Fatigue During Breastfeeding-Everything A Mother Should Be Aware Of

Some of them are listed as under:

1. Un healthy Diet During Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is crucial for both the mother and the baby so it becomes important to avoid unhealthy foods and eat nutritious food in order to be less fatigued they are:

• A diet full of nutrients, vitamins, proteins, calcium, iron, and fiber-rich foods which provide maximum energy.
• Avoid oily and junk food as it makes the body sluggish and deprives of energy.

2. Anemia Due To Blood Loss During Childbirth

One very significant reason to feel fatigued while breastfeeding is also due to the loss of blood that happens while delivery, which can also cause anemia. This can, however, be combated with proper iron supplements or food that have more iron content, for example, beans, seafood, chickpeas, spinach, red meat, lentils, dates, etc.

3. Thyroid Problem

It is important to get the thyroid check after the delivery as it can lead to Hyperthyroidism, which can stimulate sleeplessness and severe fatigue. In case proper care is taken, the doctor can prescribe medication that can help to keep the thyroid levels under control and make you feel less fatigued.

4. Breast Infections During Lactating Periods

Another very common reason is breast infections and ailments that happen during the course of breastfeeding leading to fatigue. One of the common ones is:

Mastitis

Mastitis occurs with the onset of weaning. The process leads to breast engorgement, blocked ducts or mastitis if it happens too sudden. This, however, does not affect the milk supply, yet gives way to breast tenderness, high fever, swelling, and pain. If immediate medical guidance is taken on the onset of these symptoms, the doctor can prescribe antibiotics in order to fight the infections.

5. Lack of sleep after your delivery

The arrival of the baby changes the whole life of a mother. It is difficult for her to get the right amount of rest and sleep as initially babies have to be fed or need diaper changes and become worse if the baby develops symptoms of colic or has to feed on demand. All babies are different, so their ways to engage the mother also vary. It is thus advised for the mothers to sleep when the baby sleeps or tell someone else in the family or a friend or even a nanny to be with the baby so the mother can sleep peacefully for an hour or two.

How To Regain Energy While Breastfeeding

It is a good option to nurse the newborn and provide him with all the nutrients that help in boosting immunity and also assist in proper growth and development. However, in this process maximum energy gets drained out making the mother sluggish, and tired.

Some very helpful tips to restore the lost energy are as follows:

Diet Matters

Eat the right food- It is important to have a proper diet that is a combination of minerals, nutrients, and protein for enhancing energy levels, fiber-rich foods help in digestion. Given below is a table that can be followed for a proper diet while breastfeeding.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

Drink a lot of water- Water is always a solution to most health issues. Dehydration is the major cause when less water is consumed, which drains all the energy and also stimulates fatigue. Drinking water helps in boosting energy levels and keep the mother hydrated at all times. It is advised to consume almost 14 cups of water while breastfeeding.

Exercise Boosts Your Energy

Rigorous exercise does lead to fatigue and drains energy, however, a light and healthy exercise enhances the energy levels and even helps in combating stress, depression as well as fatigue.

What Are The Foods That Help To Combat Fatigue During Pregnancy?

Here is a list of superfood that helps to combat fatigue during breastfeeding:

Banana

Have one or two bananas daily during the breastfeeding phase.

• Banana is a  rich in potassium. Potassium is a vital mineral that helps to transfer the sugar into energy.
• Banana is rich in Vitamin C, fiber, Vitamin B, omega-3 fatty acids, and carbohydrates. All these elements help you beat fatigue, tiredness, and dehydration during breastfeeding.
• Banana contains natural sugars like fructose, sucrose, and glucose, which can act as a quick energy booster.

Green Tea

Having  a cup of refreshing green tea, you can effectively combat fatigue during breastfeeding

• Green tea is a rich source of polyphenols, which helps to bring down stress, enhance concentration and boost energy.
• Green tea has components that  can raise your metabolic rate

Oatmeal

A bowl of Oatmeal a day is very beneficial to combat fatigue.

• Oatmeal is a rich source of glycogen, an excellent carbohydrate. Glycogen is capable to supply fuel to the brain and muscles for the whole day, thereby, helping to combat fatigue.
• Oatmeal is full of energy-boosting nutrients like phosphorous, magnesium, Vitamin B1, and protein.

Yogurt

Have a bowl or two of yogurt daily.

• Yogurt fight the warning signs of fatigue.
• You can eat fat-free yogurt any time of the day.
• Prepare smoothies of your choice with it.
• You can add some fresh fruits and nuts to your to make it more nutritious.

We can make the breastfeeding process smoother and more memorable by monitoring the diet, with the love and support of the near and dear ones, and by keeping healthy, fit, and happy. After all, “Breastfeeding is not a choice but a responsibility and it isn’t just about the milk, but a lot to do with love and warmth”