Babe, at six weeks, your body is still on a wild ride of healing and adjusting. You’ve just brought a tiny, cute human into the world, give yourself all the grace. Your hormones are doing their own dance (going batshit crazy), estrogen and progesterone are still low, especially if you’re breastfeeding, while prolactin is working overtime to keep that milk flowing. And don’t forget oxytocin, the “love hormone” that’s wiring your heart to your baby’s.
It’s okay if some days you feel like a warrior and others like you’re barely holding on. Those mood swings? Totally normal. You’re not broken, you’re just human. When you go for your 6-week check-up, make sure to be honest with how you’re feeling. Celebrate every small win, babe, a smile, a cuddle, a moment of peace. You’re healing, you’re growing, and you’re doing an incredible job. Remember, you are enough, exactly as you are. Maybe consider less Instagram- you don’t need to see Sally smashing life two weeks in, zero c-section, not a strict insight, remember lovers, Social media is mainly bollocks, so don’t compare.
Between six weeks and three months, you’re settling into this new life, lover. Your hormones are slowly balancing, but if you’re breastfeeding, prolactin still holds the reins, keeping estrogen and progesterone low. Some days you’ll feel like you’re nailing it, other days, exhaustion will try to screw you over.
Rest when you can, nap like a princess. Get outside, even if you want to punch me in the face for telling you this… leave the house, breathe in some fresh air, and reach out to your mates. Connection is your lifeline. Be kind to yourself. This is a marathon, not a sprint, babe, and every step you take is a victory. Keep showing up for yourself. Congratulations, you’re doing amazing.
By three to six months, you might feel a little more confident, slightly badass again. If breastfeeding is easing off, your estrogen and progesterone are rising again, and your period may return, sorry babe, was nice while it lasted. This shift can bring emotional steadiness (lol), but stress is still real, especially with your baby’s growing energy.
Your body’s stress hormone, cortisol, might spike sometimes, but that’s okay. You’re allowed to feel overwhelmed. When you need to, step back and do what feeds your soul, whether it’s a good book, a yoga stretch, or a chat with your bestie. Asking for help isn’t a weakness, lover, don’t try to be a hero running on zero.
As your baby starts solids and sleeps longer, your hormones like prolactin may dip, and your cycle might return if it hasn’t yet. You’ll probably feel more energetic, and mood swings might soften, but remember, it’s okay to have off days, even weeks. Don’t sit with low moods for much longer, go to your doctor babe, if things are dipping.
When possible, carve out time just for you, your cup needs filling too, babe. If you’re thinking about returning to work, plan with kindness toward yourself. You’re not just a mother, you’re a whole, badass woman.
Here you are, babe, almost a year in. Your hormones are settling back to your own rhythm, especially if breastfeeding has slowed or stopped. Emotional ups and downs? Still part of the ride, and that’s okay. Parenting is a messy shit show, beautiful, and real.
Take a moment to look back and feel proud. Keep prioritising your mental health and remember, asking for support is not a weakness. Babe, you are a lover, a mother, and you are enough. Always.