The Nervous System and the Postpartum Season.
What Is the Nervous System?
“Nervous system” is definitely a buzz phrase right now, easily found on many corners of the internet. And it is not without good reason. The nervous system is of utmost importance to the functioning of our entire body.
I don’t want to get too scientific on you, but here’s an overview that may be helpful for this discussion.
The main components of the nervous system include the central nervous system (CNS), the peripheral nervous system (PNS), and neurons. All of these elements work together to send and receive electrical signals in our body and allow us to regulate everything we feel, think, and do.
Why Postpartum Can Feel So Intense
Enter the postpartum season.
You just went through pregnancy (lots of change), labor (more change, possibly intense experiences, trauma for some), and you now have a newborn. The demands of being a new parent can hit like a ton of bricks — sleep deprivation takes its toll, you’re feeding every 2 hours or more, and it can be hard to find any semblance of your prior life. It’s no wonder that your nervous system is not only “activated” but often overwhelmed.
When the reality of newborn life sets in, our nervous systems tend to live in the sympathetic state (“fight or flight”) rather than the parasympathetic state (often called “rest and digest”). This is no bueno.
Don’t wait until your nervous system is struggling.
Support it today.
Signs Your Nervous System May Need Support
The postpartum period can place enormous demands on the nervous system. Sometimes distress doesn’t show up as obvious “anxiety” or “stress.” It can look much quieter—or much louder.
Your nervous system may be asking for support if you notice:
Feeling constantly on edge
You may feel braced for something to go wrong, easily startled, or unable to relax—even when your baby is resting fully. I definitely experienced this after I gave birth to my daughter. I remember just watching her sleeping, and instead of feeling peace, I felt anxiety.
Racing thoughts or difficulty settling
Your mind may feel busy, repetitive, or stuck in loops of worry, even when you want to rest.
Irritability or unexpected anger
Snapping quickly, feeling overstimulated by noise or touch, or noticing rage that feels unfamiliar can sometimes be signs of nervous system overload.
Trouble resting, even when exhausted
You may be deeply tired but struggle to nap, slow down, or feel settled in moments of quiet.
Feeling disconnected
Sometimes overwhelm looks like numbness, emotional flatness, or feeling distant from yourself, your baby, or others. These can also be warning signs of postpartum depression. (See footnote below*.)
Collapse or shutdown
You may feel frozen, unable to make simple decisions, unusually fatigued, or like everything feels “too much.”
Heightened sensitivity
Light, noise, clutter, crying, questions, or even being needed constantly may feel harder to tolerate than usual.
These experiences do not necessarily mean something is wrong with you. They may be signs that your body and mind have been carrying a lot, and may need more support, safety, rest, or co-regulation than they’re currently receiving.
That is not failure, it’s information.
So what helps?
So what can new parents do to support their overwhelmed nervous systems? Well, a lot actually. And the neat thing is that the tips below will help you in the newborn season and beyond — checking in with your nervous system is a good skill to have at any stage of parenting.
Safe connection
Being with calm, supportive people can help regulate a stressed nervous system. We are wired for co-regulation and made for community! (More content coming about building your community & village soon).
>> My encouragement for today: text or call one close friend and share with them how you’re feeling. Invite them over to bring you a treat and visit with you and baby (if this feels accessible).
Rest and rhythm
Building in rest, predictable rhythms, and simple routines can help restore a sense of safety and stability. This can be tough after birth because your old routines will no longer fit your new life. It’s important to have lots of grace with yourself in finding a new rhythm.
>> Action step: plan one “pocket” a day to focus on some self-care, whether it’s a shower in the evening or reading a book for a few minutes in the morning. Make this happen like it’s the most important thing on your schedule (because it is).
Nourishment and body-based care
Regular meals, blood sugar support, breath, grounding, and gentle movement can support the body’s capacity to settle. There’s a lot we could go into here, but in essence, it’s about focusing on the basics.
>> To do: Place healthy snacks throughout your home that you can munch on while caring for baby.
Reducing overwhelm
Lowering sensory overload—noise, clutter, constant input, demands—can create space for regulation.
>> Try this: Sometimes, even lowering the lights in my home and lighting a candle helps me feel less overwhelmed immediately.
Support that holds you
Postpartum care, whether through doulas, therapists, community, or practical help, can be a vital part of nervous system healing.
>> Action step: Is there professional help that could allow you to thrive in this season, rather than being in survival mode? If yes, make that appointment or reach out today. It could make all the difference in your recovery.
Postpartum Care Is Nervous System Care
One thing I’ve learned being a postpartum doula is that this work is not just about showing up practically for mamas. It’s also about being a safe, regulated person that they can lean on. When I show up peacefully for a postpartum visit, everyone in the home benefits.
(It’s a vibe, you could say.) Healing in postpartum often begins with safety, support, and a regulated environment.
If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing it with a friend.
If you are seeking postpartum support, take a look and see if my services would be a good fit for you in this season.
*Note: If you suspect you may be experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or psychosis, please contact your medical provider right away.
