Navigating Migraine After Giving Birth: 9 Helpful Tips for New Parents

Adjusting to a new life with a baby can trigger migraine symptoms or prompt first-time attacks. Prioritizing sleep and hydration and exploring medication options can help.

The postpartum period can be a time of joy — and a physical and emotional whirlwind.

If you experience chronic migraine with triggers like noise sensitivity and lack of sleep, you may be particularly concerned as you approach parenthood. You may also notice an uptick in migraine attacks after giving birth.

Here’s how to navigate the postpartum period with migraine, from self-care to medical intervention.

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Why does postpartum migraine happen?

In short: Mostly stress, hormones, and lack of sleep.

It’s not uncommon to experience migraine attacks for the first time after giving birth. If you were already prone to them, the hormone fluctuations after birth can lead to increases in migraine frequency and intensity.

“Hormones fluctuate dramatically after giving birth,” says Karla Robinson, MD.

A 2022 research review suggests that more than one-third of postpartum parents develop headaches within a week of giving birth. About 75% were primary headaches, like migraine or tension headaches.

“The withdrawal of the estrogen hormone postpartum can trigger the onset of a migraine headache, and it’s more likely to happen in patients who have experienced migraine prior to pregnancy,” says Kristen Aland, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist.

It goes beyond hormones, too. The nature of being a new parent — like frequent night feedings and diaper changes — can make it more challenging to avoid common triggers like stress and lack of sleep.

“Life as a new parent is filled with sleepless nights, anxiety, and coping with a new normal,” says obstetrician and gynecologist Rikki Baldwin, DO. “These circumstances can cause migraine to occur and even worsen during the postpartum period.”

When does postpartum migraine happen?

For people without chronic migraine, first-time episodes can start within a week or two of giving birth and typically clear up within 1 to 2 months, though the timetable can vary significantly.

“Everyone is different, but it could take a few days or even a few weeks for symptoms to completely resolve,” says Baldwin.

Hormonal shifts can be especially pronounced for people who already experience migraine.

Obstetrician and gynecologist Kelly Culwell, MD, says this can be especially true for those with menstrual migraine.

“Typically, these people have improvement of their migraine during pregnancy with recurrence of migraine in the postpartum period when the hormones change,” she says.

When to talk with a doctor

Doctors stress the importance of flagging severe headaches with a healthcare professional, regardless of migraine history.

“Severe headache in the postpartum period should first and foremost be evaluated for preeclampsia or an epidural headache,” Aland says.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure. Epidural headache is a headache that happens due to an epidural injection for pain relief during labor.

Both of these conditions may require further medical attention.

How to cope with postpartum migraine

While the postpartum period is characterized by lack of sleep and lots of change, it’s still important to emphasize care for yourself — especially when you have migraine.

1. Prioritize hydration and eating enough

Caring for an infant can leave little time to meet your own needs for food and water. While you may be sick of hearing it, skipping meals and dehydration are common migraine triggers.

“Although it can be hard to prioritize your own needs when taking care of a new baby, try working with your partner or your family to have them take on some of the cooking,” Robinson says. “Meal prepping and then freezing large batches of meals can also be a huge help when you’re too exhausted to cook from scratch.”

Baldwin emphasizes that nutritional needs increase if you choose to breastfeed.

“Breastfeeding requires a lot of energy,” Baldwin says. “If you do not eat enough, a migraine may be your body’s response.”

The National Institutes of Health recommends lactating parents increase caloric intake by 450 to 500 calories.

2. Continue to avoid triggers when possible

While managing sleep and noise triggers may be challenging, you can still avoid food triggers as much as possible.

Common food triggers include:

• dairy
• smoked or processed meat
• chocolate
• fermented foods
• alcohol

3. Manage your caffeine intake

People with migraine respond differently to caffeine. Some find it soothes symptoms, while others find it worsens them.

If caffeine triggers your migraine attacks, resist the urge to up your intake in the wake of sleepless nights.

“Sleep deprivation is a common experience during postpartum, so it can be tempting to drink more caffeine than normal to stay awake and alert,” Robinson says. “Instead, opt for water or other hydrating fluids and a nap when possible.”

4. Try preventive and complementary options

Some preventive measures, like migraine glasses, green light therapy, and electrical nerve stimulation, can be done while you’re caring for a baby.

Others may require an appointment and someone to watch your child while you go, like acupuncture, acupressure, massage, or physical therapy.

5. Keep hot or cold packs readily available

Heat and ice packs can help soothe symptoms, especially when placed on the head and neck — two common pain points during episodes.

“Finding ones that you can wear around your head or drape around your neck will also allow you to move around with your baby while still getting some relief,” Robinson says.

If available, ask another adult to grab them for you if your hands are full with your baby, or try baby-wearing to free up your own hands. Headbands or velcro straps can help ice packs stay in place.

6. Explore medical options

Medications are still available to you even if you choose to breastfeed.

Lactation-safe options include:

• acetaminophen
• ibuprofen
• anti-nausea medications
• triptans (sumitriptan or rizatriptan)

Be sure to take the prescribed doses and discuss any side effects with your doctor.

7. Get more sleep

Easier said than done, right?

“This may seem impossible, but sleep can be an easy and natural remedy for a migraine,” Baldwin says.

Aland recommends feeding the baby in shifts so you can get protected sleep.

If possible, sleep when the baby sleeps. Another adult, like a partner, babysitter, doula, friend, or another family member, may be able to help with housework and cooking while you get your rest. 

8. Ask for help

Reducing triggers and accessing medication isn’t possible without a village, which can feel hard to come by. You don’t need to carry the load all on your own.

“Definitely seek help from your partner, family, friends, and your OB-GYN,” Culwell says.

When you can get help, focus on:

• sleep
• regular mealtimes
• reducing stress
• taking time for yourself
• seeking medical treatment as needed

9. Accept parenthood with migraine

While it isn’t always easy, parenting with chronic migraine is possible. Accepting your condition can help you cope with the frustration and disappointment that migraine sometimes brings.

As your child gets older, you’ll have the opportunity to communicate more about your needs and create a management system that works for the whole family.

Takeaway

Hormonal shifts and life changes, like stress and lack of sleep, can trigger first-time migraine during the postpartum period and worsen frequency and severity in those with chronic migraine.

It can be challenging to prioritize your needs when you’re tasked with caring for a new life, but your child will benefit from a healthy you.

Severe and persistent headaches should prompt a call to your doctor, regardless of migraine history, to check for preeclampsia.