You’re told to expect some sleep deprivation. But no one tells you how deeply exhausting postpartum can be physically, mentally, emotionally.

Even months after birth, you might be wondering: “Why am I still so tired?”

If that’s you, I want you to know: It’s not just lack of sleep. And it’s definitely not laziness.

Let’s talk about what’s really going on inside your body, and how you can begin to feel like yourself again.

1. Your Hormones Are Still Regulating

Pregnancy hormones shift your entire internal ecosystem and postpartum doesn’t flip that switch back instantly.

In fact, postpartum is often called the “second puberty” and for good reason. Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, insulin, and cortisol are all shifting dramatically.

  • Progesterone, which helps calm the nervous system, drops sharply after birth.
  • Estrogen fluctuates, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
  • Cortisol, your main stress hormone, tends to run high from lack of sleep and constant vigilance.

All of this creates an internal storm that can leave you feeling anxious, teary, wired-but-tired, or emotionally flat.

Hormonal healing takes time and requires more than just “waiting it out.”

2. Blood Sugar Crashes Are Common and Overlooked

When you’re postpartum, food becomes about survival. Whatever you can grab with one hand, eat cold, or scarf down between feedings.

But this way of eating often sets your blood sugar on a rollercoaster, leading to:

  • Energy crashes
  • Irritability
  • Cravings (especially for sugar or caffeine)
  • Trouble sleeping even when you can sleep

And the kicker? Every time your blood sugar crashes, it spikes cortisol, increasing stress, inflammation, and hormone disruption.

Simple fix: Pair carbs with fat or protein.

Example: Instead of plain toast → do toast + nut butter + hemp seeds.

You don’t have to eat “perfectly”, just consistently and with stabilization in mind.

3. You’re Likely Mineral Depleted

This is one of the most common and least discussed reasons postpartum moms feel drained.

During pregnancy, birth, and bleeding, your body loses massive amounts of:

  • Magnesium (calms the nervous system, helps with sleep + mood)
  • Sodium (regulates blood volume + energy)
  • Potassium (supports muscle function, hydration, and blood pressure)

Many moms are unknowingly walking around in a constant state of depletion, which shows up as:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Constant thirst
  • Muscle cramps
  • Anxiety
  • Extreme fatigue

What helps:

  • Add a pinch of sea salt + lemon to your water
  • Drink bone broth or mineral-rich teas (like nettle or raspberry leaf)
  • Focus on potassium-rich foods (avocados, bananas, cooked greens)

4. You’re Holding Emotional Weight Too

It’s not just physical exhaustion. It’s emotional too.

Postpartum comes with a complete identity shift:

  • Your body looks and feels different
  • Your roles and relationships shift
  • Your sense of self can feel like it disappeared

You’re navigating:

  • Grief for your old life
  • The mental load of motherhood
  • Lack of rest, autonomy, and control

All while being told to “soak it all in.”

This invisible emotional labor is heavy and exhausting.

Healing means making space for the emotional body, not just the physical one. This might look like:

  • Asking for help
  • Letting go of guilt
  • Creating 10 minutes of time for yourself (even if baby cries)
  • Talking to someone who gets it

5. You’re Not Broken. You’re Under-Supported.

This is the most important thing I want you to take from this:

You’re not lazy. You’re not doing something wrong. You’re not weak.

You’re just missing the support our culture fails to give postpartum women.

You need nourishment. Structure. Kindness. And tools that meet your season of life.

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

If you’ve been waking up tired, snapping more than you want to, or crying in the kitchen wondering what’s wrong with you, please know:

You’re not crazy. You’re not alone. You’re in postpartum.

And I can help.

💬 Email me at chelsea@empoweredglucose.com, fill out the contact form, or book a free 15-min postpartum support call here. Let’s get you the clarity and support your body is asking for.