Close-up of a parent gently holding their newborn’s hand while the baby rests on their chest, wrapped in a soft blanket

How to Know If You’re Doing Too Much Too Soon Postpartum (And What to Do Instead)

July 02, 20252 min read

The early postpartum weeks are a blur of love, hormones, recovery, and often…way too much pressure. Whether it's the dishes piling up, the pressure to "bounce back," or just wanting to prove you're okay—many parents end up pushing themselves before their bodies are ready.
If you're feeling off but can't quite pinpoint why, this post is for you.

Why Slowing Down Matters

  • Your body has just done incredible work.

  • Healing takes energy—physically, emotionally, and hormonally.

  • Pushing through exhaustion doesn’t speed up recovery; it delays it.


Postpartum is not a time to perform—it's a time to repair.

7 Subtle Signs You're Doing Too Much Too Soon

  1. Bleeding increases after activity – especially if bright red returns.

  2. You’re feeling lightheaded, shaky, or wired-tired.

  3. Mood crashes at the same time each day (often late afternoon).

  4. You're skipping meals or just grabbing snacks and calling it good.

  5. You can't fall asleep even when baby sleeps.

  6. Pelvic heaviness or back pain after being on your feet.

  7. You’re snapping more easily than usual—and feeling guilty for it.

What Helps Instead

This doesn’t mean bed rest forever. It means choosing intentional recovery. A few powerful swaps:

  • Feed yourself before the to-do list. (Yes, even before the dishes.)

  • Trade 10 minutes of chores for 10 minutes lying down.

  • Say yes when someone offers help—and ask when they don’t.

  • Prep warm, easy-to-digest meals ahead of time, or keep a few frozen.

  • Create a gentle rhythm instead of a strict schedule.

    ✨ Want help setting your body up to heal from the inside out?
    Grab my free Nutrition & Meal Prep Guide for the Early Postpartum
    This guide is your no-fluff, deeply nourishing blueprint for early postpartum recovery. Inside, you’ll learn:

    • What to eat (and drink) to actually feel better—not just survive

    • How to support your hormones, digestion, and energy naturally

    • Tips for managing discomfort and easing inflammation

    • Gentle ways to ask for and accept help

    • Simple, one-handed snack ideas

    Whether you're still pregnant or already in the thick of the fourth trimester, this guide will help you feel more grounded, fed, and cared for.

Final Thoughts

You’re not falling behind—you’re building the foundation for lifelong health.
Listening to your body now means more energy, smoother recovery, and less burnout later.
Be gentle. Be fed. Be still when you can.

💛 You’re doing enough—even when you're resting.

Hi, I’m Janae. Postpartum doula. Mom of two. Bay Area native.

I have always been passionate about doing work that provides deep, meaningful support. After years of working as a nanny and my own experience in becoming a mother, I found the support for new parents to be nearly non-existent. When my kids were born I felt very unprepared and alone. 

I became a doula because I know how hard postpartum is. I know how it feels to be exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure of yourself as a new parent. I also know it doesn't have to feel that way.

Janae Gabrielle

Hi, I’m Janae. Postpartum doula. Mom of two. Bay Area native. I have always been passionate about doing work that provides deep, meaningful support. After years of working as a nanny and my own experience in becoming a mother, I found the support for new parents to be nearly non-existent. When my kids were born I felt very unprepared and alone. I became a doula because I know how hard postpartum is. I know how it feels to be exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure of yourself as a new parent. I also know it doesn't have to feel that way.

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