Does breastfeeding make you more sleepy?

The Sleepy Side of Breastfeeding: Understanding Maternal Fatigue
Breastfeeding is often heralded as a natural and beneficial way to nourish newborns, but it comes with its own set of challenges, particularly regarding maternal sleep. Many new mothers report feeling more fatigued, and research suggests that breastfeeding can indeed contribute to increased sleepiness.
Hormonal Influences on Sleepiness
One of the primary reasons breastfeeding may make mothers feel sleepier is the release of the hormone prolactin. This hormone, which is crucial for milk production, has a sedative effect that can lead to feelings of drowsiness. As mothers nurse their babies, prolactin levels rise, which can make them feel more relaxed and, consequently, more prone to dozing off. This phenomenon is not just anecdotal; many mothers have shared experiences of nearly falling asleep while nursing, highlighting the direct impact of breastfeeding on their alertness levels.
Frequent Nighttime Feedings
Another significant factor contributing to maternal fatigue is the demanding schedule of breastfeeding. Newborns typically need to nurse every 2-3 hours, which translates to 8-12 feedings a day. This frequent feeding schedule can severely disrupt a mother’s sleep cycle, leading to chronic sleep deprivation. The interrupted sleep not only affects the quantity of rest mothers receive but can also impact the quality, leaving them feeling exhausted even when they do manage to sleep.
Physical and Emotional Toll
The physical demands of breastfeeding can also take a toll on a mother’s energy levels. The act of nursing requires energy and can lead to physical discomfort, which may further contribute to feelings of fatigue. Additionally, the emotional and psychological adjustments that come with new motherhood—combined with the physical demands of caring for a newborn—can create a perfect storm for exhaustion.
Coping Strategies for New Mothers
While the fatigue associated with breastfeeding can be overwhelming, there are strategies that mothers can employ to help manage their energy levels. Staying hydrated, eating nutritious foods, and finding moments to rest when the baby sleeps can all help mitigate some of the tiredness. Moreover, sharing nighttime duties with a partner or support system can provide much-needed breaks for mothers.
In conclusion, while breastfeeding is a vital and rewarding experience for many mothers and their babies, it is essential to acknowledge the fatigue that often accompanies it. Understanding the hormonal, physical, and emotional factors at play can help new mothers navigate this challenging yet beautiful phase of life with greater awareness and support.

Does breastfeeding use up energy?

Breastfeeding especially burns up a lot of energy (kilojoules). Some of the energy will come from the fat you laid down in pregnancy. However, most women will need to eat extra snacks to meet their energy needs. A steady weight loss back to your pre-pregnant weight should be the goal, rather than rapid weight loss.

What are the side effects of breastfeeding hormones?

Breastfeeding and hormonal changes
Decreased estrogen levels impact vaginal tissue, temporarily decreasing elasticity, blood flow, and thinning of the tissue. These vaginal changes cause symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching, burning, irritation, painful intercourse, urinary frequency, and urgency.

How long does postpartum fatigue last?

At one month postpartum, just over a quarter still experienced symptoms of postpartum fatigue. And a full year or more after their baby’s birth, around 11 percent of mothers still reported being exhausted. There are many reasons you may be feeling wiped out in those first few days at home with your newborn.

Do breastfeeding hormones make you sleepy?

Research also shows that, overall, breastfeeding mothers get more sleep than mixed- and formula-feeding mothers. This is for a number of reasons, including the impact of natural hormones and chemicals released for baby and mother when breastfeeding at night.

When do babies no longer need night feeds?

between 2 – 4 months
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics [2], most formula-fed babies no longer need night feedings between 2 – 4 months of age.

Why does breastfeeding make you lose weight?

Breastfeeding makes your body burn calories which helps you lose weight. If you are patient, you may be surprised at how much weight you lose naturally while breastfeeding.

Does breastfeeding make you extra tired?

Meanwhile, prolactin helps you make and maintain your milk supply. And, similar to our friend oxytocin, prolactin enhances relaxation and calm. Put all the pieces together, and you can see why you may feel relaxed, drowsy, or sleepy while breastfeeding.

Why do I feel sleepy while breastfeeding?

While feeding your baby in a quiet environment, you will feel relaxed and fall asleep. Your body releases a hormone called oxytocin. It is also known as love hormone and it relaxes your mind. Your body also releases a hormone called prolactin, which is known as a soothing hormone.

Does breastfeeding make babies more sleepy?

However, since breast milk is more easily digestible than formula, babies who breastfeed are likely to wake up more frequently than formula-fed babies, as they will get hungrier faster. However, the melatonin in breast milk will facilitate their sleep, so right after the feeding, they’ll go back to sleep easily.

How long does it take for hormones to balance after breastfeeding?

The return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels can vary greatly, but generally hormones will normalize within three to six months. If you are breastfeeding, as you wean from it, your prolactin and oxytocin levels will drop—potentially leaving you feeling sad, anxious or irritable.