How to Get Rid of Body Odor After Pregnancy: 7 Effective Methods
Postpartum body odor. One of the things that nobody ever warns you about when having a baby. Yet here you are in all your postpartum glory! Not only are you leaking and sleep-deprived, but now you have a distinct scent. Great.
But fear not! Here are 7 ways to get rid of body odor after pregnancy:
- Shower frequently
- Remove extraneous body hair
- Use deodorant
- Hydrate well
- Avoid alcohol
- Apply Apple cider vinegar
- Apply fresh lemon or lime juice
Keep reading for specific details on each method and say good-bye to postpartum B.O.!
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1. Shower Frequently
I know…you’re a new mom. We’re lucky if we shower every few days, right? But not only will a shower improve your mental health, but it will also keep body odor at bay.
New moms suffer from night sweats. So consider showering first thing in the morning so you can start the day fresh and clean.
Add in an extra shower before bedtime as well, if you can.
2. Remove Extraneous Body Hair
Body hair can trap the odor caused by sweat and sweat-loving bacteria. This makes postpartum body odor even worse. Add in postpartum night sweats and it’s a deadly combination.
Prevent extra surfaces for the sweat to attach to by removing extra body hair. Pay special attention to the armpit region.
3. Use Deodorant
After showering and removing extra body hair, it’s important to use a clinical strength deodorant to stop body odor. Here are some great options:
Lumé Deodorant
Developed by an OB-GYN, Lumé deodorant is touted as the “World’s First Whole Body Deodorant”. You can use it under your armpits like regular deodorant. You can also use it as a cream! Use your fingertips to swipe it anywhere else on the body that’s needed: feet, private parts, inner thighs, etc.
It’s free from aluminum and other chemicals that can clog your pores and trap toxins. Lumé is water-based so it won’t stain your clothes with sticky residue. It’s also like a cream so it rubs in like a lotion.
All of this AND Lumé lasts 72 hours! Opt for a traditional stick, tube, or cotton wipes for the on go deodorizing. To make it even better, there are bundles that you can build yourself. This way, you can sample the different formulations and scents. My favorite scent is Jasmine Rose. But you can choose from scents such as Warm Vanilla, Lavender Sage, or Clean Tangerine. There’s also an unscented version if you prefer.
Earth Mama Deodorant
Earth Mama has a line of deodorants that is completely organic. They are free from propylene glycol, artificial fragrances, parabens, and aluminum. These deodorants are formulated for sensitive skin and tested by dermatologists for irritation. They are also available on Amazon!
Choose from scents like Ginger Fresh, Bright Citrus, Calming Lavender, or unscented.
4. Hydrate Well
Hydration is super important for getting rid of postpartum body odor. Water flushes out toxins and wastes while diluting the odors produced from your body.
During the postpartum period, you are sweatier, which leads to dehydration. Drink plenty of water to counteract this.
5. Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol has undesirable effects that can lead to body odor after giving birth. Alcohol can increase your body temperature, leading to increased sweating. Not only that but when alcohol mixes with the bacteria on your skin, there is a distinct odor that is released.
6. Douse in Apple Cider Vinegar
Okay, maybe not exactly dose in apple cider vinegar. But apple cider vinegar, or ACV, is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic. It eliminates postpartum body odor by eliminating odor-causing bacteria.
You can use a soap specifically formulated with ACV. Examples include:
But don’t worry! You don’t have to spend money to smell good either. You can use the bottle of ACV that is sitting in your pantry. Soak it onto a disposable or reusable cotton pad and wipe it wherever a refreshing is needed.
7. Apply Fresh Lemon or Lime Juice
Another option for getting rid of strong body odor after pregnancy is to use fresh lemon or lime juice. Simply rub a fresh wedge or a cotton pad soaked with lemon or lime juice under your armpits about 5 minutes before showering.
The citrusy smell will camouflage any undesirable smells. Also, lemon and lime juice has antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Finally, the high pH will create an environment that makes it difficult for bacteria to survive.
It is important to note that citrus juice can irritate the skin if overused. It can also cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun. Take precaution with sun exposure and stop using lemon or lime juice if you develop irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Postpartum Body Odor
What causes postpartum body odor?
There are many changes in our postpartum bodies that can change our body odor, both the amount and smell. First, we are getting rid of excess body fluid in the postpartum phase. Thus, we sweat more than normal. Yay.
There is also a change in our hormones. This may be so that our newborns can recognize us while their eyesight is adjusting to the outside world. This also may be the reason our most potent body odor comes from our armpits. This odor leads a newborn directly to the food source!
How long does postpartum body odor last?
The length of body odor after pregnancy will vary from person to person. This can vary from a few months to an entire year after giving birth. So until it does go away, use one (or all) of these 7 ways to deal with postpartum body odor until you are lucky and this lovely stench dissipates.
Body Odor After Pregnancy And How to Deal
Unfortunately mama, body odor after pregnancy is another thing we will have to deal with in the postpartum period. The best thing we can do is accept it and know that there are options for getting rid of it. And realize that you are not alone!
To recap, the options for getting rid of postpartum BO are:
- Shower frequently
- Remove extraneous body hair
- Use deodorant
- Hydrate well
- Avoid alcohol
- Use apple cider vinegar
- Apply fresh citrus juice
Have you suffered from strong body odor after pregnancy? What have you tried to help get rid of it? Let’s chat and support each other in this wonderful (but smelly) postpartum phase. 🥰
