How You Know When Your Postpartum Phase Is Lifting

I remember the moment I realized I was starting to feel like me again. It wasn’t all at once, and it wasn’t some grand epiphany where I woke up one morning glowing and singing with the birds. (I wish.) No, it was more subtle. It was a random Tuesday, and I was making my coffee when I caught myself humming along to the music playing in the background. I actually wanted to listen to music again—something I hadn’t done in months because the extra noise used to make me feel like my brain would short-circuit. It was in that small, beautiful moment that I realized: Oh my gosh. I think I’m coming out of it.

Feeling Lighter Mentally

If you’re reading this and wondering when your postpartum fog will lift, just know that it’s different for everyone. But for me, it happened gradually. One of the first signs was that I started feeling… lighter. Not physically (because let’s be real, that takes way more time than anyone warns you about), but mentally. The stress and anxiety that had me convinced my babies were in constant danger at every moment began to ease. I wasn’t jumping at every little noise. I wasn’t gasping every time one of my kids so much as wobbled while learning to walk.

Gaining Emotional Control

And let’s talk about emotional reactivity—because wow, postpartum emotions are a rollercoaster with no seatbelts. In the thick of it, I felt like my reactions were at a 10/10 intensity at all times. Overwhelmed? Immediate tears. Frustrated? Snapped way too quickly. But slowly, I started to gain more control. My cooldown time after a stressful moment shortened. I could take a deep breath and actually calm down rather than spiraling into guilt and self-doubt. That was a huge milestone for me.

Signs My Hormones Were Rebalancing

Now, here’s something that might not apply to everyone, but it was a big indicator for me—my hormones started balancing out. After pregnancy, my boobs never hurt, even around my fertile days. But as postpartum began to lift, I noticed that telltale soreness creeping back in, and oddly enough, it was reassuring. It meant my body was finding its rhythm again. My breast size also started returning to something that felt more normal (whatever that even means post-kids, am I right?). My cycle regulated itself, and it didn’t feel like some cruel mystery anymore.

Eating and Moving with Purpose Again

And then, there was food. Oh, food. Postpartum had me in a cycle of emotional and anxious eating. Sugar? Give me all of it. Bread? Yes, please. The idea of cooking anything remotely nutritious felt like running a marathon. But as I started feeling better, I had more self-control. I wanted to eat healthier. I had energy to move my body again. I wasn’t just surviving—I was starting to live again.

Every Mom’s Journey is Different

But here’s the thing: every mom’s postpartum journey is different. Some feel better within months, while others take years to feel like themselves again. And there are so many factors that play into it—sleep (or lack thereof), breastfeeding, support systems, mental health history, and even things like genetics. It’s important not to compare your journey to someone else’s.

Postpartum is Real—Seek Support if You Need It

Most importantly, postpartum struggles are very real and should never be dismissed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, lost, or like you’re drowning, please reach out. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a therapist, or a support group, you don’t have to do this alone. If you need someone to talk to, organizations like Postpartum Support International (PSI) offer resources and helplines (https://www.postpartum.net). You deserve support, mama.

And if you’re still in the thick of it, just know this: It does get better. One day, you’ll catch yourself laughing—really laughing—at something silly your little one does, and you’ll realize that the fog is lifting. And when that day comes, I hope you celebrate it. You are incredible, strong, and doing an amazing job. Sending you all the love and hugs (and coffee) in the world.