Hi there, new mamas and mamas-to-be! Melissa here, talking about a predicament we don’t hear about too often that affects many new moms right after birth: postpartum night sweats. I know what you are thinking: aren’t all the other discomforts of pregnancy enough? When that baby pops out, am I not DONE?

Well, sadly, no. Postpartum night sweats plagued me in the weeks following each of my deliveries and frankly, they hit me by surprise since I had never heard of them. I felt clammy during the night, threw off my covers and had to frequently change my nightgown, nursing bra and everything else. Yup.

Having suffered through postpartum night sweats myself, I thought I would introduce the topic openly and offer up some tips for you all. So with all that said, here is what worked for me!

A mechanism your body employs to rid itself of the extra fluid it retained during pregnancy, postpartum sweating — along with frequent urination after giving birth — are completely normal.  Ever-so-efficient, your body simply has no need for the excess fluids it retained during pregnancy to keep your baby cozy and safe. So when your baby is born, it’s time for these fluids to go! These sweats are engineered to return your body to a natural state. There are no two ways about it: you need to sweat and pee ALOT. So the question is how to do so comfortably.

Keep Hydrating Yourself

With your body ridding itself of excess water, you can easily get dehydrated and feel lousy. So make sure to drink lots of water, herbal teas, and other fluids to compensate for all of the water you’re losing. Hydration is extremely important for everyone, and especially for moms who are breastfeeding. Remember also that more hydration equals more urination, which means your body is getting rid of the toxins and excess water quicker, which will in turn cause your night sweats and postpartum symptoms to subside sooner. So keep drinking, mamas!

Wear Light, Breathable Fabrics and Layer!

Sticky, wet clothing makes an exhausted new mama fell even worse. To feel more comfortable while sleeping, wear light and breathable fabrics such as cotton. If this doesn’t work and you are still uncomfortable sleeping, try sleeping in your birthday suit. I liked sleeping in layers, like shorts and a top with a cozier sweatpants and sweatshirt layered on top. As I got hot or sweaty, I removed a layer for immediate relief and cooling. This is more psychological cooling, but it worked for me! Whatever helps you feel cool and unconstricted is the way to go. New moms cannot afford to lose sleep!

Keep Your Bedroom Cool 

Adjust your home’s heating and cooling system to lower the temperature in your bedroom. If your system is linked to the rest of the house, try utilizing fans and open windows to cool down your room. The direct breeze will make you feel less constricted, and the airflow will combat overheating.

Protect Your Bed

If you suffer from night sweats that soak through your pajamas and sheets, purchase a mattress protector. Letting the sweat soak into the mattress can cause damage, mold and and smelling overtime that may result in your having to throw it out. What a waste of money and time! Avoid doing this by putting down a cotton protector, one similar to that you will use for your child’s bed to prevent them from wetting their mattress. Plastic protectors crinkle and crunch every time you move (which could awaken a sleep partner), so stick with the cotton versions. You can find one of my favorite waterproof mattress protectors here.

Cool Down Your Bed

Some great mattress covers increase ventilation and thermoregulation, keeping your body cooler while you sleep. If you want to give this a try, check out a thermoregulating mattress cover here.

And consider layering on an extra top and fitted sheet. That way, if you dampen the first set, you can simply rip it off and sleep comfortably on layer number 2.

There you have it! Postpartum night sweats are extremely common and nothing to be worried about. If you are experiencing unusual or extreme postpartum symptoms such as fevers, see your doctor.

Thank you so much for reading, and please share your experience with postpartum night sweats and how you dealt with them. Stay cool, mamas!

Thanks for reading and happy fall!

Melissa