Why does breastfeeding make you exhausted?

The Exhausting Reality of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often heralded as a beautiful bonding experience between mother and child, but it comes with its own set of challenges, one of the most significant being fatigue. Many new mothers find themselves grappling with exhaustion, and understanding the reasons behind this can shed light on the complexities of postpartum life.
Hormonal Changes and Their Impact
One of the primary culprits behind the fatigue associated with breastfeeding is the release of hormones. When a mother breastfeeds, her body produces prolactin, a hormone that not only stimulates milk production but also induces a sense of calm and relaxation. This calming effect can sometimes be misinterpreted as tiredness, leading mothers to feel more fatigued than they might otherwise. Additionally, oxytocin, another hormone released during breastfeeding, promotes feelings of love and bonding but can also contribute to a sense of relaxation that may lead to drowsiness.
Energy Demands of Milk Production
Breastfeeding is a physically demanding process. The body requires a significant amount of energy to produce milk, which can be taxing, especially for mothers who are also adjusting to the demands of caring for a newborn. The caloric needs of breastfeeding mothers increase, and if these needs are not met, fatigue can set in. The act of nursing itself often involves frequent feedings, which can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to cumulative exhaustion.
The Role of Nutrition and Hydration
Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for maintaining energy levels during this demanding period. Many mothers may not realize the importance of consuming enough calories and staying hydrated, which can lead to feelings of lethargy. Nutrients such as vitamin B12 and other B vitamins play a vital role in energy production, and deficiencies can exacerbate fatigue. Therefore, a well-balanced diet is essential not only for the health of the mother but also for the well-being of the baby.
The Psychological Toll
Beyond the physical demands, the psychological aspects of motherhood can also contribute to fatigue. The stress of caring for a newborn, coupled with the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies new parenthood, can leave mothers feeling drained. The constant cycle of feeding, changing, and soothing a baby can be overwhelming, particularly during the night when sleep is often interrupted.
Coping Strategies
To combat the fatigue associated with breastfeeding, mothers are encouraged to prioritize rest whenever possible. Seeking support from family members or lactation consultants can also help alleviate some of the burdens. Simple strategies such as taking naps when the baby sleeps, staying hydrated, and ensuring adequate nutrition can make a significant difference in managing energy levels.
In conclusion, while breastfeeding is a rewarding experience, it is essential to acknowledge the exhaustion that often accompanies it. By understanding the hormonal, physical, and psychological factors at play, mothers can better navigate this challenging yet beautiful phase of life.

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.

How much exercise is breastfeeding equivalent to?

The energy demand on your body from breastfeeding is equivalent to doing high-impact aerobics for over an hour or like running 6 or 7 miles in a day. Hello?! That’s a LOT of energy expenditure on any given day.

Why does breastfeeding make you so 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.

Why am I so tired as a breastfeeding mom?

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.

Does breastfeeding use up energy?

Producing breastmilk takes up about 30% of the body’s energy. Your brain, for comparison, only uses about 20%. Breastfeeding burns energy equivalent to…

Is breastfeeding like running 7 miles?

The metabolic energy needed to breastfeed a baby each day is the amount you’d use to walk seven miles! Current breastfeeding rates (reported in 2016) showed that 81% of infants are breastfed initially, 51% are still breastfeeding at 6 months, and 31% have continued to breastfeed at 12 months.

Does breastfeeding drain your energy?

Breastfeeding is a tiring and exhausting process that drains your energy. Milk production burns 400 to 500 calories daily, resulting in a tired mom.

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.

When do you lose the most weight while breastfeeding?

In the Stockholm cohort, Ohlin and Rossner,23 similarly reported that greater duration and intensity of breast-feeding were associated with more weight loss from 2.5 to 6 months after delivery; however, overall weight loss from 2.5 to 12 months was similar, regardless of breast-feeding status.

Does metabolism speed up when breastfeeding?

Lactation and Adaptations of Maternal Metabolism
Overall maternal adaptations during lactation include increased basal metabolic rates and mobilization of fat stores [22–24]. Maternal fuel metabolism is altered markedly, with a 15 %–25 % increase in energy expenditure for milk production [24, 25].