Not Hungry? | Postpartum Appetite

It may feel strange that not too long ago you probably had a strong appetite with occasional major cravings, but soon after your baby arrived, it diminished. Loss of appetite is a common occurrence in postpartum people. So, if you have noticed that food doesn’t seem appealing, you are not alone!

We get that there can be a ton of questions surrounding this topic like: ‘How long will it last?’ ‘Will this affect my milk supply?’ And probably the most common… ‘Why?’

Let’s dive into some of these questions to better understand your postpartum appetite!

Why am I not hungry?

New parents often experience a short loss of appetite in the first few days after giving birth. This is a whirlwind of time for you and your new family. You are learning how to care for a baby and still recovering from labor. Due to all of the changes and excitement, many people are overly tired, might be in some pain, or are just feeling a bit overwhelmed, so their hunger ends up getting pushed to the side.

How long will it last?

It is normal for your lack of appetite to last for a few days to a few weeks. Of course, every person is different and you should talk with your care provider once you notice it right away so you can discuss what might be the cause. If you notice you still aren’t feeling hungry after a few months, this could be a symptom of postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is depression that occurs after childbirth. Symptoms include insomnia, intense irritability, difficulty bonding with your baby, and loss of appetite. When you are experiencing postpartum depression, it can be isolating, but it is important to know you are not alone and there are people who can support and help you. To care for your mental and emotional health, ask your care provider for help and information to support yourself, develop a support team to be there for you, and try talking to others who have experienced birth-related mental health challenges.

How do I gain my appetite back?

Eating nutritious food is very important for your recovery. After birth, your body needs to replenish your iron levels and other nutrients in your body. Whole foods and sources of carbohydrates will help you get the necessary nutrients you need postpartum. It can be hard to eat and get the nutrients when you are lacking an appetite, but if you try sticking to nourishing snacks and small, frequent meals it may help your appetite return to normal.

One thing we recommend for postpartum families is hiring a Postpartum Doula. Postpartum doulas will help you make that transition into recovery, bonding, and caring for a new life a positive experience. Brilliant Births Postpartum Doulas nurture and support new families so that you can focus on healing and getting to know your little one. They make life easier by providing you with insight and tools to be great parents, taking care of household chores, and preparing delicious nutritious meals for you!