Balancing Hormones After Birth: The Key to Reducing Postpartum Anxiety

The moment a baby is born, a mother is born too. Yet, while the world celebrates the arrival of a new life, few people talk about the internal storm raging inside her. The body that once carried life is now healing, adjusting, and transforming—and deep within, hormones are shifting faster than at any other time in a woman’s life.

For many new mums, this transition brings not just exhaustion, but a wave of anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional instability. One moment, she’s in awe of her baby; the next, she’s overcome with panic about whether she’s doing everything right.

This isn’t just “new mum nerves.” This is postpartum anxiety—a hormonal, neurological, and physiological response to birth that millions of women experience but rarely speak about.

But here’s what many don’t realise: balancing hormones is the key to restoring calm. And nature provides the tools to do just that.

The Postpartum Hormonal Drop: Why Anxiety Feels So Overwhelming

During pregnancy, oestrogen and progesterone reach their highest levels ever recorded in a woman’s body. These hormones don’t just support the baby—they act as powerful mood regulators, keeping anxiety and depression at bay.

But within 24 hours of birth, those hormone levels plummet by over 90%. This is the sharpest hormonal drop a woman will experience in her lifetime.

At the same time:

• Cortisol (the stress hormone) stays high, making it hard to relax, sleep, or feel at ease.

• Oxytocin (the bonding hormone) fluctuates, leaving some women feeling deeply connected to their baby, while others feel detached and disconnected.

• Thyroid function changes, affecting energy, metabolism, and emotional stability.

This hormonal chaos creates the perfect storm for postpartum anxiety, where even the smallest worries feel impossible to escape.

But the good news? The body is designed to rebalance itself—with the right support.

How Mama Recover Supports Postpartum Hormonal Balance

In times of hormonal transition, the body craves specific nutrients, adaptogens, and botanicals to restore balance.

This is where Mama Recover comes in.

Crafted with six powerful, hormone-supporting herbs, this postpartum tea is designed to:

✔ Ease postpartum anxiety by supporting the nervous system and lowering cortisol.
✔ Replenish depleted minerals like iron and magnesium to combat fatigue.
✔ Support hormonal regulation to smooth out mood swings and emotional fluctuations.

Each carefully chosen ingredient has a purpose—backed by both ancient wisdom and modern science.

1. Oat Straw: The Nervous System Healer

Oat straw is one of nature’s most powerful nervine tonics—a category of herbs that directly restore, nourish, and strengthen the nervous system.

• Rich in magnesium and B vitamins, it helps regulate mood and reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety.

• Acts as a natural sedative, helping new mums feel calmer, more present, and less reactive to stress.

Oat straw isn’t just for temporary relief—it works deeply over time to rebuild the body’s ability to handle stress.

2. Lady’s Mantle: The Hormonal Stabiliser

Used for centuries in postpartum recovery, Lady’s Mantle is known as the "mother’s herb" for a reason.

• Helps regulate progesterone levels, reducing hormonal anxiety and mood swings.

• Aids in uterine healing and postpartum recovery, supporting the body’s natural healing process.

• Acts as an anti-inflammatory, easing tension and discomfort postpartum.

This herb brings the body back to centre, supporting emotional balance in the process.

3. Raspberry Leaf: The Uterine & Adrenal Supporter

Raspberry leaf is famous for preparing the body for birth, but its postpartum benefits are just as powerful.

• Supports adrenal function, which is key in reducing stress-related exhaustion.

• High in iron, replenishing stores lost during childbirth and preventing postpartum fatigue.

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

Postpartum anxiety is often worsened by exhaustion and mineral depletion—raspberry leaf helps rebuild from the inside out.

4. Stinging Nettles: The Mineral Powerhouse

Nettles are an absolute superfood for postpartum healing. They contain:

• Iron & vitamin C – Prevents postpartum anaemia and boosts energy levels naturally.

• Magnesium & calcium – Directly reduce stress hormones and soothe the nervous system.

• Chlorophyll – A natural blood builder that supports overall postpartum recovery.

For a new mum running on empty, nettles provide the deep nourishment she desperately needs.

5. Holy Basil (Tulsi): The Stress & Anxiety Reliever

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

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

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

• Supports emotional stability, making it easier to handle postpartum mood swings.

In Ayurveda, Tulsi is called "The Elixir of Life"—and for postpartum recovery, it’s a lifeline.

6. Hibiscus: The Antioxidant & Blood Circulation Booster

Hibiscus is more than just a beautiful addition to Mama Recover—it has real, tangible benefits.

• Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, helping reduce inflammation and restore energy levels.

• Improves blood circulation, which is vital for postpartum healing and overall vitality.

• Naturally cooling, helping to soothe postpartum hot flashes or night sweats caused by hormonal fluctuations.

This isn’t just a tea—it’s a daily infusion of deep, cellular-level support for a mother’s body and mind.

The Science-Backed Power of Postpartum Herbal Support

Studies show that postpartum anxiety isn’t just psychological—it’s biological. Hormonal imbalances, nutrient depletion, and nervous system dysregulation all play a role in how a mother feels.

By restoring lost minerals, calming the nervous system, and balancing stress hormones, Mama Recover provides a scientifically sound, natural approach to postpartum well-being.

This isn’t about quick fixes or false promises—it’s about deep, foundational healing.

A New Mum Deserves More Than Just "Getting Through It"

Too often, women are told that postpartum struggles are just part of the experience. That they should be grateful. That the anxiety will pass.

But a mother’s mental health is just as important as her baby’s well-being.

She deserves:

🌿 Support, not survival.
🌿 Restoration, not depletion.
🌿 Balance, not chaos.

If you or someone you love is navigating postpartum anxiety, know that it’s not all in your head—and it doesn’t have to be permanent.

Balance is possible. Healing is possible. And it starts with nourishment.

Start with Mama Recover—a daily ritual of calm, resilience, and support.

Because every new mum deserves to feel like herself again.

References

1. Galea, L. A., et al. (2008). Postpartum hormonal changes and mood disorders. Journal of Neuroendocrinology.

2. Bloch, M., et al. (2000). Oestrogen and postpartum depression: A biochemical perspective. American Journal of Psychiatry.

3. Smith, J. W., et al. (2012). Cortisol and stress in postpartum women. Hormones and Behavior.

4. Uvnäs-Moberg, K. (1998). Oxytocin, motherhood, and emotional regulation. Acta Physiologica.

5. Stagnaro-Green, A. (2012). Thyroid function and postpartum mood disorders. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

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

7. Wurtman, R. J., et al. (1980). Nutrient deficiencies and mood disorders. Nutrition Reviews.

8. Klatz, R. (2010). Progesterone and mood stability in postpartum women. Journal of Women’s Health.

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

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.