Understanding Postpartum Depletion: You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup

If you’ve recently given birth and are feeling far more than just “new-mum tired,” you may be dealing with more than the usual. 

What is Postnatal Depletion?

Postnatal depletion refers to a post-birth state where the mother’s body and mind are depleted beyond normal postpartum tiredness. According to Dr Serrallach's work, it’s a “state of ongoing fatigue and overwhelm that can often persist years into the postpartum.”

Common symptoms look like: 

• Physical depletion: nutrient stores are used up during pregnancy and breastfeeding; sleep is disrupted; stress is high. 

• Hormonal and nervous system dys-regulation: HPA axis stress, adrenal over-load, hormone imbalances (thyroid, sex hormones) can be involved. 

• Emotional and cognitive impact: brain-fog, impaired memory/concentration, low libido, anxiety, hyper-vigilance.

Why Does It Happen?

It isn't as simple as pregnancy = depletion, it depends on so many different factors which is why every postpartum experience is different! Some contributors can be:

• Nutrient depletion: During pregnancy and lactation your body is supplying both you and your baby (nutrients like iron, B12, vitamin D, iodine, omega-3s, choline get heavily utilised). 

• Sleep deprivation & physical demand: Nights awake, frequent feeding, physical recovery from birth: these all increase demand and reduce recovery.

• Hormonal shifts: After birth the drop in progesterone/oestrogen, changes in thyroid/adrenal stress response, lactation hormones, all place strain. 

• Lack of support + unrealistic expectations: Society expects mums to “bounce back”; many feel they must do everything, limiting rest and recovery. 

• Multiple pregnancies or short spacing: Limited time for the body to recover means each subsequent pregnancy may start from a depleted state. As a mum who did 2 babies in 18 months I feel this one deep in my bones! 

Signs & Symptoms to Watch For

It’s important to differentiate “normal new mum fatigue” from deeper postnatal depletion. Here are some red-flags to look out for:

• Persistent, deep fatigue that doesn’t improve with a typical rest. 

• Brain-fog, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses (“baby-brain” but intense).

• Low libido, hair loss, thinning nails or skin changes. 

• Anxiety, mood instability (not full depression necessarily but fluctuating emotions, hyper-vigilance).

• Feeling “wired but tired” or constantly “on” yet exhausted. 

• Slow recovery from physical health issues, frequent infections, poor immune function

What Next?

If you never had your postpartum blood test done, consider this your nudge as your first starting point!

Next, Book an appointment to organise your postpartum test review and get personalised guidance on rebuilding your nutrient stores, balancing hormones, and supporting your recovery so you can be the best version of yourself in this postpartum season.

Postnatal depletion is not simply “just what happens” when you have a baby. It deserves recognition, care and customised intervention and I'm here to help.