What happens to your hormones in the first three months postpartum?

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition.

The first three months after birth bring major hormonal shifts tied to breastfeeding, along with real circadian disruption from broken sleep and around-the-clock caregiving.^† Researchers describe this window as a period of significant lifestyle and circadian disruption, not simply a scheduling problem to push through. Understanding it as a physiological load, rather than just a matter of getting more organized, changes what kind of support actually makes sense.

Why the fourth trimester is a real physiological event

A study published in Scientific Reports notes that the first three months following birth involve significant lifestyle and circadian disruptions, including sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts associated with breastfeeding, and increased caregiving demands, all occurring together.^† The same research found that maternal cortisol declines significantly from the early postpartum weeks to six months, reflecting the body's gradual return toward its pre-pregnancy hormonal baseline.^†

This tapering process takes time, which is part of why the early postpartum weeks can feel disproportionately hard even when everything is going normally. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has emphasized that postpartum care should be an ongoing process rather than a single six-week check-in, given how much physical, hormonal, and psychological adjustment happens during this window.^†

What you can support versus what you cannot control

You cannot control when your baby wakes up, and you cannot speed up the hormonal tapering process. What you can influence is nutrient replenishment and daily stress support, both of which matter more during a period of high physical demand.^†

Our postnatal multivitamin with DHA and methylated folate is formulated with omega-3 DHA, B-complex vitamins, and zinc to support postpartum recovery and replenishment.^† Iron supports healthy red blood cell formation and energy levels postpartum, and vitamin B12 supports healthy energy levels and nervous system function during postpartum recovery.^†

Supporting the stress side of the fourth trimester

Postpartum Mood Support, with ashwagandha, chamomile, and saffron, is a breastfeeding-friendly blend formulated to support stress management and cognitive health during the fourth trimester.^† The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that research shows some ashwagandha preparations may be effective for stress support.^† This formula supports energy levels, mental clarity, relaxation, and a balanced mood during a season that asks a lot of the body all at once.^†

"All right, you had your baby. Good. You're leaving the hospital. We're going to touch base in about 6 weeks. That's not much when you're going through a lot."

— Jessica Nazzaro, DO, FACOG, NCMP, Board-Certified OB-GYN and National Certified Menopause Practitioner

"Those early postpartum weeks asked more of my body than almost anything else I have lived through. Motherhood is not a solo journey, it takes a village, and it also takes real support for the body doing the recovering."

— Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork

Related reading

For a full comparison of prenatal versus postnatal nutrient needs, see our guide on prenatal versus postnatal supplementation, and for a broader roundup of postnatal options, see our guide to the best postnatal multivitamins.

Pink Stork is woman-founded and woman-led, with more than 50,000 verified Amazon reviews across the brand. Total Postnatal + DHA is a Clean Label Project Purity Award winner and Amazon's best-selling postnatal multivitamin (2024).

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for postpartum hormones to return to baseline?

Research shows maternal cortisol continuing to decline from the early postpartum weeks through at least six months, which suggests the process is gradual rather than immediate.^† Every recovery timeline is individual, so talk with your healthcare provider about what to expect for you.

Is it normal to feel physically depleted even months after birth?

The fourth trimester involves ongoing hormonal, circadian, and physical demands that do not resolve overnight.^† If you have concerns about how you are feeling, your healthcare provider is the right person to talk with.

How long should I continue taking a postnatal multivitamin?

Many healthcare providers recommend continuing postnatal supplementation for up to a year postpartum, or as long as you are breastfeeding.^† Always confirm with your own provider.

Is Postpartum Mood Support safe while breastfeeding?

Postpartum Mood Support is formulated to be breastfeeding-friendly, though provider consultation is still recommended before starting any new supplement while breastfeeding.^†

Can circadian disruption from newborn care actually affect hormones?

Yes. Research describes the early postpartum period as involving significant circadian disruption alongside hormonal shifts tied to breastfeeding, occurring together rather than separately.^†

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.