Postpartum Body Odor: Why Do I Smell Like That?
By Ieva Zarina, Founder of LULA Nursing Wear
Okay so, this is not cute. This is a weird topic to talk about. It’s definitely not something you bring up at playgroup or in polite conversation. But let’s get real for a sec:
After giving birth, I started to stink.
At first, I thought it was just the lack of showers (because breastfeeding, cluster feeds, and literally no one letting me pee alone). I’d lie down to nurse, my armpit up in the air, baby latched on sweetly… and suddenly I’d catch a whiff of myself and think: Jesus Christ, how is this child not gagging?
But the real moment of truth came when I traveled solo with both kids to visit my sister abroad. I had showered that morning. I swear. But by mid-afternoon, my sister looked me straight in the eye and said:
“You smell like an unwashed field worker after a double shift in July.”
Not even mean. Just honest. And horrifyingly accurate.
My Sweat Changed. My Pee Changed. My Nose Changed.
Here’s the thing: it’s not just that I started to smell different. It’s like my whole system changed.
I now sweat like I’m training for a marathon in a wool sweater. My armpits smell raw. My urine? Strong. Weird. Like something died in my bladder. Got it checked by the doctor—nothing wrong. Just… postpartum.
Also? I smell things more than I used to. Not in a cute “I can smell roses from across the street” way. More like “I can smell my own crotch through leggings and a pad.”
Apparently, this is legit. Your sense of smell gets hyper-sharp after birth. Thanks, hormones. Great job.
So What’s Actually Going On?
After digging (and DMing my mom friends in shame), I found out I’m not alone. Like, at all. Here's the run-down of what so many of us go through:
💥 Lochia Funk
The bleeding after birth? It’s not just blood. It’s tissue, mucus, healing goo. And it’s got its own… aroma. Some women say it’s like a bad period. Some say “smells like death.” Either way, it’s not roses.
💦 Swamp Pits
Even when you shower, the sweat somehow smells deeper. Muskier. Like your body is trying to keep predators away from your newborn by reeking of fight-or-flight energy.
💧 Pee Stench
Postpartum pee hits different. Add in dehydration, vitamins, maybe some weak pelvic floor stuff… suddenly you're Googling “why does my pee smell like burnt cereal and vinegar?” while wiping off a changing table.
Is It Normal?
Honestly? A lot of it is.
A bunch of moms say it lasted 4–6 weeks. Others say 3 months. A few unlucky souls? Even longer. Some odors are part of normal healing (like yellowish lochia or night sweats). But if the smell is foul, fishy, or makes you do a double-take, please just call your doc. It could be BV, an infection, or something that needs attention.
What Helped Me (Kinda)
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Deodorant. Daily. It’s a necessity now.
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Change pads frequently—like you’re in middle school again.
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Wash with just water or gentle, unscented soap. No douching.
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Loose, breathable nursing clothes. Cotton is your friend. (I lived in soft, organic cotton nursing tees during this time—like the ones we make at LULA Nursing Wear—because anything synthetic just made it worse.)
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WATER. So much water.
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Air it out when you can. Yes, diaper-style. Lay on a towel. It’s fine.
Mostly? I just gave myself a freaking break. My body made humans. It’s not going to smell like heaven for a while. Postpartum is a full-body, inside-out transformation. Including how you smell—and how you notice smells.
If You Stink, You’re Not the Only One
There’s something kind of comforting about knowing other women are also walking around wondering if they smell like roadkill. You're not gross. You're postpartum.
This stage is messy. And sometimes your own body betrays you in public.
But it passes.
In the meantime, lean into the chaos, vent to your group chat, and don’t be afraid to ask your doctor, “Hey, is it normal that I smell like a damp towel forgotten in a car?”
Because chances are… yes. Yes it is.