Postpartum recovery
Recovering from NVP and HG, especially if symptoms persist until delivery, can take some time. It’s important to give yourself time to recover from any pregnancy, labour and birth - and even more so if you’ve survived a pregnancy that rendered you sick. Experts suggest that it can take 1-2 months of recovery for every one month you lived with NVP or HG. Remember to be kind to your body and mind, and allow yourself the time and care you need to feel well and strong.
Supplement & Replenish
Any normal pregnancy can leave you depleted in important stores of vitamins and nutrients. During the postpartum period, you are encouraged to focus on rebuilding your stores of certain things in order to return to a healthy equilibrium. When NVP or HG is a factor in pregnancy this is of particular concern. While pregnant, you are naturally resupplying your body with the vitamins and nutrients the baby is drawing from - but this is near impossible when you cannot eat and drink normally.
The big ones to look out for are iron, B vitamins, folic acid, zinc, copper and magnesium. Your doctor will be able to conduct tests to monitor your levels and suggest supplements or dietary requirements that can ensure you rebuild your stores. It is also recommended to take a prenatal or multivitamin, especially if you’re breastfeeding, to help boost your stores of these essential nutrients.
Postnatal depletion refers to the physical and emotional exhaustion experienced after pregnancy and childbirth, often exacerbated by the demands of caring for a newborn. It can manifest as fatigue, mood swings, and difficulty coping with daily tasks. Prioritising rest and seeking support are crucial in addressing postnatal depletion and promoting recovery.
Mental Health
There is no denying that living with NVP or HG for any amount of time has a profound impact on your mental health. If you were receiving professional support for your mental health while you were pregnant, it may be beneficial to continue this postpartum. Research shows that individuals who have complicated pregnancies, like those affected by NVP and HG, are more likely to develop postpartum depression and/or anxiety. It’s important to stay on top of your mental health postpartum and seek help if you feel yourself struggling.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is common among HG survivors. This condition is associated with a number of negative outcomes for women including an inability to breastfeed, relationship and financial problems and a lack of self-care. If you feel you may be suffering from PTSD please get in touch so we can support you.
We recommend checking out the following organisations who are experts in postpartum depression and anxiety.
-
COPE
The Centre of Perinatal Excellence has a number of online resources for all stages of family planning plus the eCope directory will help you find an accredited mental healthcare provider in your area
-
PANDA
Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) has online resources for expecting parents and healthcare providers, a helpline to call for immediate support, and an education hub with downloadable resources
-
GIDGET
The Gidget Foundation offers a free video counselling service for new and expecting mums who are struggling with their mental health and are unable to have a face-to-face consultation. Referrals are required
-
BEYONDBLUE
With lots of options for virtual points of contact - including online forums and real life stories - BeyondBlue are a great source of support when you’re struggling and can’t leave the house
-
PREGNANCY, BIRTH & BABY
The Pregnancy, Birth and Baby maternal child health nurses are available seven days a week over the phone or via video call between the hours of 7am and midnight (AET)
-
LIFELINE
Lifeline offer 24/7 crisis support via their online chat service, text or phone call
-
Recovery
Pregnancy, labour and birth are one of the hardest things the human body can experience. Adding the difficulties that arise from NVP and HG and your body is going to suffer. Remember that it takes nine months to make a baby, and so it will take at least that long to recover from it. We know that it’s easier said than done, but it’s important to remember to nurture yourself during the postpartum period. Continue to rely on the people around you, work with your doctor on a plan for regaining your health, and give yourself permission to rest whenever possible.
-
Continued symptoms
Unfortunately, some sufferers find that their symptoms persist after birth for weeks or months at a time. Others may have their symptoms reappear when they ovulate. While both are rare, it is important to work with your doctor to rule out any serious causes beyond lingering symptoms of NVP or HG. Once again, remember to be kind to your body and give yourself plenty of time to recover. You may need a few months to really feel like yourself again and that’s okay.
-
Exercise
We encourage you to ignore the damaging messaging about ‘bouncing back’ after birth. Your body has been through a profoundly intense experience and taking things slow and steady is the best way forward. Sufferers of NVP and HG may be bed-bound for weeks or months at a time, resulting loss of strength and tone. Collaborate with a physiotherapist or your GP to devise a suitable exercise plan that considers your unique circumstances, remembering that regaining fitness can be a gradual process, often taking as long as your pregnancy.
Engage the professionals
Collaborating with a trusted doctor, dietitian, or nutritionist, can aid in developing a meal plan that supports your postpartum recovery without exacerbating any existing aversions.
Experiencing sickness during pregnancy can create a complex relationship with food. Some individuals notice their appetites returning shortly after childbirth, while others may take weeks or even months to resume eating normally. It's crucial to recognise that everyone's journey is unique, and you should prioritise what feels right for you.
Food aversions experienced during pregnancy may persist postpartum for some sufferers. While some may reintroduce these foods into their diet months after giving birth, others may develop a lasting aversion. Similarly, safe foods that were relied upon during pregnancy may become unappealing due to overconsumption. It's not uncommon for these foods to evoke memories of the challenges faced during extreme pregnancy sickness, developing into triggers for PTSD-like episodes. If you find yourself reacting strongly to certain foods postpartum, it's perfectly fine to take a break from them until you feel prepared to reintroduce them.
At Hyperemesis Australia we firmly support and empower you in whatever decision you make regarding feeding your new baby. Many HG survivors find that after nine months of having no control over their body breastfeeding or chestfeeding is the last thing they want to do. Others see it as an important step in connecting with their baby after nine months of struggling with that connection. Whatever works for you is the best decision for your family - you are an important factor in all of this and your happiness and well-being is of paramount importance.
If you would like support on breastfeeding or chestfeeding we recommend looking into the following organisations:
Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand to find an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in your local area
La Leche League International for chestfeeding resources designed specifically for Trans and Non-Binary parents
Our friends at Hyperemesis Ireland have put together a handy list of FAQs on breastfeeding and chestfeeding after HG. Reading through these, and the stories of real-life HG survivors may answer some of your questions.