3 Reasons Alcohol May Not Be Helping Your Postpartum Health Journey

I want to begin by saying, I completely understand how balancing your health, family life, and self-care can feel overwhelming at times—especially after childbirth.

And if you enjoy an occasional glass of wine or a celebratory drink, I’m not here to tell you to stop. I truly believe in the power of balance, and I want to help you make informed choices that align with your healing journey, especially when it comes to your pelvic health, core strength, and overall well-being.

That said, while alcohol might seem like a simple way to unwind, it can have an impact on your recovery, and it's important to understand why. If you're working on rebuilding your core strength, managing persistent pain, or healing from pelvic floor issues like incontinence, alcohol might be getting in the way. Let’s dive into three reasons why alcohol can slow down your recovery and what you can do about it.

Reason #1: Alcohol Can Slow Down Your Healing Process

After childbirth, your body is in recovery mode—working hard to heal your core, pelvic floor, and muscles. When you drink alcohol, your liver shifts into "detox" mode and prioritizes breaking down the alcohol. This means that instead of focusing on rebuilding your core strength or burning fat, your body is focused on processing the alcohol.

So, what does this mean for you as a postpartum mom? It can delay your body’s ability to heal and restore your strength. It’s like your body hits the pause button on all the amazing recovery work it’s trying to do. If you’re looking to regain control over your pelvic health or reduce persistent pain, regular alcohol consumption can slow things down.

Reason #2: Alcohol Can Lead to Poor Food Choices

I know firsthand how exhausting and stressful it can be to manage your health after giving birth. And sometimes, when you're feeling tired or overwhelmed, a drink might feel like a way to unwind. But alcohol can also lower your food inhibitions and make it harder to make healthy food choices.

For example, have you ever had a glass of wine and found yourself reaching for something salty or sugary? It’s all too easy to slip into a binge-eating habit after a drink. As a postpartum mom, this can lead to unwanted weight gain, bloating, or simply not nourishing your body in ways that support your recovery goals.

I always encourage my clients to be mindful about their choices—making sure that food and drink serve their health goals, not hinder them. Sometimes it’s better to enjoy the occasional treat without the added temptation alcohol might bring.

Reason #3: Alcohol Can Affect Your Hormones and Pelvic Floor Health

After giving birth, your hormones are already fluctuating as your body works to find its new balance. Alcohol can interfere with this delicate balance, potentially contributing to pelvic floor issues like incontinence or pelvic pain. Alcohol can raise stress hormones, like cortisol, which may add strain to your pelvic floor muscles, making recovery more difficult.

If you’re struggling with leaky bladders, pelvic pain, or weak core strength, alcohol could be making it harder for your body to heal. I encourage my clients to consider how their habits, including alcohol, may be affecting their pelvic health and make adjustments where possible.

So, What Can You Do?

You don’t need to eliminate alcohol entirely, but being mindful of how it affects your healing process is key. Moderation is important. If you do choose to have a drink, stick to light options—like a simple glass of wine or a vodka soda with lime—rather than sugary cocktails or calorie-heavy mixers.

As a postpartum mom, your body deserves the best care and attention so that you can feel strong and vibrant. I want you to feel empowered to make decisions that support your health and healing, whether that means enjoying a planned indulgence or choosing to hold off for a little while longer.

Healing and reclaiming your wellness is a journey, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.