Why Postpartum Can Stick With You Forever

If you’ve ever wondered why you still don’t feel like yourself months (or even years) after having a baby, you’re not alone.

So many women tell me the same story:

• They thought once their hormones “settled down,” things would get better.

• Instead, they’re still dealing with mood swings, sugar cravings, poor sleep, or fatigue that feels like it’s never-ending.

• Their doctor runs labs, says everything is “normal,” and sends them home with little more than “welcome to motherhood”.

But here’s the truth: it’s not “just hormones,” it’s minerals.

How Postpartum Depletion Really Works

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are nutrient expensive. Your baby will always get what they need first, even if it means pulling from your own reserves. Minerals like magnesium, zinc, copper, sodium, and potassium are used up quickly during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.

If your body doesn’t get enough time or support to rebuild these stores, you’re left running on empty and symptoms creep in that can last long after postpartum.

This is why postpartum isn’t just “a few months.” For some women, the effects of mineral depletion can linger for years.

Common Signs of Postpartum Mineral Depletion

• Mood swings and anxiety → low magnesium, imbalanced copper/zinc

• Cravings for sugar or salt → sodium and potassium imbalance

• Poor sleep → magnesium and calcium depletion

• Hair loss → low zinc or thyroid shifts driven by minerals

• Low energy or brain fog → imbalances in sodium, potassium, and iron

If this sounds familiar, you’re not broken... your body is waving a red flag that it needs support.

Why Hormones Get the Blame (But Minerals Tell the Full Story)

Hormones and minerals are like dance partners: one doesn’t move without the other. For example:

• Your thyroid hormones can’t activate without selenium and iodine.

• Stress hormones like cortisol are tied to sodium and potassium balance.

• Estrogen and progesterone are heavily influenced by copper and zinc.

So when doctors say, “Your hormones are just off,” the next question should be: what minerals are missing behind the scenes?

Rebuilding from the Inside Out

Here’s the good news: your body can recover. It just needs the right support.

Some ways to start:

1. Prioritize mineral-rich foods → red meat, shellfish, eggs, root veggies, dairy, fruit, and quality salt.

2. Balance blood sugar → pair protein + carbs at meals, don’t skip breakfast, and avoid coffee on an empty stomach.

3. Use testing for clarity → Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) gives a clear picture of your mineral blueprint so you know exactly what to replenish.

You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck

Feeling “off” isn’t something you just have to accept as part of motherhood. Postpartum can stick with you forever, but with the right nutrition, minerals, and support, you can feel like yourself again.

This is why I use HTMA testing with moms in every stage: trying to conceive, pregnancy, and postpartum. It takes the guesswork out of recovery and gives you a personalized plan to restore energy, mood, and overall health.

Ready to see what your minerals are saying? With my Nourish & Restore Program, you can learn how to manage your minerals and ditch those symptoms that don't want to let go.