The postpartum period is a major transition (physically, hormonally, and emotionally). While most attention goes to the baby, a mother’s recovery is just as important for long-term health. One way to support healing is through targeted lab testing. These tests can reveal nutrient depletion, hormone shifts, and early health concerns. But not every lab is useful right away, since the body naturally fluctuates after birth. Here’s a guide to the most important labs, which ones to hold off on, and insights into what recovery really looks like.
Key Lab Tests After Birth
1. Iron and Anemia Markers
Blood loss during delivery and the demands of breastfeeding can leave many women iron-deficient. Up to 28% of mothers experience anemia, which can cause fatigue, depression, and slow healing.
Recommended labs:
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Hemoglobin (Hgb), Hematocrit (Hct)
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Ferritin (aim for >50 ng/mL; can be falsely high with inflammation)
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Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) – high levels may point to B12 deficiency
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Homocysteine and Serum B12 – to evaluate B12 status
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C-reactive protein (CRP) – helps spot lingering inflammation
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D often stays low after pregnancy, affecting both mother and baby.
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Optimal levels: >40 ng/mL, ideally 50–80 ng/mL
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Supplementation:
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Breastfeeding: ~6,400 IU/day
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Not breastfeeding: 4,000–5,000 IU/day
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Adjust based on labs
3. Thyroid Function
Postpartum thyroiditis affects nearly 1 in 4 mothers. It can cause swings between overactive and underactive thyroid and sometimes leads to lifelong hypothyroidism. Symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and hair loss often get brushed off as “normal” postpartum.
Recommended labs (3–6 months postpartum, or earlier if symptoms appear):
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TSH
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Free T3, Free T4
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Reverse T3
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Thyroid antibodies (TPOAb, TgAb)
4. Blood Sugar
Women with a history of gestational diabetes are at higher risk of long-term metabolic issues. But even without GDM, knowing your blood sugar status can guide diet and lifestyle choices.
Recommended labs (6–12 weeks postpartum):
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Fasting blood glucose
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HbA1c
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Fasting insulin
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Optional: home glucose monitoring
5. Select Micronutrients
Breastfeeding raises the need for certain vitamins, especially B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin C, and choline. If pregnancies are close together, nutrient depletion can be even greater.
Recommended labs (around 3–6 months postpartum):
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Vitamin B12, MMA, Homocysteine
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Magnesium (RBC) – more accurate than serum magnesium and helpful if experiencing sleep issues, cramping, or anxiety
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Other nutrients based on symptoms or diet
6. Additional Markers
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DHEA-S: Reflects adrenal health (stress response)
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Zinc: Important for immunity and hormones
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OmegaCheck (EPA + DHA Index): Measures anti-inflammatory omega-3s and DHA levels, which support maternal mood and infant brain development
Labs to Wait On
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Lipid panels: Cholesterol and triglycerides stay naturally elevated for months postpartum. Best to test at 6–12 months or after breastfeeding.
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Micronutrient panels (during pregnancy): More accurate and useful postpartum than during pregnancy.
Beyond Labs: The Recovery Timeline
Healing doesn’t end at six weeks. Recovery is ongoing, often taking a year or more.
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0–2 weeks: Uterus shrinks, wounds heal, milk production begins
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Up to 6–8 weeks: Bleeding slows, pelvic floor repairs, hormones shift
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3–12 months+: Hair shedding, nutrient depletion, sleep disruption
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Up to 2 years: Nutrient stores still rebuilding, especially with breastfeeding or back-to-back pregnancies
What affects recovery speed?
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Vaginal vs. cesarean delivery
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Birth complications (bleeding, infections, tears)
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Length and intensity of labor
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Sleep deprivation and feeding demands
Nutrition for Postpartum Healing
Postpartum and lactation are some of the most nutrient-demanding phases of life. The body prioritizes breast milk, often at the mother’s expense.
Key nutrients to restore:
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Iron & B12: Energy, mood, and healing
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Collagen: Tissue repair
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Choline, iodine, DHA: Brain and thyroid health for both mother and baby
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Others: Zinc, vitamins A, C, D, selenium, magnesium, electrolytes
Caloric & protein needs:
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~500 extra calories/day while breastfeeding
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Protein: 1.7–1.9 g/kg/day (up to 80% higher than standard needs)
Movement and Pelvic Floor Care
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Start movement gradually
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Pelvic floor therapy can help with scar tissue, diastasis recti, and muscle strength
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Avoid intense workouts too soon as stress can strain the adrenals
Mental Health and Matrescence
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Baby blues: 50–80% of mothers
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Postpartum depression/anxiety: Up to 30%, often peaking around 4 months
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Postpartum psychosis: Rare, but urgent
Nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12, vitamin D, magnesium, selenium, DHA) and thyroid issues can play a role in mood disorders. Screening is important if symptoms persist.
Final Thoughts
Postpartum recovery doesn’t fit into a 6-week checkup. It’s a long, layered process that can take months to years. Lab testing, nutrition, hormone support, and mental health care all matter. By focusing on the mother—not just the baby—we set the stage for lasting wellness.
At The Lanby, our concierge care model supports mothers through every stage of recovery. Our team—physician, registered dietitian, and member advocate—works together to guide your labs, nutrition, hormones, and overall healing. With unlimited visits, personalized plans, and continuous support, all for one annual fee, we provide the level of care every new mother deserves.
Learn more or book a free consult at thelanby.com
