What Causes Postpartum Fatigue And How To Deal With It?

Characteristics Of Postpartum Fatigue

Postpartum fatigue is physically characterized by tiredness, fatigue, loss of energy, etc. Whereas, emotionally, it can lead to depression, negativity, less confidence, de-motivation, sadness, weepiness, etc.

Is It Normal To Feel Fatigued Several Weeks After Delivering The Baby?

Getting fatigued and feeling exhausted are the most common features, and this could last for a period of a few weeks to months after the delivery. It is extremely normal to feel fatigued a few weeks after the delivery of the baby. This happens when the mother gets overtired and worked up with no adequate sleep. However, it can be combated by taking the required steps.

What Are The Causes Of Postpartum Fatigue?

Postpartum fatigue is also termed as the period of getting overtired or getting into depression. It is caused by lack of sleep, working beyond one’s limit, it even leads to weepiness, depression, lack of motivation, etc. Many reasons can lead to this after the delivery. Some of them are listed below:

Birthing Process

The birthing process can take anywhere from hours and requires abundant energy to be able to give birth to the baby naturally. Along with that, the medications given to relieve pain can lead to drowsiness and tiredness much after the delivery process. Even in a C-section leads to a lot of tiredness.

Lack Of Sleep

New-born babies make it difficult for mothers to sleep. They must be fed every two hours or on-demand, which does not let the mother sleep well. So, it is important to keep napping when the baby sleeps. The challenge here is that babies sleep in the daytime, but this is the time that the mothers get for themselves, which leaves them deprived of their sleep and keeps them tired as well.

Depression

Fatigue is the main feature that characterizes postpartum depression. It has been seen that women who keep tired for a long time are reportedly seen getting into postpartum depression.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding needs energy. It also brings about physical strain. Feeding time is an exhausting one and can lead to lethargy resulting in prolonged fatigue.

Being Anaemic

A major cause of postpartum fatigue is the loss of blood that happens at the time of delivery. So, it becomes mandatory to boost the levels of hemoglobin or have iron-enriched foods or take iron supplements as well. In case this also does not help, it is important to seek medical help.

Hypothyroidism

Pregnancy symptoms are different for different women. So are the postpartum symptoms. While some women are completely fine, many develop thyroid issues a month or later after delivery. This can bring about postpartum fatigue and can be cured with medical assistance, a regulated diet, and changes in lifestyle.

How To Deal With Postpartum Fatigue?

Postpartum fatigue is common in almost all new mothers across the world. The delivery process for a mother is very challenging, whether it’s a normal or a C-section. No doubt, the postpartum period is challenging. Yet some simple measures can be adapted to help the mother combat emotional, physical, and psychological fatigue.

Some of them have been cited as:

• It is important to catch up on the sleep. Therefore, sleep when the baby sleeps. Let other things take a back seat. In case you do not wish to sleep for a longer duration, keep an alarm by the side.
• Let the partner share your responsibility, especially changing diapers or playing with the baby. This gives time for the mother to nap for a while.
• In the case not breastfed, the father can even feed the baby with a bottle.
• Seek help from family and friends, or hire a maid for assisting you with household chores.
• So it is important to identify new born’s sleeping patterns and plan the work in the same manner.
• Exercising regularly does lessen the tiredness levels and leads to happy moods, a healthy body, and enhanced energy. Allow yourself to take a walk in the fresh air with the baby as it helps in better sleep for both.
• One can adopt relaxation methods like deep breathing or meditation for better results.
•  As per a study having a good amount of water helps in the regulation of the temperature of the body, eliminates waste and toxins from the body, helps in lubricating the joints, etc. So keep hydrated.
• Make healthy choices to combat fatigue and have a diet enriched with vitamins, carbohydrates, and proteins. Avoid sweets and caffeine, and stop worrying about the increase in weight.
• In case one does not feel good after taking a rest or sleeping well, it is time to take medical assistance.

When To See A Doctor?

Postpartum fatigue is common in all mothers. One can combat it by several measures. There are some conditions, however, where the mother, despite all means, does not feel good and relaxed. It is important to seek medical intervention at this time. Underlying are the pointers that should be kept and, if observed, should immediately be taken to the doctor. In case:

• The mother experiences postpartum depression and starts losing interest in everything
• Experiences acute blood loss
• Issues of constipation and irregular bowel syndrome
• Excess weight gain for no reason
• Dryness in skin

It is quite normal to feel some degree of physical, mental, or emotional exertion a few weeks after delivery. There should be ample support provided to the mother as she undergoes drastic changes in these nine months and even after that.

One should follow the steps mentioned above and be supportive and positive toward the mother. I Offer love, support, and understanding to the mother, which will, in turn, lead to a healthy and happy family.