Post Pregnancy Sweating: The Glow-Up No One Warned You About

There’s the kinda sweat you get on those summer days… and then there’s post-pregnancy sweating that feels like you’ve got your own jacuzzi going on in your bra! You knew life postpartum was going to be a tough gig, but surely this is taking it too far? Sweating under your breasts this much can’t be normal?

Well, keep reading! We’re going to explain why new mums get boob sweat and excessive sweating at night postpartum. It’s more common than you think, and honestly, there’s nothing to be worried about, because we’ve got tips and advice on how to manage

What Is Post-Pregnancy Sweating?

Postnatal sweating is when your body sweats excessively, more so than usual. It’s common for women postpartum to experience unexpected temperature fluctuations due to hormonal changes, fluid shifts, and breast milk production.

Post-pregnancy sweating can sometimes lead to skin rashes because of the excess moisture lingering on your skin and your clothes. It can be uncomfortable, especially when it’s already hot outside, so good hygiene and using products that can support this is essential.

Tip: During hot weather spells, nursing your baby at the breast may be too hot and close for both of you. Expressing milk using an electric breast pump or wearing a milk catcher can ensure your baby is fed without being stuck to each other!

What Causes Post-Pregnancy Sweating?

During pregnancy, your body retains a lot of fluids to nourish your baby with and protect them, which is why you’re always encouraged to stay hydrated. After your baby is born your hormones go into “clean up” mode, instructing your body to rid itself of all the extra fluid it retained for the last 9 months!

Your estrogen levels are lowered after pregnancy, especially if you’re breastfeeding, and this mimics some of the symptoms often related to menopause. Exclusive breastfeeding keeps your estrogen levels low and your prolactin levels rise, and ovulation takes longer to return which all makes you more prone to night sweats postpartum.

Post-pregnancy sweating can happen during the night too as well as randomly during the day. Often referred to as “night sweats” after birth. Your hormones will eventually settle and temperature fluctuations and sweating under your breasts will be a thing of the past.

We get it, you probably don’t want to talk about boob sweat - but it’s more common than you think. And if we can all feel comfortable talking about the uncomfortable together, the problem is already halfway to being solved.

Night Sweats After Birth: What’s Normal?

Now we’ve got a better understanding of what post-pregnancy sweating and night sweats are, let’s talk about normalising this. For some women, it feels like “TMI” (too much information) and oversharing but the more we know and understand our bodies the better!

Postnatal sweating tends to be worse during the first few weeks after childbirth because your estrogen levels are rebalancing, alongside breast milk production kicking in, and the stresses that come with caring for a newborn. 

It can be useful to track your symptoms throughout your postpartum recovery, such as night sweats after birth, because severe or long-term symptoms may indicate other issues that require medical attention. Some night sweating is normal and will taper off eventually as your hormones settle.

How to manage postpartum sweating at night

• Wear breathable sleepwear such as cotton or linen loungewear at night time to feel more comfortable whilst sleeping.

• Dress the bed with lighter bedding and opt for a sheet instead of a duvet if this is more comfortable postpartum sweating at night.

• Stay hydrated. Why would you drink more I hear you ask? Your body is losing a lot of fluid but it’s a jerk reaction to not being pregnant anymore. You need to stay hydrated to support your own health and milk production for breastfeeding.

• Avoid peak temperatures from midday and late afternoon to stay cool.

Breastfeeding & Sweating: What's the Connection?

Following childbirth, your hormones are still changing to prepare your body to breastfeed and all these changes affect the part of the brain which controls your body temperature. 

Your body heat can rise when you breastfeed because lactation hormones such as prolactin increase to establish breast milk production and keep your estrogen levels low. Low estrogen triggers a rise in body temperature and you sweat more as your body tries to cool you down. 

Skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby helps you both to bond and can make your body temperature rise slightly - another reason why you may feel warmer when you’re nursing and trigger post-pregnancy sweating.

Tip: Your baby’s temperature control is still developing, meaning they can get hot and cool down slower. Wear a muslin cloth between you for comfort and keep your body heat off each other.

How to breastfeed comfortably through postpartum sweating

If you haven’t already tried using a breast pump, now might be a good time to experiment. Investing in an electric breast pump to use on the go is ideal when you don’t want to breastfeed in the heat or you want to feel more comfortable if you’re struggling with post-pregnancy sweating.

You can pump breast milk and store it for later using breast milk storage bags or feed it straight from the bag or bottle to your baby. It offers you more flexibility and also helps some mums to feel more confident knowing they don’t need to breastfeed exclusively in public if they don’t want to.

Wearing a milk catcher in your bra is another handy way of passively collecting milk leaks throughout the day and a more discreet way to collect milk without adding bulky layers. They are especially helpful to wear during nighttime feeds when sweating is high.

Tip: Got a few extra milk storage bags? Freeze 'em! Fill with water, pop in the freezer, and boom; DIY ice pack for your snacks or on-the-go milk stash!

Common Skin Irritations to Watch Out For

When too much moisture is on the skin, it can start to irritate the skin and cause a skin rash. Boob sweat postpartum is one of those triggers that can lead to skin rashes, chafing, and irritation - especially underneath the breasts.

Sweat rash is similar to heat rash where the skin will feel sore, appear red and blotchy, and itchy. Although a sweat rash under your breast sounds quite mild, if left untreated it can lead to other conditions such as intertrigo.

How to prevent boob sweat rash

Boob sweat is easy to treat and control when you have the right information at your fingertips. Take note of some of these tips so you can go about your day-to-day without breaking (too much of a) sweat.

Postnatal Sweating Remedies & How to Feel Better

Post-pregnancy sweating doesn’t have to get the better of you. You are in control, even when the hot flushes spring out of nowhere and the excessive sweating starts - you’re still in control. Make it your business to learn what lifestyle choices and practical tips you can implement to reduce or prevent postnatal sweating.

• Stay hydrated.

• Adjust the room temperature at home.

• Wear loose, breathable layers for comfort.

• Consider expressing milk at cooler times of the day.

• Use a second pillowcase to protect your pillow from excess sweat.

• Place a waterproof mattress protector on the bed to protect the mattress from excess sweat.

• Place a towel on top of the sheet to absorb excessive sweating at night postpartum.

• Try sustainable and natural deodorants that won’t irritate postpartum skin.

• Wear nursing bras designed specifically for your fit, breathability, and comfort.

When to Seek Help with Postpartum Sweating

Although sweating is a part of our everyday bodily functions, there are other times when excessive sweating over a long period of time can be a sign of other medical conditions that require medical attention.

If your post-pregnancy sweating persists for more than a few months or presents alongside other symptoms such as fever, chills, or weight loss, you need to see your doctor. If anything, for peace of mind that it’s not linked to other unusual symptoms or medical conditions.

Excessive sweating is also linked to thyroid issues or postpartum infection. Although these would be considered as more rare conditions, they are still possible and worth getting checked.

Post-pregnancy sweating is normal for many mums, and lots of women note that it subsides in the fourth trimester. The good news is that there are lots of tips, tricks and methods to manage postpartum sweating and combat boob sweat.

Just remember that post-pregnancy sweating is also a phase that will pass! You’re recovering from childbirth, adjusting to your changing body and life with a newborn - and doing amazing.