First things first: what’s the deal with estrogen after birth?

After you give birth, your estrogen and progesterone levels drop—hard. It’s completely natural and part of what signals your body to start producing milk. But sometimes, for various reasons (think stress, thyroid imbalances, or simply how your unique body responds), estrogen stays too low for too long—and that’s when things might get tricky.

What does low estrogen feel like?

According to @drcelestevandrunick, some common signs of low estrogen postpartum can include:

• Dryness (vaginal and even skin)
• Low libido
• Brain fog
• Mood swings or anxiety
• Trouble with milk supply

   

And if you’re nodding along going “yep, that’s me”—you’re not alone.

Okay, but how does this affect my baby?

Here’s the good news: low estrogen doesn’t harm your baby directly through your breast milk. Your milk is still nutritionally solid—even if your hormones are going a bit haywire behind the scenes.

But—there’s always a but—low estrogen can affect your milk supply, and that’s where things can impact your baby indirectly.

If you’re not producing enough milk, baby might not be getting the volume they need. This can lead to:

• Slower weight gain

   

• Fussiness after feeds

   

• Increased frequency of nursing (because they’re still hungry)

   

And we all know how mentally and emotionally taxing that can be for both mama and baby.

So what can you do?

First, breathe. You’re not doing anything wrong, and your body isn’t broken. Hormonal imbalances are incredibly common in the postpartum phase.

Here are a few gentle steps to support your hormones and your breastfeeding journey:

• Nourish yourself: Real food, regular meals, and lots of hydration. Estrogen loves good fats—so bring on the avo, nuts, and olive oil.

   

• Rest when you can: Your body repairs (and balances hormones) while you rest—even if it’s short bursts.

   

• Get support: Speak to your doctor or a women’s health specialist who understands postpartum hormones. Someone like @drcelestevandrunick can help pinpoint what’s going on and guide you with care.

   

• Consider herbs or natural support: Under the guidance of a pro, you might explore natural options that support estrogen balance—like maca root or phytoestrogens from foods.

   

You deserve to feel good, mama.

Your baby needs you well—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too. If you’re feeling off, if breastfeeding feels like a battle, or if something just isn’t sitting right—trust your instincts. Hormonal shifts are normal, but struggling in silence isn’t.

At Mommy Wellness, we’re here to support your entire journey—from pregnancy to postpartum and everything in between. And with voices like @drcelestevandrunick offering valuable insight into these topics, we’re more empowered than ever to talk about what really happens behind closed doors.

Let’s keep the conversation open. Let’s support each other. And let’s remind every mama out there: you are not alone.