It is possible that breastfeeding will make you more tired than usual. If we also add the continuous awakenings, the thousand tasks to do at home and return to work if this is your case, breastfeeding your baby can cause you to feel exhausted.
The reason is the increase in levels of prolactin, a hormone responsible for milk production, which can cause some sonmolence and relaxation in the mother. If you feel tired while breastfeeding, we give you five tips that will help you increase your energy.
Stay hydrated
It is very common for the mother to feel more thirsty than usual during breastfeeding, a thirst that sometimes seems insatiable. This is because the body asks to replenish the fluid it loses while breastfeeding your baby (remember that 88% of breast milk is made up of water).
Dehydration can make you feel fatigued, therefore it is important to keep yourself continuously hydrated to contribute to normal cell function. Always have a bottle of water on hand to quench your thirst when you need it and increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables that contribute to the hydration of your body.
Sunbathe
Sunlight helps increase melatonin in your body, a hormone that helps prevent fatigue, chronic tiredness, sleep and lack of energy.
Therefore, expose yourself to the sun at least a few minutes a day. You can go for a walk with your baby, always protecting it from the direct sun and in prudent hours if it is summer, since vitamin D is also good for him.
Take care of your diet
Foods high in fat and too sugary do not favor your energy at all. On the contrary, they are energy thieves.
To improve your energy and mood you should include in your diet proteins from lean meats, simple carbohydrates, as well as whole grains, fiber, nuts and omega-3 fats, such as those found in salmon, green leafy vegetables and tuna.
Stay active
When you feel tired, you don't feel like it too much, but unlike what you think, staying active will help you increase your energy. It is not necessary that you sign up for the gym if you do not feel like it, just by doing moderate physical exercise such as going for a walk, cycling or practicing yoga, you will contribute to increase your energy.
Rest whenever you can
It seems obvious, but it is not. Try to rest whenever your baby allows it. Take advantage of sleeping when your baby sleeps because if you start doing a thousand things you will end up even more exhausted. Short naps, even if they are 20 or 30 minutes, will help you replenish energy in the short term, which will allow you to continue with daily tasks with less fatigue.
