Postpartum Depletion
The term postpartum depletion* describes a collection of symptoms that affects nearly all spheres of a mother’s life (even up to 10 years) after giving birth.
It’s been estimated that around 50% of mothers will experience some degree of postpartum depletion!
The symptoms vary and often involve many systems of the body.
Women can experience ongoing symptoms such as exhaustion, overwhelm, increased sensitivity, low mood, brain fog, poor concentration/memory, anxiety, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, weight issues, sleep issues (not related to their children), loss of or low libido and even loss of sense of self.
Although the term itself is not a diagnosis as such, if it’s suspected, it’s essential to identify and address the often multiple nutritional deficiencies and the imbalances in the hormonal, immune, neurotransmitter and nervous systems of the mother, behind the collection of symptoms. Whether it’s been months or even years after baby/babies.
*Coined by Dr. Oscar Serralach, Integrative GP and author of The Postnatal Depletion Cure (2018)
Common symptoms of postpartum depletion
Physical symptoms
Ongoing fatigue
Sleep issues/non-restful sleep
Lingering ‘baby brain’ - difficulty with concentration, memory, word retrieval
Feeling ‘tired but wired’, always ‘on’
Ongoing hair loss/thinning, softer nails
Easy bruising, oral health issues
Digestive issues, immune issues
Hormonal issues (postpartum thyroiditis, Hashimotos hypothyroidism, menstrual cycle)
Emotional symptoms
Anxiety, hypervigilance, fear
Emotional liability (crying easily)
Low mood, irritability, mood swings
Indecisiveness, frustration
Easily angered, ‘short fuse’
Sense of being easily overwhelmed
Increased sensitivity to light/sound
Sense of guilt, shame
Loss of self-confidence
Loss of sense of self/identity
How can a Naturopath help?
Naturopathic care will differ according to the level of depletion.
I take a holistic and systematic approach instead of trying to ‘fix everything at once’ when a mama is already exhausted or overwhelmed!
This begins with thorough testing and assessments to identify core issues with nutrients and hormone imbalances.
The initial foundational work includes repleting and rebuilding both the macronutrients, micronutrients and hormones (affecting both body and brain) that are insufficient, deficient, or out of balance.
As the recovery from postpartum depletion is layered, it’s essential the foundations are restored first. This often brings with it a shift in physical and mental energy. I find this essential before moving on to strengthening and recovering the health pillars.
Recovering the health pillars include:
Optimising sleep and rest
Optimising nutrition and nourishment
Optimising movement and activity
Restoring the nervous system (stress response)
Finding purpose and community
Consultations are comprehensive and allow the time to understand your full health history, your current issues, and your health goals.
As mentioned, I utilise testing to gather further information about your current state of health. This helps rule in (or out) suspected causative or contributing factors. These may include blood, saliva, urine or stool tests, hair tissue mineral analysis, or vaginal microbiome testing.
Custom treatment plans can then be devised for your individual needs. These include both short-term and long-term goals.
I use a variety of practitioner-grade herbal medicines, nutraceuticals, and supplements.
I also implement various dietary and lifestyle changes to support the recovery of the health pillars. Referrals to other practitioners may also occur if deemed appropriate.
Our follow-up appointments ensure your progress is on track and being monitored, your treatment plan remains manageable, and you’ve been able to implement the recommendations. We also use this time to troubleshoot or finetune treatment directions or goals.
Read more about My Approach.
See the FAQ.
“You can rebuild your health and restore your energy, so you feel more like yourself again - and thrive in motherhood.”