Okay, so you just had a baby and you are feeling worn out, sleep deprived, and maybe even overwhelmed.
Becoming a mom is HARD, whether you are a first time mom or a mom of three, each pregnancy, labour, delivery (& child) comes with it’s unique challenges.
All too often I see new moms come into my practice. They are tired, they have hair falling out, they feel overwhelmed on the best of days and they don’t remember the last time they had ten minutes completely to themselves.
But… that’s just being a mom right?
Once we become a mom, all of our concerns are pushed to the side.
Remember that bloating, gas and constipation you’ve always dealt with? Those hemorrhoids? That period that seems to come back with a vengeance?
Guess what? Being a mother is NOT a diagnosis
You deserve BETTER.
Just because your concerns are COMMON, does not make them normal. Below is my postpartum bloodwork checklist. Take this print it out and take it to your naturopathic or medical doctor, because feeling like crap is NOT part of motherhood.
Your Baseline Bloodwork checklist should include :
- Ferritin (this is your storage form of iron) – Low iron can result in heavy periods, dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss and low mood
- Full Thyroid Panel- This includes Free T3, Free T4, TSH, anti TG and anti TPO- Your thyroid is your metabolism master, so an imbalance in thyroid function can lead to many symptoms including (but not limited to) .
- Anxiety & Depression
- Hair loss
- Heart palpitations
- Rapid weight loss OR trouble losing weight
- Muscle pain and joint aches
- Trouble sleeping
- Dry skin
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Vitamin D – Low vitamin D has been associated with poor immune function, mental health concerns, autoimmune disease (including thyroid function issues), insulin resistance (leading to trouble losing weight, increased diabetes risk) and more!
- Vitamin B12- This is an important vitamin that plays major roles in the nervous system and a deficiency can be a contributor to mood disorders
Questions about testing or wanting to get your postpartum bloodwork done? Click here to book your appointment