The Role of Collagen in Postpartum Recovery: What You Need to Know

After welcoming your little one into the world, life becomes a whirlwind of joy, sleepless nights and new responsibilities. As you navigate this transformative phase, your body undergoes significant changes that require time and care to heal.

Among the many adjustments, one crucial element often overlooked is collagen — a vital protein that plays a key role in your postpartum recovery. From supporting skin elasticity to aiding joint health, understanding the potential collagen benefits for women during this period is essential.

Let’s dive into the important ways that the collagen protein contributes to postpartum recovery and why incorporating it into your routine may be a game changer for your overall well-being.

#1 Collagen Can Support Skin Elasticity

During pregnancy, your skin stretches to accommodate your growing baby, leading to potential changes in its texture and elasticity. Postpartum, many women notice increased dryness, stretch marks or sagging skin as the body gradually returns to its pre-pregnancy state. During this time, it’s common for new moms to wonder “how do you improve skin elasticity postpartum?”

This is where collagen comes into play.

The collagen protein is a primary building block of your skin, providing it with:

• Structure
• Strength
• Resilience

By supplementing with collagen postpartum, you can promote skin hydration and elasticity, helping to restore that youthful bounce. Additionally, collagen supports the production of elastin, another protein crucial for skin elasticity.

By incorporating collagen-rich foods or collagen supplements into your diet — such as bone broth, fish or collagen powders — you may notice a more radiant complexion and improved skin texture.

#2 Collagen Can Support Joint Health

The physical demands of motherhood can take a toll on your body, especially after the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth. For example, hormonal changes, weight fluctuations and the physical stress of carrying and caring for a newborn can lead to joint discomfort.

Collagen plays a critical role in maintaining the health of your joints by providing the necessary support and cushioning to keep them functioning properly. Collagen is also a key component of cartilage, the tissue that protects joints and allows for smooth movement.

This is particularly beneficial for new mothers who may find themselves engaged in repetitive motions, such as lifting their baby or getting in and out of various positions while caring for their little one.

By incorporating collagen for joints into your postpartum diet — through sources like chicken skin, fish or collagen supplements — you can help fortify your joint health.

#3 Collagen Can Support Tissue Repair

The postpartum recovery process is a significant journey that involves the healing of various tissues throughout your body. From abdominal muscles to the pelvic floor, the physical changes experienced during pregnancy and childbirth can leave lasting impacts.

During this period, your body prioritizes healing, and collagen acts as a scaffolding for new tissue formation. Its amino acids, particularly glycine and proline, are vital for damaged tissue repair and rebuilding. Studies have also shown that collagen supplementation can accelerate recovery time, promoting healing in soft tissues like muscles and ligaments.

For mothers recovering from a cesarean section or experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, collagen intake can be especially beneficial in supporting the healing of these critical areas.

#4 Collagen May Support Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and intimate way to nourish your baby, but it can also be physically demanding and, at times, challenging for new mothers. As your body adjusts to this new role, maintaining your own health is crucial for both you and your little one. This is where taking collagen postpartum can play a significant role.

Collagen not only supports your overall recovery but may also enhance the breastfeeding experience in various ways, including:

• Maintaining breast tissue – During breastfeeding, many mothers experience changes in their breast tissue, including stretching and potential discomfort. Collagen supplementation can help to maintain skin elasticity and hydration, minimizing issues like dryness or soreness that can occur with frequent nursing. By ensuring your skin remains supple, you can make the breastfeeding process more comfortable for both you and your baby.
• Supplementing breast milk – Collagen is also rich in amino acids that support overall health and well-being. These nutrients play a crucial role in producing breast milk, ensuring that you provide your baby with the best nutrition possible. Adequate collagen levels can help support milk supply and quality, which is essential for your baby's growth and development.
• Combatting fatigue – By incorporating collagen-rich foods or collagen supplements into your diet — such as collagen peptides in smoothies or bone broth in soups — you can enhance your energy levels and improve your overall stamina, making the breastfeeding journey smoother and more enjoyable.

#5 Collagen May Support Hair and Nail Growth

After giving birth, many new mothers find themselves adjusting to not only the joys of motherhood but also unexpected changes in their hair and nails. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and postpartum can lead to a variety of hair and nail issues, such as:

• Thinning
• Brittleness
• Increased shedding

Incorporating collagen intake into your postpartum healing plan can help address these concerns and promote healthier hair and nails.

As a major component of the dermis — the layer of skin where hair follicles are anchored—collagen plays a vital role in the growth cycle of your hair. By supplementing with collagen, you may help stimulate the production of keratin, another essential protein that forms the basis of hair structure. This can lead to thicker, shinier hair that is less prone to breakage, which is especially important for new moms who may feel overwhelmed by the physical changes happening in their bodies.

Additionally, collagen supports blood circulation, which can enhance nutrient delivery to hair follicles, encouraging healthy growth.

Collagen can also strengthen your nails, reducing brittleness and preventing splits and tears.

Support Your Postpartum Recovery with INVIGOR8

Embracing collagen as part of your postpartum healing routine can provide the support you need during this unique phase of motherhood, helping you to nourish your baby while also caring for your own body.

At INVIGOR8, we offer unflavored collagen peptides to support skin, joint and tissue health, no matter where you are along your journey.

This hydrolyzed collagen supplement is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and contains no antibiotics, hormones or artificial sweeteners to ensure you’re prioritizing your and your baby’s health. That said, before starting with collagen peptides, it’s recommended to speak to you and your baby’s healthcare providers to ensure that it’s a safe option.

Turn to INVIGOR8 for all your supplement needs today, from oral collagen supplements to our classic organic superfoods powder and complete weight loss kit.

Sources:

1. Cleveland Clinic. Postpartum. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/postpartum
2. Cleveland Clinic. Collagen. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen
3. Natalist. 5 Benefits of Taking Collagen Postpartum. https://natalist.com/blogs/learn/5-benefits-of-taking-collagen-postpartum?srsltid=AfmBOorv361Vu954FuU1LGxXhIhOtA7FWY4pjLp-iV80Cs6jJol_nBK0
4. Boome. Collagen, essential for skin, hair... and postpartum! https://boomeparis.com/en/blogs/boome/collagene-la-proteine-qui-pimpe-le-post-partum?srsltid=AfmBOorVSoZH17m1CpBHIFWuDlU5OrngtQg8YsNS9U6rvSI9JY32MuOm
5. WebMD. Health Benefits of Collagen. https://www.webmd.com/diet/collagen-health-benefits
6. Elise Cowley. Collagen While Breastfeeding. https://elisecowley.com.au/collagen-while-breastfeeding-benefits/
7. Cleveland Clinic. Does Collagen Help Hair Growth? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/collagen-for-hair-growth