Postpartum body odor is real: Here's how to stay fresh

Women's HealthPhysical Wellbeing

Jul 29

Written By Calm Editorial Team

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA

Notice a stronger scent after giving birth? It might be postpartum body odor. Find out why it happens, and learn 9 tips to start smelling like yourself again.

The first few days after giving birth can be a total blur. You’re learning your baby’s rhythms, recovering from childbirth, and navigating life in a body that may feel foreign to you. One of the more shocking changes for many new moms? How much you’re sweating… and the way you smell.

That’s right: There’s a specific scent that can often show up in the postpartum period, and it can be musty, sour, or even fishy. And while it might make you self-conscious, it’s actually a pretty normal part of recovery. The issue is that nobody really talks about it, so it can feel very surprising (and for some, a little embarrassing too).

It’s time to change that. Here’s everything you need to know about postpartum body order, from why it happens to what you can do about it. After all, while your body’s trying to find its way back to center, it deserves a little love, too.

Is body odor common after childbirth?

Body odor after childbirth is common, and it’s a direct result of all the changes your body is going through. Your hormones fluctuate wildly, your sweat glands work overtime, and your body actively releases all the fluids and waste products it held onto during pregnancy. This combination can create a noticeable shift in how you smell.

For some, it’s a slightly stronger version of their usual body odor, but for others, it could be an entirely new scent: Think musky, sour, sharp, or even metallic. Because you’re already riding the rollercoaster of big feelings that can occur postpartum, a brand new scent can be enough to take you over the edge.

You might be feeling self-conscious, but your body’s just recalibrating. It’s all part of the process.

What causes postpartum body odor?

Growing and delivering a baby can be tough on your body, and when you’re postpartum, it’s working overtime to heal. This means several factors are at play when it comes to postpartum body odor:

Hormonal fluctuations: After delivery, estrogen and progesterone levels drop fast. This affects how your body regulates sweat and shifts the balance of bacteria on your skin. All of this can alter your natural scent.
Postpartum sweating: Your body sheds extra pregnancy fluid through sweating, often especially at night. All that moisture creates the perfect environment for odor-causing bacteria.
Breastfeeding: Lactation hormones like prolactin can change your body chemistry and make your scent stronger. Some believe this happens to help your baby bond with you through smell.
Stress and exhaustion: Stress sweat is thicker, saltier, and more prone to odor than regular sweat. Add in chronic sleep loss, and it’s no wonder your body smells off.
Nutrition and hydration: Skipped meals, dehydration, and nutrient depletion can all affect how your body detoxes. This can intensify odor, especially when paired with sweat and hormonal shifts.

How long does postpartum body odor last?

Everyone’s postpartum recovery looks different. For some, the most noticeable odor fades within a few weeks to a few months. For others—especially those who are breastfeeding or experiencing ongoing hormone shifts—it may linger for up to a year.

Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and cortisol are constantly shifting postpartum, influenced by delivery type, breastfeeding, sleep, and overall health. These fluctuations affect everything from sweat production to your skin’s microbiome, which can keep your scent in flux.

Here’s a rough timeline of what to expect during your postpartum scent journey.

Weeks 1–4

Odor is usually most intense at this time, due to hormone drops and fluid loss through sweat.

Months 1–3

Things often begin to stabilize. Still, stress and feeding demands can extend this phase for some.

Months 4–12

Scent changes may persist, especially if you’re still nursing or not sleeping well.

Beyond 12 months

The odor should be almost completely gone by now. If it’s still strong, it might be a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider to see if you have any lingering infections.

How to manage postpartum odor: 9 tips to smell (and feel) like yourself again

Sadly, there’s no magic product that will make postpartum body odor disappear overnight. Still, there are some simple things you can do to feel fresher, more comfortable, and more like yourself.

These small tips will help to support your body, hygiene, and sanity during this time.

1. Shower when you can

Daily showers can help, but the reality is, they may not always be at the top of your to-do list when you’re dealing with a newborn baby. Consider having body wipes by the bed, take a quick rinse during nap time, or splash some water on your underarms and chest. Target sweat-prone areas first.

2. Use gentle, pH-balanced soaps

Your skin is likely extra-sensitive postpartum. Avoid harsh, overly perfumed soaps that can disrupt your skin’s microbiome and make odor worse in the long run.

Also, opt for fragrance-free or naturally scented cleansers made for sensitive skin. Soaps marked for babies are also good choices, because they are often more soothing.

3. Upgrade your deodorant

Your usual deodorant may not be cutting it right now… and that’s okay. Your hormones have changed, and so has your sweat. Some people find that switching from a standard antiperspirant to a natural deodorant (or vice versa) makes a big difference.

Here are a few options to look for:

Clinical-strength deodorants for stronger odor protection
Baking soda-free natural options if your skin is sensitive
Deodorant wipes for on-the-go freshness

It’s usually a trial-and-error process, so choose which works best for you.

