3 Signs You May Need Postpartum Support (and What That Support Can Look Like)

Bringing a new baby into the world is beautiful, but let’s be honest — it can also feel like a tidal wave. The fourth trimester, that sacred and intense period after birth, often gets overlooked in our culture of “bouncing back.” But what if you feel anything but okay? What if you’re wondering whether how you feel is normal — or a sign you might need more support?

Let’s talk about three signs you might benefit from postpartum support — and what that support can look like from a naturopathic and doula lens.

1. You're Running on Empty - and Can’t Recharge

Yes, postpartum tiredness is expected. But if you’re feeling completely depleted, foggy, flat, or like you can’t get through the day even with sleep, it may be more than just broken nights.

Your body has just gone through an enormous transformation: blood loss, hormonal shifts, breastfeeding, and sleep deprivation. If you weren’t well-supported nutritionally or emotionally, you might be dealing with postnatal depletion, low iron or B12, or a sluggish thyroid, all of which are common and treatable.

How support can help:

• Postpartum naturopathic care to assess nutrient status and energy levels.
• Gentle herbal support with adaptogens (like ashwagandha) or nervines (like oat straw).
• Home visits where a doula prepares nourishing, warming meals and helps you rest.
• A listening ear, sometimes emotional exhaustion needs care just as much as physical fatigue.

2. You Feel Isolated, Lonely or Unseen

One of the most common things I hear from new mums is, “I didn’t expect to feel this lonely.”

The truth is, even with a baby in your arms, postpartum can feel incredibly disconnected. Friends may not understand. Your partner might be back at work. And the emotional rollercoaster of hormones and sleep loss can be hard to explain.

Emotional isolation isn’t just hard, it impacts your body too. Stress can disrupt your nervous system, reduce immunity, and worsen symptoms like anxiety or low mood.

How support can help:

• Postpartum doula visits create regular emotional check-ins and grounded, non-judgmental support.
• Herbal support for mood and stress (think lemon balm, passionflower, magnesium, B vitamins). (please check with me or your healthcare team before taking new supplements)
• Flower essences or homeopathics for emotional balance. (resuce remedy!)
• Connection: joining a mums' group, attending a postpartum circle, or just one consistent, supportive visitor each week.

Remember — you’re not meant to do this alone.

3. You’re Overwhelmed and Doubting Yourself Constantly

Does this sound familiar?

• “Is this normal?”
• “Should I call the doctor?”
• “Am I doing this wrong?”

When you’re navigating life with a newborn, every cry, rash, or unsettled night can send you into decision fatigue. You want to do everything right, but you’re overwhelmed by the noise, the books, the blogs, the unsolicited advice.

This mental load is real. And it’s heavy.

How support can help:

• A doula offers evidence-based guidance and emotional reassurance without pressure or judgment.
• Naturopathic care supports your nervous system and cognitive function, especially if you’re experiencing brain fog, anxiety, or constant second-guessing.
• Herbal supports like chamomile, lemon balm, or lavender can calm the nervous system gently.
• A clear routine and trusted resource (instead of 1,000 conflicting online opinions) can ease that constant mental churn.

Sometimes you don’t need more information, you need support to trust yourself again.

So What Does Postpartum Support Actually Look Like?

Every mum’s needs are different, but here are a few examples of what holistic postpartum support might involve:

• 💛 In-home doula visits: Emotional support, baby care help, meal prep, debriefing your birth. I have both casual and package sessions available right now.
• 🌿 Naturopathic consultations: Support for fatigue, hormones, breastfeeding, and recovery. Book one here
• 🍲 Nourishing food prep: Bone broths, herbal teas, warming meals tailored for healing.
• 💆🏽♀️ Bodywork: Postnatal massage, womb steaming, or acupuncture.
• 🧘🏽♀️ Nervous system rituals: Breathwork, gentle yoga, guided rest, or even just quiet.

Sometimes, the biggest shift is having someone care for you — so you can better care for your baby.

If you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure — that doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It means you’re human, and this is hard. Support isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity for long-term health and wellbeing.

If you feel like you could use some extra care, whether naturopathic or doula-based, I’d love to support you.

You can learn more or book a session here, or connect with me on Instagram at @postpartum_naturopath You deserve to be held, too.