Postpartum Anxiety and the Nervous System: A Functional Health & OT Perspective for St. Louis Moms

Written By Amy Wise

Postpartum anxiety is incredibly common — yet many moms in St. Louis County and Jefferson County are told their symptoms are “just hormones,” “normal new-mom stress,” or something they simply will get used to.

From both a functional health and occupational therapy (OT) perspective, postpartum anxiety is often a sign that the nervous system is under-resourced and overwhelmed, not broken.

If you feel anxious, wired, exhausted, or unlike yourself after having a baby, your body may be asking for deeper support.

Postpartum Anxiety Is a Nervous System Issue

After pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood, the nervous system is asked to do a lot:

  • Regulate emotions

  • Recover physically

  • Support sleep deprivation

  • Manage feeding and caregiving demands

  • Respond to constant sensory input

When the nervous system doesn’t have the nutrients, rest, or regulation it needs, anxiety can show up as:

  • Racing thoughts

  • Feeling “on edge”

  • Panic or overwhelm

  • Poor sleep even when baby sleeps

  • Irritability or emotional reactivity

This is not your fault—it’s biology and physiology.

“Pregnancy and breastfeeding significantly deplete key minerals and nutrients that support nervous system function…”

Why Postpartum Depletion Matters More Than You Think

Pregnancy and breastfeeding significantly deplete key minerals and nutrients that support nervous system function, including:

  • Magnesium

  • Zinc

  • Sodium & potassium

  • Iron

  • B vitamins

When these minerals are out of balance, the body struggles to regulate stress, mood, energy, and resilience. Many postpartum moms are told their labs are “normal,” yet still feel profoundly unwell.

This is where functional testing, such as Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), becomes incredibly valuable.

How HTMA Testing Supports Postpartum Recovery

HTMA testing looks a mineral patterns over time (2-3 months)

Not just what’s present in the blood in that moment in time like standard blood work.

For postpartum moms, HTMA can reveal:

  • Mineral deficiencies from pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • Stress patterns and adrenal load

  • Imbalances that affect mood and anxiety

  • Nervous system burnout

  • Poor stress tolerance and energy regulation

Instead of guessing, HTMA allows us to support the nervous system strategically and gently using:

  • Food-first nutrition

  • Lifestyle and nervous system regulation strategies

  • Targeted, personalized supplementation

All recommendations are tailored specifically to the individual’s postpartum body, not a generic protocol.

This approach is especially helpful for moms who:

  • Don’t feel like themselves postpartum

  • Experience anxiety without clear answers

  • Feel exhausted but wired

  • Have tried “doing all the right things” without improvement

    HTMA is available as part of postpartum care at Wise Living, including testing, interpretation, and a personalized nervous system support plan — not just results.

Postpartum Support From an OT Lens

Occupational therapy is not just for kids.

From an OT perspective, postpartum anxiety is deeply connected to:

  • Sleep disruption

  • Sensory overload

  • Role transitions

  • Loss of routine & identity changes

  • Increased cognitive and emotional demands

Postpartum OT support focuses on:

  • Nervous system regulation strategies

  • Sensory modulation for overwhelm

  • Supporting sleep and rest rhythms

  • Helping moms adapt daily routines realistically

  • Reducing burnout and mental load

  • Overall health recovery, care navigation & support

OT-based postpartum support meets you where you are — without adding another task, appointment, or expectation.

Why a Combined OT + Functional Health Approach Works

When we combine:

  • HTMA-guided mineral support

  • Nervous system regulation

  • OT-based lifestyle and routine support

  • Root-cause education

Moms often notice:

  • Improved stress tolerance

  • Better sleep quality

  • Reduced anxiety symptoms

  • More emotional resilience

  • Feeling grounded again

  • Healthier hair, mind & body

Healing postpartum isn’t about fixing yourself…

it’s about supporting what your body and nervous system actually need.

Postpartum Support for Moms in St. Louis & Jefferson County

Wise Living provides functional health and occupational therapy-informed postpartum support for moms who want deeper answers and personalized care. Services target moms or work with moms for their babies & children, as Wise Living supports pediatric clients as well.

Postpartum services include:

  • HTMA testing and interpretation

  • Functional health management & recovery

  • Nervous system regulation strategies

  • OT-based postpartum lifestyle coaching

Whether you’re early postpartum or years out and still struggling, support is available.

 Schedule a postpartum consult today.


Not sure if mineral depletion is contributing to your anxiety? Download my free Postpartum Nervous System Support Guide.


Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Anxiety & HTMA

Is HTMA safe while breastfeeding?
Yes. HTMA uses a small hair sample and does not interfere with breastfeeding.

Can this help if I’m years postpartum?
Absolutely. Many moms seek support years later after realizing they never fully recovered. Mineral testing & support can also support many other healing journeys.

Do you replace my doctor or therapist?
No. Wise Living provides complementary, integrative care alongside existing providers. I’m happy to work with your provider as you advise.

Amy Wise
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