Hormonal analysis

Understand your postpartum hormones

The postpartum period brings some of the most significant hormonal changes you’ll ever experience — and these shifts can have a real impact on your mood, energy, and overall wellbeing.

Prolactin levels rise to support breastfeeding, suppressing ovulation and affecting menstrual cycles. Oxytocin increases during breastfeeding, promoting bonding with your baby.

Emotional ups and downs start to stabilise as you adjust to life with a baby, but hormones can continue to fluctuate. Continued low oestrogen and progesterone can cause mood fluctuations and fatigue.

Once your baby is born and the placenta is delivered, key hormones like oestrogen and progesterone drop dramatically. This sudden shift can trigger the baby blues — mood swings, tearfulness, and irritability — in the early days.

Meanwhile, prolactin rises to support breastfeeding, which can suppress ovulation and delay the return of your menstrual cycle. Oxytocin — known as the love hormone — increases during breastfeeding, helping you bond with your baby.

Visit our ‘foundations of postpartum care’ in your members area to support your recovery holistically.