Why does breastfeeding make you tired?

The Fatigue of Breastfeeding: Understanding the Causes
Breastfeeding is often heralded as a beautiful bonding experience between mother and child, but it can also be a source of significant fatigue for new mothers. This tiredness is not merely a byproduct of sleepless nights or the demands of caring for a newborn; it is deeply rooted in physiological and hormonal changes that occur during lactation.
Hormonal Influences
One of the primary reasons breastfeeding can make mothers feel tired is the release of hormones, particularly prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin, which is essential for milk production, increases significantly during breastfeeding sessions. This hormone not only facilitates lactation but also has a sedative effect, often leaving mothers feeling relaxed and sleepy while nursing. Oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” is also released during breastfeeding, promoting feelings of bonding and relaxation, which can further contribute to a sense of fatigue.
Physical Demands of Lactation
The act of breastfeeding itself is physically demanding. Producing milk requires a substantial amount of energy, and the body works hard to meet the nutritional needs of the baby. This energy expenditure can lead to feelings of exhaustion, especially when combined with the physical discomforts that some mothers experience, such as sore nipples or engorgement. The cumulative effect of these demands can leave mothers feeling drained.
Sleep Disruption and Routine Changes
In addition to hormonal and physical factors, the lifestyle changes that accompany a new baby play a significant role in maternal fatigue. New mothers often face disrupted sleep patterns due to frequent nighttime feedings and the general unpredictability of a newborn’s schedule. This lack of restorative sleep can compound feelings of tiredness, making it difficult for mothers to recharge.
Nutritional Considerations
Another contributing factor to fatigue in breastfeeding mothers is nutritional status. Many women experience iron-deficiency anemia, which is more common during breastfeeding due to the increased nutritional demands of milk production. A lack of essential nutrients can exacerbate feelings of tiredness, making it crucial for mothers to maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support their energy levels.
Coping Strategies
While the fatigue associated with breastfeeding can be overwhelming, there are strategies that mothers can employ to help manage their energy levels. Prioritizing rest whenever possible, staying hydrated, and ensuring proper nutrition are vital steps. Additionally, seeking support from family members or lactation consultants can provide practical help and emotional encouragement, making the breastfeeding journey a bit easier.
In conclusion, while breastfeeding is a rewarding experience, it is also a demanding one that can lead to significant fatigue. Understanding the hormonal, physical, and lifestyle factors at play can help mothers navigate this challenging period with greater awareness and support.

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 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.

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.

How long does postpartum fatigue last?

The answer is different for everyone. Postpartum fatigue is most common in the first few days after childbirth, but it can stick around for months or even years.

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.

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.

Why do I feel so tired while breastfeeding?

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.

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.

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.

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.