Childbirth is one of the biggest milestones in a woman’s journey. It brings with itself unsurpassed happiness and excitement of being able to bring another human into this world while cherishing every bittersweet experience on this journey of motherhood. While nothing can match the joy you have when you hold your baby in your hands, we all know being a new mother isn’t an easy feat. 

Your body starts changing in ways you haven’t seen before and you undergo a variety of experiences. One of such after-effects is the changing level of hormones in the body which often results in postpartum night sweats.

What are postpartum night sweats

This is a condition wherein the mother experiences heavy sweating at night, due to a change in the levels of hormones in the body, such as estrogen and progesterone. While it takes the body some time to recuperate from the numerous changes it’s undergoing, it also needs time for the hormones to get back to pre-pregnancy levels. A change in these hormonal levels results in excessive sweating for new moms.

What should new moms do?

  • Try and sleep in light weight cotton clothing, which can help the skin breathe and give you relief from the excessive sweating.
  • Keep the ambient temperature cool and comfortable to help manage sweating.
  • Make sure you’re keeping yourself hydrated by taking in enough quantity of water and the right amount of fluids to prevent dehydration. Since you’re perspiring so much, you need enough nutrients as you’re also most probably breastfeeding your little one.
  • Try limiting the amount of caffeine and spice in your daily diet as these trigger the body to produce more sweat naturally, for a lot of people. 
  • Replenish your diet with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean protein and include some light daily movement and exercise in your routine. Doing this shall promote your overall health.  
  • Try calming techniques such as slow breathing, to combat irritability during a heavy night sweat situation.

Postpartum night sweats or night sweats as they are usually called take upto 2 weeks to subside, after giving birth to the child. This is a common after effect and need not be worried about unless the sweating lasts for a longer period of time after childbirth. It’s then that a doctor must be consulted. 

How has the journey of a new mom been going on for you? Share your moments of motherhood in the comments below.