After birth, the body undergoes one of the most dramatic hormonal shifts in life. Once the placenta is delivered, pregnancy hormones drop sharply, while hormones related to bonding, recovery, and breastfeeding rise. These changes shape both physical recovery and emotional wellbeing during the first days and weeks.

Oxytocin remains essential after birth. It contracts the uterus, reduces bleeding, and supports milk let-down. Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding release oxytocin, creating calm, focus, and emotional closeness.

Prolactin, the milk-producing hormone, rises quickly when estrogen and progesterone fall. It stimulates milk production and influences caregiving responses. Because prolactin peaks at night, nighttime feeds play an important role in establishing supply.

Estrogen and progesterone decrease dramatically after birth — the largest hormonal drop in the human lifespan. This contributes to night sweats, chills, tearfulness, emotional sensitivity, and vaginal dryness. Baby blues in the first days are strongly linked to this shift.

Cortisol, the stress hormone, is often elevated postpartum due to labour, pain, and sleep disruption. It increases alertness and makes you more responsive to your baby’s needs, but can feel overwhelming when prolonged.

Relaxin remains for months and affects joint mobility and pelvic stability, which is why gradual physical recovery is important.

Postpartum thyroid changes can also occur. Temporary inflammation of the thyroid may cause fatigue, anxiety, palpitations, or low energy, and is often mistaken for typical postpartum exhaustion.

Together, these hormones guide healing, bonding, and the adjustment to life with a newborn. Emotional fluctuations are not a sign of weakness — they are biological responses to profound hormonal change.

Alma’s tips

• Skin-to-skin and rest help regulate hormonal shifts.

• Ask for practical support — recovery is a physiological process.

• Seek medical advice if persistent anxiety, sadness, or exhaustion develops.