How to Handle Fatigue During Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding gives your baby all the nutrients and nourishment required. That is pretty much unmatchable compared to any alternative. However, there are cases where the mom is not in the position to breastfeed. There are great alternatives that will help with the growth and development of the baby.

Breastfeeding has multiple benefits, including making your baby’s immunity system strong, devoid of allergies, and creating a strong bond with the mom. That’s probably why in spite of breastfeeding being a painful process; moms continue to do it. The difficulty comes when the baby chooses only one side or when there’s a tongue tie and the like. One of the everyday things that breastfeeding mothers face is fatigue.

Mothers are generally exhausted always because of taking care of the baby and cleaning up. As babies are irregular with their sleep cycle and cry often, mothers don’t get enough sleep. And the baby is completely dependent on the mom for nutrients and babies have to be fed every 2-4 hours or 8 to 12 times a day. This makes moms more tired and experiences fatigue while or after breastfeeding.

Here are tips for managing fatigue during breastfeeding!

There are ways to boost your energy and battle fatigue so that you can nurse your baby without any concerns.

1. Have a healthy diet: Of course! You just went through the most overwhelming moment that includes so much pain, happiness, and mood swings. Your body needs the best amount of rest and nutrition even to do the daily chores and take care of the baby. Your diet must contain high proteins, carbs, and fibers. Take pulses, meat, legumes, a lot of greens, and iron-rich food.

Do not worry about your weight at this point. In the initial three months, you need healthy food. You can do some exercises or yoga if you like doing it and if it helps in being active. What do I do about my cravings you ask? Give in! Eat what makes you happy but try not overeating.

2. Enough sleep: Yes, yes, I can see your long face. The only way to get enough sleep is by having someone to help you out. You can get sleep whenever you can or whenever your baby is asleep. Get as much as sleep possible at the night and have a routine that is flexible so that you doze off a couple of hours whenever is possible in the day. You can hire a trained newborn babysitter if you need help.

3. Exercise a little: You need your mind to be in peace to handle fatigue. Exercise is the best physical way to calm your mind. If you don’t want to exercise you simply opt for easy postpartum yoga asanas and meditation. This will help you be patient and give your mind the rest it needs. This will have a significant impact on you if you do it regularly.

4. Stay Hydrated: You must always stay hydrated and keep giving your body healthy seasonal fruit juices and milkshakes. Breastfeeding makes you thirsty, and it is all the more important to drink enough water.

5. Indulge in Self care: Hey momma! You are doing great taking care of your baby. Here's a reminder to indulge in some self-care. Get some feet massage or head and body massage that makes you feel good. Massages improve blood circulation in the body, and it stops fatigue to a great extent. Even after making all these changes, if you still continue to have fatigue, then you must consult a doctor.

We hope this blog helped all the new mommas out there. You are all superwoman.