Postpartum Sweating Explained: What’s Causing the Funk and How to Manage It
Ah, postpartum—the beautiful chaos of newborn cuddles, endless diapers, and… all that sweating! If you’re reading this with a mix of curiosity and exasperation, you’re not alone. The postpartum period brings a whirlwind of changes, and some of them—like night sweats and that distinct postpartum odor—can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the thing: these changes, as unpleasant as they may seem, are your body’s way of recovering and adapting. As the famous quote by Maya Angelou goes, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” Postpartum is a lot like that.
Let’s dive into why your body is doing what it’s doing, why you might feel like a human sauna, and most importantly, how to manage it all without losing your mind.
Why Am I Sweating So Much Postpartum?
Your Body’s Natural Detox
First, let’s give credit where it’s due: your body is working hard after childbirth. While we often focus on the physical recovery—things like your uterus shrinking back to size and your body adjusting to the lack of a baby inside—your body is also busy doing a serious detox. Night sweats, for example, aren’t just about temperature regulation; they’re your body’s way of releasing extra fluid, flushing out any toxins, and generally finding balance after the chaos of pregnancy.
Your blood volume nearly doubled during pregnancy to nourish that little bundle of joy, and now your body no longer needs all that extra fluid, so it flushes it out. Sweating is just one way it does that. You might notice an uptick in night sweats during the first few weeks postpartum, and though it may be uncomfortable, it’s just your body cleaning house.
Hormones and the Sweat Factor
Now, here’s where it gets a bit trickier: hormones. Pregnancy, as we all know, causes a huge flood of hormonal changes, and the postpartum period is no different. During pregnancy, your body is pumping out estrogen and progesterone to support your baby. After birth, however, there’s a rapid decrease in these hormones, and this can leave you feeling hot, sweaty, and downright stinky.
This hormonal shift impacts your apocrine sweat glands, which are concentrated in areas like your armpits, breasts, and groin. These glands produce a thicker, greasier type of sweat. While sweat in itself is actually odorless, when it mixes with the bacteria on your skin, it starts to smell. So if you’ve noticed your usual deodorant just isn’t cutting it like it used to, that’s why.
And if you’re breastfeeding, you might experience even more sweating. The hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production, suppresses estrogen levels, which can make you sweat more. Yes, breastfeeding burns calories (around 400 to 500 per day, which is essentially like running a marathon every day), but it also cranks up the sweat factor.
Why Do You Smell So Much?
As if the sweating wasn’t enough, let’s talk about the smell. This is a tough one, because it’s not just your body that’s changing—it’s also your sense of smell. Thanks to the hormone prolactin (yep, again), you’re likely noticing that your olfactory senses are heightened postpartum. In fact, you might be more sensitive to odors than you ever were before pregnancy, even those familiar smells that didn’t bother you before can now seem overpowering. You might feel like you’re walking around in a cloud of baby spit-up and body odor, even when you just stepped out of the shower. It’s all part of the postpartum ride.
But let’s take a moment to look on the bright side. While your sense of smell might feel like a curse at times, it actually has a beautiful purpose. Your baby’s sense of smell is fully developed by the time they’re born, and they’re using that sense to find you—their food source. That’s right, that slightly stronger scent coming from your underarms and breasts? It’s a biological signal to your baby, helping them latch on when it’s time for a feed. So, while it’s a bit of a shock to the system, your body is actually doing something pretty amazing to help with bonding.
“A mother’s love transcends every physical challenge.”
– Unknown
A Personal Story: Postpartum BO and Breastfeeding
As a breastfeeding mom, I can confidently say—postpartum body odor is no joke! I’d shower, scrub with body wash, and yet, the smell would linger like an uninvited guest. Since I avoid artificial fragrances, I knew that might play a role, but even so, my deodorant couldn’t keep up—I was sweating through it in record time!
On my journey for a solution, I tried armpit detox masks. I mixed equal parts bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar, spread it on my armpits, and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing. It helped some, but the odor didn’t fully go away. Finally, I switched to a charcoal deodorant, and it was a game-changer! While I still sweated, the smell was under control.
I’m curious to see if the odor will fade after I stop breastfeeding, but for now, the natural charcoal deodorant has been a lifesaver.
This post may contain affiliate links. When you buy through links or my site, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Also, the information on this site is NOT intended to be medical advice. Please seek professional medical care if needed. See disclosures for more information.
Practical Tips: Managing Postpartum Sweat and Smell
Okay, so now that we’ve gotten through the science behind the sweat and scent, let’s talk about how to manage it without feeling like you’re constantly battling your own body. Because, let’s face it, feeling “not-so-fresh” when you’re already juggling so many changes can be overwhelming.
Here are a few tips to keep you feeling a little more in control:
- Stay Hydrated: It may seem counterintuitive, but drinking plenty of water helps regulate your body’s fluid balance and supports your kidneys in flushing out toxins. Aim for at least 8–10 glasses a day, and keep a water bottle handy during those late-night feedings.
- Shower (or Rinse) Regularly: While a luxurious shower might feel like a distant dream, a quick rinse can work wonders. Washing away sweat and bacteria helps reduce odor and leaves you feeling refreshed. If time is tight, even a sponge bath can make a big difference.
- Choose Breathable Fabrics: Wearing loose, natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo can help wick away moisture and keep you cool. Tight, synthetic clothing tends to trap sweat and can make odor worse, so opt for breathable options whenever possible.
- Switch to Natural Deodorants: Many postpartum moms find that traditional deodorants don’t cut it anymore—or they prefer to avoid strong fragrances that might confuse their baby. Natural deodorants with ingredients like baking soda or coconut oil can help manage odor while being gentle on your skin.
- Try an Armpit Detox: This might sound unusual, but some moms swear by using a natural clay mask (like bentonite clay) on their underarms to draw out toxins and reduce odor. While not scientifically proven, it’s a safe and simple option to experiment with.
- Babywear Wisely: If you’re babywearing, opt for a carrier with breathable fabric and make sure to dress in lightweight clothing underneath. This can help you stay cooler while keeping your baby close.
- Give Yourself Grace: This one’s the most important. Postpartum is a season of adjustment, and sweating or smelling different is just one part of the journey. As long as you’re staying healthy and hydrated, you’re doing just fine. Don’t stress about perfection—your body is doing an incredible thing!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, postpartum body odor might feel like one of the least glamorous aspects of motherhood, but it’s temporary, and it’s totally normal. Your body is doing a lot of heavy lifting—rebalancing hormones, learning how to care for your newborn, and getting back to its pre-pregnancy self. So, while you might not be feeling like your most fragrant self, remember that you’re doing an amazing job.
Give yourself the grace you deserve, trust that your body is just figuring things out, and don’t hesitate to reach out to fellow moms when you need to vent (or laugh) about the weirdness of it all.
