Doctor Guide: Postnatal
Doctor Guide: Postnatal
Written by BePurer's medical advisory team. For educational purposes only — always consult your GP or midwife for personalised advice.
The fourth trimester: what your body needs
Birth is one of the most physically demanding events a human body can undergo. Whether you had a vaginal birth or caesarean, your body has been through an extraordinary process and needs significant nutritional support to recover. Yet postnatal nutrition receives a fraction of the attention given to prenatal nutrition — a gap we are committed to closing.
Immediate postpartum (days 1–7)
Clinical priorities
- Eat as soon as possible after birth. Your body has just performed an enormous physical feat and needs fuel.
- Prioritise iron-rich foods from day one: red meat, lentils, leafy greens, fortified cereals.
- Stay hydrated — particularly important if breastfeeding. Aim for 2–3 litres of water daily.
- Begin postnatal supplements immediately — do not wait until the 6-week check.
- Accept help with meals. Batch cooking before birth or accepting food from family and friends is not a luxury — it is a clinical necessity.
Postnatal supplement protocol (days 1–7)
- Iron bisglycinate: 25–50mg daily (higher if blood loss was significant)
- Vitamin D3: 1,000–2,000 IU daily
- DHA: 200–300mg daily
- Vitamin B12: 2.4–3mcg daily (higher if plant-based)
- Magnesium glycinate: 300–400mg daily (evening)
Weeks 1–6: Establishing recovery
The 6-week check: what to ask for
The standard 6-week GP check is brief and often focuses on contraception and baby health. Advocate for yourself by requesting:
- Full blood count and ferritin (iron status)
- Vitamin D level
- Thyroid function test (particularly if you have symptoms of thyroid dysfunction)
- Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) screening
- Pelvic floor assessment or referral to women's health physiotherapy
Breastfeeding nutrition
Breastfeeding requires approximately 500 additional calories per day and significantly increases requirements for iodine, choline, DHA, and zinc. A dedicated postnatal supplement that accounts for breastfeeding requirements is important.
Months 1–6: Rebuilding
Addressing postnatal depletion
Postnatal depletion — a term coined by Dr Oscar Serrallach — describes the state of nutritional, hormonal, and emotional depletion that many women experience after birth. It can persist for years if not addressed. Key features include profound fatigue, brain fog, emotional sensitivity, and a sense of ‘running on empty’.
Addressing postnatal depletion requires:
- Correcting nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, B12, omega-3)
- Prioritising sleep (as much as circumstances allow)
- Reducing stress and accepting support
- Nourishing, regular meals
- Gentle, progressive return to exercise
Mental health
Postnatal depression and anxiety are medical conditions, not personal failures. Risk factors include a history of depression or anxiety, difficult birth experience, lack of social support, sleep deprivation, and nutritional deficiencies. Screening with the EPDS at 6 weeks and 3 months is recommended. Treatment is effective — please seek help early.
Caesarean recovery: additional considerations
Caesarean section is major abdominal surgery. Recovery takes longer than vaginal birth — typically 6–12 weeks before returning to normal activities, and up to 12 months for full internal healing.
- Vitamin C: 500–1,000mg daily to support wound healing and collagen synthesis
- Zinc: Supports wound healing and immune function
- Protein: Adequate protein or collagen intake is essential for tissue repair
- Scar massage: Begin gentle scar massage at 6–8 weeks (once the wound is fully healed) to reduce adhesions