Seed Cycling Postpartum: A Gentle Approach

by Funk It Team April 25, 2024

In the postpartum period, menstrual cycles may be irregular or nonexistent, especially for women who are breastfeeding. Despite these fluctuations, seed cycling can still offer benefits by providing essential nutrients and supporting hormonal balance as the body adjusts to its new normal.

If your period hasn't returned yet, don't fret. Seed cycling can still be a valuable tool in your postpartum wellness toolkit. Here's how you can adapt the practice to suit your needs:

**Start with Flaxseeds and Pumpkin Seeds**: In the early postpartum weeks, begin incorporating ground flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds into your diet. These seeds are packed with nutrients that support hormone production and overall health, making them an excellent choice for nourishing your body during this transitional period.

**Transition Mindfully**: As your body continues to adjust and your menstrual cycle gradually returns, transition to sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. These seeds offer a different set of nutrients that can further support hormonal balance and well-being.

**Listen to Your Body**: Pay attention to how your body responds to seed cycling, even if your period hasn't resumed yet. Notice any changes in energy levels, mood, or other symptoms of hormonal imbalance, and adjust your seed intake accordingly. Trust your intuition and honor what feels right for you.

**Support Overall Wellness**: In addition to seed cycling, prioritize other aspects of your health and well-being during the postpartum period. Stay hydrated, nourish your body with wholesome foods, prioritize rest and relaxation, and seek support from loved ones or healthcare professionals as needed.

**Be Patient and Gentle with Yourself**: Remember that postpartum recovery is a gradual process, and it's okay to give yourself grace along the way. Trust in your body's ability to find its own rhythm and balance in its own time, and know that you're doing the best you can for yourself and your baby.

** If your menstrual cycles are irregular, seed cycling with the phases of the moon can be effective. Aligning seed cycling with the lunar phases involves consuming specific seeds corresponding to the moon's cycle: flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds during the waxing moon (from new moon to full moon) and sesame seeds and sunflower seeds during the waning moon (from full moon to new moon). Read more here.