4. Dress in breathable, natural fabrics

Sweat gets trapped in synthetic fabrics, which can often make odor worse. Cotton, bamboo, modal, and linen are better options due to their breathable and moisture-wicking properties, which are especially helpful in postpartum life.

Here are some swaps to help you stay as comfortable as possible:

Ditch tight, synthetic leggings for loose joggers or bike shorts with a cotton gusset
Layer with tank tops that are easy to change when sweat-soaked
Keep a backup T-shirt or bra in your diaper bag for midday swaps

💙 Learn more about taking care of yourself (and your little one) with our Postpartum Healing series.

5. Change clothes (and especially bras) more often

You might not be able to shower every day, but changing into clean clothes—especially a fresh nursing bra or tank—can make a huge difference in how you feel (and smell). Milk leaks, night sweats, and skin-to-skin contact with your baby all contribute to odor build-up in clothing.

Pro tip: Keep a small laundry basket in your bedroom just for sweaty or milk-soaked clothes. It makes midweek laundry less overwhelming, and also gives you an easy mental reset.

6. Stay hydrated (yes, really)

Hydration helps flush out excess hormones and supports your liver and kidneys to detox your body. It also helps regulate your body temperature, which may reduce excessive sweating. Use a water bottle with a straw to encourage sipping while nursing.

If plain water isn’t appealing, try adding fruit slices or a splash of juice. You may also like herbal teas (especially cooling ones like peppermint).

7. Eat supportively

Supporting your body with the nutrients it needs to recover is important, and being deficient in zinc, magnesium, or B vitamins can all influence how your body metabolizes sweat and odor.

Focus on high-protein snacks like yogurt, boiled eggs, or nut butter. Also, be sure to incorporate fiber-rich foods like oats, apples, and lentils to support digestion, and leafy greens and colorful vegetables for vitamins and antioxidants.

And don’t stress if sometimes your only meal of the day is a granola bar. We’re all just doing the best we can.

💙 Nourish yourself by learning about Mindful Eating with Dr. Michelle May.

8. Cool down your sleep space

If you’re dealing with night sweats, it might be time to tweak your sleep setup. Cooler temperatures can help reduce excessive sweating at night.

Try the following to help keep your room cool:

Lowering your thermostat a few degrees
Using a fan or cooling pad under your sheet
Wearing lightweight, breathable sleepwear
Sleeping on a towel
Changing pillowcases more frequently

It might also be helpful to keep an extra pair of pajamas near your bed for quick, sleepy changes.

9. Give yourself a break

Life with a newborn can be exhausting. Try to go easy on yourself about postpartum body odor. Of course, that’s easier said than done, so here are five exercises to help you practice self-compassion.

💙 Calm yourself down with Breathwork for Postpartum Anxiety with Kate Johnson.

Postpartum body odor FAQs

Why do I sweat so much after giving birth?

During pregnancy, you likely retained a lot of extra fluid, and now your body is working hard to release it.

This usually involves a lot of sweating, especially at night, when your body naturally regulates its temperature and detoxes. Combine that with hormone fluctuations and the physical stress of postpartum recovery, and your sweat glands can go into overdrive.

It’s your body’s way of hitting the reset button, but thankfully, it’s temporary.

Can breastfeeding make my body odor worse?

It’s possible. When you’re breastfeeding, your body is flooded with lactation hormones (especially prolactin), which not only influence milk production but also affect your skin’s chemistry.

Some studies suggest your scent becomes stronger to help your baby recognize and bond with you, so it serves a purpose, even if it isn’t exactly pleasant. This scent change is more about connection than hygiene, and it often fades as your hormones stabilize.

Should I switch to a stronger deodorant postpartum?

If your current deodorant isn’t doing the job, then yes, it might be time to try a different formula. Your postpartum sweat is chemically different, and can be thicker, saltier, and more prone to causing odor.

You could use a clinical-strength antiperspirant, but some people prefer natural deodorants, especially if they have sensitive skin. You may need to experiment to find what feels right for your body, and if you’re breastfeeding, it’s also worth checking ingredient labels to avoid irritants or fragrances that could transfer during skin-to-skin contact. Always feel free to talk with your doctor to get more information.

When should I worry about postpartum odor?

If your body odor is just stronger than usual or smells unfamiliar, it’s probably nothing to worry about. However, if the odor becomes unusually pungent, fishy, or foul—and especially if it’s coming from the vaginal area or associated with discharge, itching, or irritation—it could be a sign of infection.

Also, if the odor persists well beyond the first year postpartum or seems to worsen over time, it may be worth getting your thyroid or hormone levels checked, as these imbalances can sometimes cause body odor changes. Talk to your doctor to find out what types of treatment make sense for you.

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Calm Editorial Team