Why do I get tired when I breastfeed?

Understanding Fatigue During Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the experience of breastfeeding can be both rewarding and exhausting. It’s not uncommon to feel a wave of fatigue wash over you during or after nursing sessions. But what exactly causes this tiredness?
Hormonal Influences
One of the primary reasons breastfeeding can lead to fatigue is the release of the hormone prolactin. This hormone is crucial for milk production, but it also has a sedative effect. When a mother breastfeeds, prolactin levels rise, which can induce feelings of sleepiness and relaxation. This physiological response is a natural part of the breastfeeding process, designed to help mothers bond with their infants and encourage nurturing behaviors.
Energy Demands of Milk Production
Breastfeeding is not just a simple act; it requires significant energy. Producing milk demands a considerable amount of calories, and for many mothers, this can lead to a depletion of energy reserves. The body is working hard to create the nutrients needed for the baby, which can leave mothers feeling drained. Additionally, the physical act of breastfeeding can be demanding, especially in the early weeks when mothers are still adjusting to the new routine.
Sleep Disruption
Another contributing factor to fatigue is the disruption of sleep patterns. Newborns typically need to feed every 2-3 hours, which means mothers often find themselves waking frequently throughout the night. This lack of uninterrupted sleep can accumulate, leading to significant tiredness over time. The cycle of feeding, changing, and soothing a baby can leave little room for rest, exacerbating feelings of exhaustion.
Physical Discomfort
Breastfeeding can also come with its own set of physical challenges. Issues such as sore nipples, engorgement, or improper latching can make the experience uncomfortable, adding to the overall fatigue. When a mother is in pain or discomfort, it can be difficult to relax and enjoy the bonding experience, leading to increased stress and tiredness.
Coping Strategies
While fatigue during breastfeeding is common, there are strategies that can help mitigate this tiredness. Ensuring proper nutrition and hydration is essential, as a well-nourished body is better equipped to handle the demands of breastfeeding. Additionally, seeking support from family or lactation consultants can provide practical help and emotional encouragement, allowing mothers to rest when needed.
In conclusion, the fatigue experienced during breastfeeding is a multifaceted issue influenced by hormonal changes, energy demands, sleep disruption, and physical discomfort. Understanding these factors can help mothers navigate this challenging yet beautiful phase of motherhood with greater awareness and support.

Why is nursing a baby so exhausting?

Breastfeeding by itself isn’t tiring. However many babies and toddlers are obsessed and want to do it throughout the night. So they wake up crying and then you wake up so naturally you are tired too. The babies usually have one or two naptimes during the day to recover and the mothers don’t.

How do I overcome breastfeeding fatigue?

Plan to nap and rest during the day whenever possible to make up for interrupted sleep at night. Set up “feeding stations” around your home. These should include diaper-changing materials as well as anything you might need while breastfeeding, such as water, snacks, reading materials, or music.

Is it normal for breastfeeding to make you tired?

Postpartum fatigue is a normal condition that most women experience. Breastfeeding is often associated in women’s minds as contributing to the feeling of overall perceived fatigue, and many women indicate that they have ceased breastfeeding because of fatigue.

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.

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.

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.

Do breastfeeding hormones make you tired?

Prolactin and oxytocin are two hormones that have everything to do with breastfeeding because they contribute to your milk production and letdown reflex. But you’ll notice that these hormones do more than just produce your milk. They might make you feel relaxed while breastfeeding — which can lead to drowsiness.

Is breastfeeding hard on your body?

I’m talking wrist pain, back pain, rib pain, numbness, neck pain, tingling, tight muscles, feeling weak, breathing changes… All these changes to the musculoskeletal system and associated senorimotor cortext of the brain can start during a woman’s breastfeeding career.

How can I get my energy back while breastfeeding?

Healthy snack ideas for breastfeeding mums
The following snacks are quick and simple to make, and will give you energy: fresh fruit with a handful of unsalted nuts. lower-fat, lower-sugar yoghurts or fromage frais. hummus with bread or vegetable sticks.

How much sleep should a breastfeeding mom get?

6 hours per night
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.