S6 Ep. 19: Postpartum Hormones; The Science Behind an Incredible & Challenging Time for Women

The postpartum period is one of the most dramatic hormonal transitions in a woman’s life, yet it is rarely explained in a clear or compassionate way. In this episode, Teresa and Jamie walk through what is actually happening inside the body and brain after birth, why so many women say they don’t “feel like themselves,” and how much of this experience is rooted in biology , not personal weakness or failure. They begin by unpacking the role of prolactin, the hormone responsible for breast milk production. While prolactin supports bonding and nurturing behaviors, it also suppresses ovulation and lowers dopamine, the brain’s motivation and reward chemical. This helps explain why many postpartum women feel more emotionally flat, less driven, or disconnected from activities they once enjoyed, even while deeply loving their baby. Next, they discuss the massive drop in estrogen and progesterone that occurs within the first 24–48 hours after delivery. During pregnancy, these hormones are higher than at any other time in a woman’s life. Their sudden withdrawal can contribute to mood swings, anxiety, tearfulness, sleep disruption, and the baby blues, and in some women may play a role in postpartum depression or anxiety. Progesterone’s calming effect on the nervous system and estrogen’s support of serotonin help explain why this shift can feel so emotionally intense. The conversation then turns to dopamine and how its suppression during breastfeeding affects motivation, pleasure, focus, and emotional resilience. Teresa and Jamie emphasize that it is possible to feel grateful, bonded, and deeply loving toward your baby while also struggling internally , and that these experiences can exist at the same time. They also explore why postpartum is uniquely demanding when you combine hormonal changes with sleep deprivation, physical healing, and identity shifts. Together, these factors create one of the most neurologically and hormonally vulnerable seasons of a woman’s life. The episode then transitions into the topic of fertility after birth. Many women are told that breastfeeding prevents pregnancy, but ovulation always occurs before the first postpartum period, meaning pregnancy is possible before cycles return. Prolactin levels vary widely depending on nursing frequency, nighttime feeds, pumping, stress, and individual biology, making fertility unpredictable during this time. Finally, Teresa and Jamie discuss how natural family planning and fertility awareness methods can be used postpartum, but require special education and realistic expectations. Cervical mucus patterns can be irregular, estrogen may rise multiple times before true ovulation, and the body may have several “practice runs” before releasing an egg. With proper instruction and postpartum‑specific guidance, natural methods can be used effectively to avoid pregnancy while respecting the body’s recovery process. Sponsors 💛 We Heart Nutrition Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life. 🎁 20% off with code: GENIUS 🐄 Wonder Cow Colostrum Supports gut health, immune function, inflammation balance, and tissue repair — especially valuable during postpartum recovery. 🎁 30% off your subscription with code: HORMONEGENIUS 🔗 www.wondercow.com/hormonegenius 🧬 Tiny Health Gut Testing Advanced stool microbiome testing for moms and babies that evaluates beneficial bacteria levels, inflammatory markers, digestive function, and overall gut balance. Their testing helps guide personalized nutrition, probiotic choices, and lifestyle strategies during the postpartum period when both maternal and infant microbiomes are rapidly developing. 🎁 $50 off with code: HORMONEGENIUS The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.