brain fog, and poor emotional regulation postpartum【5】.

These aren’t just minor imbalances—they’re deeply linked to how a new mum feels physically, emotionally, and mentally.

And yet, few women are given the tools to replenish these lost nutrients.

How Mama Recover Helps Restore Postpartum Balance

When nutrients are lost, the body needs more than just food to fully restore itself. Targeted herbal support can help bridge the gap—nourishing the nervous system, replenishing minerals, and bringing the body back into balance.

Mama Recover is designed to:

✔ Replenish iron, magnesium, and B vitamins—nutrients crucial for emotional stability and postpartum healing.
✔ Reduce stress hormones like cortisol, helping new mums feel more grounded and less overwhelmed.
✔ Support nervous system recovery, easing the physical symptoms of anxiety, tension, and exhaustion.

Each ingredient is backed by both science and centuries of traditional postpartum care.

1. Nettles: The Postpartum Superfood

Stinging nettles are one of the most nutrient-dense plants on the planet, providing a powerful dose of postpartum essentials:

• Rich in iron and vitamin C, helping prevent postpartum anaemia and fatigue【6】.

• Packed with magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which help regulate mood and lower stress【7】.

• Supports milk supply for breastfeeding mums, while also boosting overall vitality.

Nettles are a true postpartum powerhouse, working to rebuild strength and emotional resilience after birth.

2. Raspberry Leaf: The Uterine Tonic & Adrenal Supporter

While raspberry leaf is known for preparing the body for birth, its postpartum benefits are just as critical.

• Strengthens the uterus, helping it return to its pre-pregnancy state more quickly and comfortably【8】.

• Supports adrenal function, reducing the stress-related exhaustion that fuels postpartum anxiety.

• High in B vitamins, which play a key role in emotional regulation and nervous system recovery.

3. Holy Basil (Tulsi): The Stress Reliever & Adaptogen

Holy Basil, or Tulsi, is an adaptogen—one of the most scientifically researched herbs for reducing stress and anxiety【9】.

• Lowers cortisol, helping new mums feel less overwhelmed and more emotionally stable.

• Enhances cognitive function, improving focus and reducing brain fog.

• Regulates serotonin and dopamine, naturally supporting a more positive mood.

Postpartum Recovery Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Necessity

We tell new mums to rest, take care of themselves, and ask for help, but we rarely provide the right kind of support to make that possible.

Postpartum isn’t just about surviving—it’s about healing, restoring, and feeling whole again.

The best way to support a new mum’s mental and emotional health is to help her replenish what’s been lost.

That starts with deep nourishment, and it starts with Mama Recover—a daily ritual of renewal, balance, and resilience.

Because a mother who is nourished, supported, and cared for is a mother who can truly thrive.

References

1. Kaiser, L. L., & Allen, L. H. (2008). Pregnancy and lactation: effects on maternal nutrition and health. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

2. Wienecke, E. (2019). Magnesium levels and stress in postpartum women. Journal of Women’s Health.

3. Milman, N. (2006). Iron deficiency and postnatal depression: A review. The Journal of Nutrition.

4. Lewis, J. E., et al. (2006). B-vitamin supplementation and mood regulation postpartum. Neuropsychopharmacology.

5. Freeman, M. P. (2006). Omega-3 fatty acids and perinatal depression. The American Journal of Psychiatry.

6. Duke, J. A. (2002). The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods. Rodale Books.

7. Romm, A. (2014). Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. Elsevier.

8. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press.

9. Kennedy, D. O. (2019). The role of adaptogens in stress management. Journal of Psychopharmacology.

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.