One of the most frequent complaints my wife had after giving birth was extreme exhaustion. At first, we assumed it was just the effects of a natural delivery, which is undeniably draining. However, we quickly realized we needed to figure out how to deal with breastfeeding fatigue, as the tiredness persisted despite our efforts.
What Causes Fatigue in New Mothers?
Moms, do you often feel weak, sleepy, experience muscle aches, or even headaches? If you’re feeling weak when breastfeeding, you’re not alone—these symptoms are incredibly common for new mothers and can persist for months after delivery. That’s why I included this as a key point in my post on “What to Expect with Your First Baby.”
Hormonal changes and a lack of certain specific nutrients are significant contributors to why mothers feel fatigued during the breastfeeding period. After childbirth, the body undergoes dramatic hormonal shifts, including drops in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can impact energy and mood.
Emotional stress and overwhelming responsibilities—such as caring for a newborn—add to the physical toll. Sleep deprivation from constant attention to the baby’s needs further exacerbates the exhaustion.
So, what are the ways to reduce breastfeeding tiredness? Here are practical solutions for breastfeeding fatigue that can make a real difference.
3 Tips for Breastfeeding Exhaustion
Based on our personal experience and advice from our doctor, I’d like to share a few simple tips for breastfeeding exhaustion. Take note—these suggestions could make a huge difference in how a mom feels physically and mentally.
1. Block Out Negative Comments
After giving birth, a mother’s emotions can become highly sensitive. Even seemingly harmless comments can weigh heavily on her mind.
A study titled Perceived Pressures and Mental Health of Breastfeeding Mothers explains how social pressures—such as remarks or judgments from others—can impact a mother’s mental health. Dismissive or judgmental comments about breastfeeding methods often lead to emotional stress, which directly contributes to physical exhaustion.
In response, I ensured my wife had minimal exposure to people who might give unsolicited or potentially harmful remarks about her or our baby. As a husband, I focused on being a listener for her concerns without judgmental or excessive commentary.
Helping out wherever possible during the early postpartum days can significantly reduce her stress levels—one of the key solutions for breastfeeding fatigue. If needed, step in to care for the baby and allow her some alone time to recharge.
2. Adjust Sleeping Patterns
Once the baby arrives, a mother’s sleep schedule is no longer predictable. The baby will inevitably wake up and cry every few hours, leading to breastfeeding tiredness and sleep deprivation.
To counter this, rest whenever the baby sleeps. If possible, take turns with your partner for sleeping shifts. These simple adjustments are effective ways to reduce breastfeeding tiredness while ensuring both parents get valuable rest.
3. Ensure Nutritional Needs Are Met
Initially, I underestimated the importance of this, but experience has taught me that nutrition is the most vital key to tackling breastfeeding fatigue.
Breastfeeding mothers tend to feel hungrier than usual, and I assumed providing enough food would be enough to solve the problem. But when my wife continued to complain about unusual fatigue, I realized something was off.
After consulting a doctor, I learned how crucial it is for breastfeeding mothers to maintain a balanced diet. Deficiencies in iron, calcium, and vitamin D are all common causes of feeling weak when breastfeeding.
In our case, my wife’s diet lacked sufficient calcium—a deficiency that greatly impacted her energy levels and recovery.
During breastfeeding, a mother’s body prioritizes the baby’s nutritional needs, including providing calcium for the baby’s bone development through breast milk. If her dietary calcium intake is insufficient, the body will draw calcium from her bones to compensate. This can lead to reduced bone density and, in some cases, symptoms like fatigue, muscle cramps, and weakness.
Breastfeeding mothers require at least 1000 mg of calcium daily. To meet this need, we decided to include calcium supplements in her diet, targeting the minimum 1000 mg per day. Sure enough, my wife felt significantly better after that adjustment—one of the most effective solutions for breastfeeding fatigue.
Consult Your Doctor
Every individual is unique. If fatigue symptoms persist, consult a doctor. There may be other underlying factors contributing to the issue.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few ways to reduce breastfeeding tiredness that I’ve personally seen work. While such symptoms are common, that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. Thankfully, there are practical steps you can take to alleviate breastfeeding exhaustion and restore energy levels for new moms.