Why am I so sleepy while breastfeeding?

Understanding Sleepiness While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a beautiful yet demanding experience for new mothers, and it’s not uncommon to feel an overwhelming sense of sleepiness during this time. This fatigue can be attributed to several physiological and emotional factors that come into play when nursing.
The Role of Hormones
One of the primary reasons breastfeeding can make you feel sleepy is the release of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is crucial for milk production, but it also has a sedative effect. When you breastfeed, your body releases this hormone, which can lead to feelings of drowsiness and relaxation. This is a natural response, as the body is designed to encourage bonding and nurturing during these intimate moments with your baby.
Physical Demands of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not just about feeding; it requires significant energy. The process of producing milk is energy-intensive, and many mothers find themselves feeling fatigued as a result. The demands of caring for a newborn, combined with the physical exertion of breastfeeding, can lead to a cumulative sense of tiredness. New mothers often juggle multiple responsibilities, including sleep deprivation from nighttime feedings, which exacerbates feelings of exhaustion.
Emotional Factors
The emotional toll of motherhood can also contribute to fatigue. New mothers often experience a whirlwind of emotions, from joy to anxiety, which can be draining. The stress of ensuring that your baby is feeding well and thriving can lead to mental fatigue, compounding the physical tiredness that comes with breastfeeding.
Tips for Managing Fatigue
To combat this sleepiness, it’s essential to prioritize self-care. Here are some strategies that can help:
– Rest Whenever Possible: Try to nap when your baby sleeps. This can help you catch up on much-needed rest.
– Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Proper nutrition and hydration are vital for maintaining energy levels. Eating balanced meals and drinking plenty of fluids can help mitigate fatigue.
– Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family or friends. Having someone assist with household tasks or baby care can provide you with the time you need to rest.
Conclusion
Feeling sleepy while breastfeeding is a common experience for many new mothers, driven by hormonal changes, the physical demands of milk production, and emotional stressors. Understanding these factors can help mothers navigate this challenging yet rewarding phase of motherhood. By implementing self-care strategies and seeking support, you can better manage fatigue and enjoy the bonding experience that breastfeeding offers.

Is it normal to feel extremely tired while breastfeeding?

Oxytocin, also known as “the love hormone,” packs a powerful punch that, while supporting healthy breastfeeding/chestfeeding, has one potentially dangerous side-effect: it can make people tired.

How many hours should a breastfeeding mom sleep?

Like any other adult, a nursing mother should strive for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. She has to get adequate sleep in order to maintain her health and have the energy necessary to care for her child. She may benefit from short naps throughout the day to feel more rested.

Can an underfed baby be sleepy?

Your baby is active & alert
Babies that are well fed will be active and alert. Although newborns generally sleep 16-18 hours each day, unusual sleepiness may be an indication that your baby is underfed.

How can I stop feeling sleepy while breastfeeding?

Combat the tiredness and fatigue by taking good care of yourself. Eat and drink well, rest or take naps, get comfortable while breastfeeding, ask for help as needed, and apply a restorative nipple cream, such as Nursing Comfort Balm.

How many hours of sleep does a breastfeeding mom need?

6 hours
This leads us to believe that shooting for 6 hours per night as a breastfeeding mom is a good goal. Some will do fine with a bit less, some will still feel like they didn’t get enough with more than 6.

Are babies full if they fall asleep while breastfeeding?

Newborns often fall asleep at the breast, especially after feeling satisfied from a feeding. (You’ll know if your baby isn’t nursing if you don’t hear swallowing sounds, like little clicks, or see the jawbones moving.)

How many hours of sleep does a nursing mom need?

This leads us to believe that shooting for 6 hours per night as a breastfeeding mom is a good goal. Some will do fine with a bit less, some will still feel like they didn’t get enough with more than 6.

Why do breastfeeding moms get more sleep?

In a US study, exclusively breastfeeding women averaged 30 min more nocturnal sleep than women who used formula at night, but measures of sleep fragmentation did not differ [25]. Lactation hormones such as prolactin help mothers adapt to the stresses of caring for an infant, including broken sleep [13, 26, 27].

Can breastfeeding make you extremely tired?

Oxytocin, also known as “the love hormone,” packs a powerful punch that, while supporting healthy breastfeeding/chestfeeding, has one potentially dangerous side-effect: it can make people tired.

How much energy is lost during breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding can also help you manage or lose your postpartum weight. Moms burn about 500 extra calories a day while producing breast milk, which could lead to faster weight loss after birth. Although that doesn’t mean breastfeeding is a weight loss miracle, it can jumpstart the process.