What the experts say: The postpartum period doesn't have to be scary or bad! For many mothers it can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and deeply unsupported and these notes below are to provide some insight in to WHY postpartum depression happens, and some ways to help. So many women are expected to immediately step into caring for a newborn while still trying to process their own birth experience, recover physically, regulate emotionally, and function on little to no sleep. Struggles like lacking help with the baby, handling night feedings alone, or not having anyone tending to the mother’s own needs are incredibly common. While up to 80% of mothers experience the “baby blues,” these feelings are often dismissed as simply hormonal or “normal.” But while they may be common, they are not how postpartum care is meant to be. Birth itself can have a profound impact on both mother and baby. Experiences such as prolonged labor, C-sections, forceps or vacuum interventions, overstimulation from hospital lights and monitoring, intense Pitocin contractions, or separation from baby due to NICU care can leave lasting emotional and physical effects. Even feeling unheard, unsupported, or unable to fully consent during labor can contribute to birth trauma. What a mother experiences, the baby often experiences too. This is why intentional postpartum support matters so deeply. Nourishing the body with warming, restorative foods after birth can help replenish depleted nutrients and support healing. Rest is essential, and asking for help from family or friends can create the space needed for recovery, even when it feels impossible. Early lactation support can ease unnecessary stress, while practices like hot-oil massage and belly binding can help support the nervous system and physical healing process. The Biology and Details: The significant shift in hormones as well as imbalances in the gut are two of the largest contributors to feelings of depression. Remember that what goes on in your brain, first starts in the gut. People and Products to Consider: Products: Anya Products: great comprehensive brand for postpartum and recovery support including sleep, hair loss, nutrients and more. Use code Lorissa 15 found HERE Restorative roots: postpartum recovery meals that are organic, regenerative and delivered right to your door. You can find them HERE. Nunona Bites: Nutrient packed snack bites that will help with milk production and fulling your body postpartum! Use code LORISSA People: NET: for processing your birth and helping to relieve any negative symptoms including overwhelm, sadness, and more. Post Birth Body Wrapping and Massage: great for warming the womb, restoring nutrients, and physiology Acupuncture: Amazing for postpartum support to help the body recover. Lorissa's Experience: During my third postpartum experience, I became even more aware of how much the right support could change my recovery and overall well-being. A few simple additions made a noticeable difference for me. After Ease postpartum drops (linked below) helped ease cramping and supported more restful sleep, while Takesumi (also linked below) became part of my routine after receiving an epidural to support gentle detoxification, especially important if nursing. For mood, hormone balance, and milk production, Shatavari (linked below) became one of my favorite herbal supports. Combined with nourishment, rest, and support, these small but intentional practices helped me feel more grounded, cared for, and connected during the postpartum transition. Acupuncture, NET, and massage helped significantly. If you want my full research and master guide, you can find that Here Other Notes: Hemorrhoids after child birth: sitz bath, high fiber & stool softening, warm foods, frozen pads with witch hazel. If you or your baby experienced birth trauma, healing is still possible. It’s never too late to support your nervous system, process your birth experience, and move toward recovery with gentleness and care. You can review the list for postpartum support, doulas, cranial sacral therapy, NET, sleep help and more in The List. As always, you can email with specific questions, and our team will do our best to point you in the right direction.
