Hi, I’m Anna.
I wish I had known. I wish someone had told me that Postpartum Anxiety wasn’t just “new mum stress” or a sign that I wasn’t coping well enough. That it wasn’t something I had to power through in silence, convincing myself that I was just being dramatic.
When I had my first son, I didn’t realise that what I was experiencing wasn’t normal. The racing thoughts, the constant feeling that something was wrong, the deep exhaustion that never seemed to lift. I would sit awake at night, heart pounding, eyes burning with exhaustion, unable to shake the fear that my baby wasn’t safe. I was terrified of falling asleep in case I didn’t hear him cry.
And yet, in the daytime, I smiled. I held it together. I told myself this was just motherhood.
I was wrong.
Postpartum Anxiety affects up to 20% of new mums, yet it remains one of the least talked about challenges of early motherhood. It’s not just the occasional worry about your baby—it’s a persistent, gnawing feeling of unease that won’t let go. And for many, it’s compounded by Postpartum depression rage, where small things trigger overwhelming frustration, making you feel like you’re losing control.
If this sounds familiar, please know that you’re not alone. And more importantly—you don’t have to feel this way forever.
Why Does Postpartum Anxiety Happen?
Postpartum Anxiety isn’t just emotional—it’s biochemical. It happens because your body has been through something enormous, and now it’s trying to recalibrate.
-
Your hormones have crashed – Oestrogen and progesterone plummet within 24 hours of birth, disrupting serotonin (your mood stabiliser) and making your nervous system feel unsteady.
-
Cortisol remains high – The body is biologically wired to keep new mums hyper-alert, but when stress hormones stay elevated, they lead to intrusive thoughts, sleeplessness, and chronic tension.
-
You’re physically depleted – Iron, magnesium, and B vitamins are critical for mood regulation, but most new mums are running on empty. This nutrient depletion makes it harder for the brain and body to cope with stress.
-
Sleep deprivation makes everything worse – Interrupted sleep disrupts emotional regulation, increasing Postpartum Anxiety and irritability.
Understanding that this is not a weakness but a physiological response is the first step toward managing it. The second step? Finding simple, sustainable ways to support yourself—without feeling even more overwhelmed.
Small, Doable Ways to Ease Postpartum Anxiety
When I had my second son, I knew I had to do things differently. I couldn’t afford to spiral the way I had before. I needed tools—not drastic changes, but small, manageable shifts that made me feel like myself again.
1. Create a Ritual That Grounds You
Everything feels out of control in postpartum. One of the most powerful ways to ease anxiety is to create one predictable moment of calm each day—something that’s just for you.
For me, this became tea time. A simple 10-minute ritual where I could pause, breathe, and reconnect with myself.
Mama Recover was created from my own experience—an infusion of herbs that naturally soothe the nervous system, replenish depleted minerals, and bring a sense of steadiness when everything feels chaotic.
-
Oat Straw – Rich in magnesium and B vitamins, it nourishes the nervous system and eases tension.
-
Holy Basil (Tulsi) – An adaptogen that lowers cortisol and promotes emotional resilience.
-
Stinging Nettles – High in iron and calcium, helping to restore depleted energy.
-
Raspberry Leaf – Supports hormonal balance and uterine healing.
-
Lady’s Mantle – A traditional remedy for oestrogen regulation and mood stability.
-
Hibiscus Flower – Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting recovery.
This was more than just a tea for me—it was a reminder that I deserved care too.
2. Focus on Micro-Rest Instead of Chasing Sleep
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?
I learned to stop chasing perfect sleep and instead embrace micro-rest:
-
Lying down for 10 minutes with my eyes closed (even if I didn’t sleep, it helped reset my nervous system).
-
Breathing exercises like the 4-7-8 method (inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8).
-
Magnesium before bed to help with deeper, more restorative sleep.
-
Drinking a calming tea like Mama Recover before bed, rich in adaptogens and minerals that naturally promote relaxation.
Instead of fixating on how much sleep I was losing, I focused on small ways to rest where I could—and it changed everything.
3. Nourish Your Body to Calm Your Mind
Blood sugar spikes and crashes make Postpartum Anxiety worse, yet many new mums run on coffee and toast because there’s no time for proper meals.
I made one rule for myself: Protein and healthy fats at every meal.
-
Scrambled eggs with avocado instead of toast alone.
-
Nut butter on oatcakes instead of reaching for sugar.
-
A handful of nuts & a cup of Mama Recover instead of another coffee.
These small swaps kept my blood sugar stable, which in turn stabilised my mood.
You Don’t Have to Fix Everything at Once
I know how overwhelming postpartum can feel. When you’re in the thick of it, the last thing you need is a long list of things you “should” be doing.
Instead, start with just one thing:
-
A cup of tea that supports your body instead of depleting it.
-
A 10-minute rest where you let go of the guilt.
-
A meal that nourishes you as much as your baby.
Postpartum Anxiety doesn’t disappear overnight, but with the right support, your body can start to recalibrate.
You are not failing. You are healing. And healing takes time.
If you’re looking for a simple way to start supporting your postpartum recovery, consider adding Mama Recover to your daily routine—a small but powerful step towards balance.
References
-
O’Hara, M. W., & McCabe, J. E. (2013). Postpartum depression: Current status and future directions. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology.
-
Brummelte, S., & Galea, L. A. (2016). Postpartum depression: Etiology, treatment, and consequences for maternal care. Hormones and Behavior.
-
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.
-
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.
