--- title: "The postpartum period: an issue not yet adequately addressed by nutraceuticals" description: Society is paying increasing attention to the impact of the postpartum period on the health of young mothers. Nutraceuticals have an essential role to play in supporting these women. image: https://blog.armor-proteines.com/hubfs/shutterstock_1657466500.jpg --- [![Armor Protéines](https://blog.armor-proteines.com/hubfs/Blog/logo-AP%20(1).svg)](https://www.armor-proteines.com/) - [Nutrition](https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/tag/nutrition) - [R&D](https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/tag/rd) - [Trends](https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/tag/trends) - [Food Industry](https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/tag/food-industry) - [Newsletter](https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/postpartum-period-an-issue-not-yet-adequately-addressed-by-nutraceuticals#newsletter) # The postpartum period: an issue not yet adequately addressed by nutraceuticals **Magali Dulauroy** ![](https://blog.armor-proteines.com/hubfs/shutterstock_1657466500.jpg) [Nutrition](https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/tag/nutrition) [dietary supplements](https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/tag/dietary-supplements) [women's health](https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/tag/womens-health) published on October 24, 2023 Share this article [![facebook](https://2660472.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2660472/Images/Blog/facebook-1.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/postpartum-period-an-issue-not-yet-adequately-addressed-by-nutraceuticals) [![linkedin](https://2660472.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2660472/Images/Blog/linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/postpartum-period-an-issue-not-yet-adequately-addressed-by-nutraceuticals) [![twitter](https://2660472.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2660472/Images/Blog/twitter-1.svg)](http://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/postpartum-period-an-issue-not-yet-adequately-addressed-by-nutraceuticals) [Subscribe to our blog](https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/postpartum-period-an-issue-not-yet-adequately-addressed-by-nutraceuticals#newsletter) In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare sector, accelerating the development of new **preventive** solutions. In this particular global context, numerous feminist claims have also highlighted various issues, including the impact of the **postpartum** period on young mothers. This combination of factors has led to the emergence of new innovation levers in the **nutraceuticals** sector, to respond to an issue that is yet to be fully addressed. ## The postpartum period: a difficult time after pregnancy ### What is postpartum? Postpartum is the period between the **end of childbirth and the resumption of menstruation**, i.e. the first menstrual period after pregnancy. During this period, the mother can experience **physical upheavals** such as fatigue, sleep disorders, aches and pains, and loss of appetite. She may also experience **emotional upheavals**, including reduced libido, loss of interest in activities, panic or anxiety attacks, sadness, mood swings, and irritability. These emotional changes are mainly baby-related and can include a lack of interest in the baby, worry, feelings of inability to care for the baby, guilt, and a loss of esteem for motherhood. This period, often referred to as the "**baby blues**", can last from a few hours to a few days. However, when symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it may be **postpartum depression \[1\]**. ### Many women suffer during the postpartum period A large proportion of young mothers are affected by postpartum difficulties: On average, **58%** are affected by the baby blues \[2\]. **64%** of women suffer from fatigue after childbirth \[2\] and **60-80%** from psychological disorders (anxiety, mood) \[3\]. Postpartum depression affects **10 to 15%** of women worldwide \[4\]. In France, almost **one mother in five** is affected by this condition within four weeks of giving birth \[5\]. Postpartum depression can last for **months** or even over a year if not treated promptly. It can hinder the creation of a harmonious, well-adjusted bond between mother and baby, which is essential for the **child's mental and emotional development,** and the **health of the mother** and the couple in the medium and long term. ## An approach to postpartum care that’s evolving little by little ### A complex subject that deserves more attention The postpartum period is a delicate subject that deserves proper attention. It involves **complex interactions** between several factors, whether **psychological**, **social**, **biological, genetic** or **environmental**. These factors include stress, lack of sleep, a history of depression, hormonal problems (falling estrogen, progesterone and thyroid hormone levels), genetics, and oxytocin regulation \[1\]. Unfortunately, postpartum depression is still **underdiagnosed** and **undertreated**. Only **one in two women** suffering from this condition are recognized as ill by their GP or other healthcare professionals \[6\]. ### Towards the development of solutions for postpartum disorders #### A. Current view of the postpartum period by businesses and society   The period after childbirth for women is now given greater consideration within the corporate and medical sectors. In France, for example, the postpartum period is beginning to be taken seriously, with an **early postnatal interview** offered to young mothers since July 1st, 2022, which is covered up to 70% by the national health insurance scheme \[7\] . Also in France, out of more than 100 **FemTech** startups, **13% are positioned in the maternity and postpartum** **sector** \[8\]. FemTech refers to all innovative technologies, products and services, including dietary supplements, dedicated to women's health: fertility, contraception, menstrual cycles, sexual well-being, menopause, etc.   #### B. Nutraceuticals: a solution just waiting to be developed   Despite the many postpartum issues mentioned above, dietary supplements specifically designed for this period are **not** **yet widely available on the market**. [Nutraceuticals](https://www.armor-proteines.com/en/innovation-dairy-products-our-solutions/thematiques/nutraceutique/) offer interesting benefits for women in the postpartum period, combating **mood swings**, **fatigue**, **stress**, and **hair loss,** and **improving the quality of breast milk**. It is also important to note that **breastfeeding women have greater needs**, particularly for **water** and **vitamins A and B**. Pregnancy, like breastfeeding, leads to an increase in the mother's energy requirements \[9\]. As such, it is important to develop postpartum-specific dietary supplements with formulas that are **compatible with breastfeeding**, meet women's **specific nutritional needs** during this period, and guarantee the product's **safety** and **efficacy** for both mother and baby. However, it is important to note that nutraceuticals cannot replace **comprehensive**, personalized postpartum **care**. Women with symptoms of postpartum depression or other mental health problems should consult a qualified **health professional** for proper diagnosis and treatment.   --- References \[1\] MSD manual. Postpartum depression, 2022 \[2\] Badr HA, Zauszniewski JA. Meta-analysis of the predictive factors of postpartum fatigue. Appl Nurs Res. 2017 Aug; 36:122-127. doi: 10.1016/j.apnr.2017.06.010. Epub 2017 Jun 19. PMID: 28720232. \[3\] Manjunath NG, Venkatesh G, Rajanna. Postpartum Blue is Common in Socially and Economically Insecure Mothers. Indian J Community Med. 2011 Jul;36(3):231-3. doi: 10.4103/0970-0218.86527. PMID: 22090680; PMCID: PMC3214451 \[4\] Woody CA, Ferrari A, Siskind D, Whiteford H, Harris M. A systematic review and meta-regression of the prevalence and incidence of perinatal depression. J Affect Disord. 2017; 219: 86-92 \[5\] santé Publique France, 1000 premiers jours.fr, Le baby blues et la dépression post-partum, April 2024 \[6\] C Cardaillac, C Rua, E G Simon, W El-Hage, Oxytocin and postpartum depression, 2016 \[7\] CNGOF. Troubles psychiques de la grossesse et du post-partum \[8\] Care Insights. Etat des lieux femtech, 2023 \[9\] ANSES OPINION on the updating of the PNNS dietary guidelines for pregnant or breastfeeding women, 2019 \[10\] Rich in the calcium needed to maintain normal bones, and in proteins that help maintain normal bones \[11\] Source of iron that helps reduce fatigue   If you want to know more about our women's health products, reach out to our experts [![Contact us!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3378452/d52466b4-5d38-44f0-8b96-001d23215634.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3378452/d52466b4-5d38-44f0-8b96-001d23215634) ## You may also be interested in these articles ### [Choose Caseinates: The strategic return of caseinates in high protein formulations](https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/choose-caseinates-the-strategic-return-of-caseinates-in-high-protein-formulations) Nicolas ERABIT, published on August 3, 2026 Choose Caseinates: The strategic return of caseinates in high protein ... [Read more ![](https://2660472.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2660472/Fl%C3%A8che.svg)](https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/choose-caseinates-the-strategic-return-of-caseinates-in-high-protein-formulations) ### [2026: Key emerging trends](https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/2026-key-emerging-trends) Marine CALBRIX, published on December 23, 2025 [Read more ![](https://2660472.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2660472/Fl%C3%A8che.svg)](https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/2026-key-emerging-trends) ### [Women's health: bringing issues out of the shadows](https://blog.armor-proteines.com/en/womens-health-bringing-issues-out-of-the-shadows) Magali Dulauroy, published on June 4, 2025 Did you know? Women perceive themselves to be in poorer health than men ... 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