woman with postpartum fatigue
Postpartum

Postpartum Fatigue – How You Can Beat It

Find out what causes postpartum fatigue and how to beat it. Get your much needed energy back so you can take care of your newborn.

 

What You Should Know About Postpartum Exhaustion

When you are fatigued you feel extreme tiredness or exhaustion. You may feel weak, lightheaded, and very sleepy. Postpartum fatigue is the exhaustion felt by moms after the birth of their baby.
 
So what can cause postpartum fatigue?
 
  • Lack of sleep
  • Stress
  • The birthing process
  • Tiredness caused by surgery if you have had a c-section
 
Every woman will experience postpartum fatigue to some extent and it’s usually nothing to worry about. You have just got through your pregnancy and you are recovering from childbirth, caring for your newborn and the days of 8 hours sleep at a time are over. It will take time to get back on your feet. Thankfully there are things you can do to help.
 
 
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woman with postpartum fatigue

 

 

How You Can Help Ease Postpartum Fatigue

Prioritize

You now have a tiny human to take care of. You can’t do everything, you need to devote your time to your baby and taking care of yourself.

 
Only do what is essential during the first few weeks with your newborn. Non essential tasks can wait. The laundry and the cleaning will still be there when you feel better.
 
 
 

Get As Much Help As You Can

 Postpartum fatigue is no joke and you are going to need all of the help you can get. Dont be scared to ask friends and family members to help you out.
 
You will probably find that people are happy to run errands, watch your baby for an hour, or even just bring you some food. My mom did my laundry for the first couple of weeks after my kids were born and it was a huge help.
 
If you don’t feel like you can send someone out with a grocery list then you could always have your groceries delivered which is going to save you a lot of energy and hassle.
 
If you bulk buy baby items like diapers and wipes a good tip is to order on Amazon where you can get a 20% discount on diaper subscriptions.
 
 
 
 
 

Try A Supplement 

You could try taking a supplement that is safe to use postpartum to help boost your energy.

Brewers Yeast contains B vitamins, iron, and protein which will help beat postpartum fatigue and can also help with the baby blues. It is considered to be safe to use in the postpartum period.

If you are breastfeeding your baby, Brewers Yeast has the added bonus of helping to boost your milk supply. Check with your healthcare provider before taking Brewers Yeast so you know you are taking the correct dose. You can check it out here.
 
 
 
 
 

Take Care Of Yourself

Self care is extremely important in the postpartum period. You need to eat a healthy, balanced diet to help keep your energy levels up. This is especially important if you are breastfeeding. Make sure you eat regularly and don’t skip any meals.

 
You also need to stay hydrated as dehydration will make you more tired. Keep a bottle of water with you so you can drink regularly throughout the day.
 
Keep taking your prenatal vitamins after your baby is born until you start to feel better. Again, this is important for breastfeeding moms.
 
Try to relax as much as possible. If you are feeling particularly stressed then some relaxation techniques may help.
 
 
 
 

Get As Much Rest As Possible

Now I know this is easier said than done but try to sleep when your baby sleeps. I understand that there is a lot to do and it can be tempting to get as much as possible done while your baby is asleep.
 
Get to know your baby’s sleep routine and try to find a balance. If your baby sleeps for 2 hours then, try to nap for 1 hour and spend the remainder of the time catching up on chores.
 
Also, rest doesn’t have to mean sleep. When you are feeding your baby get comfortable and put your feet up. Every little helps.
 
 
 
 

baby and mom with postpartum fatigue

 

Limit Visitors

This may be a controversial one but don’t be afraid to limit visitors in the first few weeks after your baby is born. Even close friends and family will understand if you explain that you are just too tired for long visits or entertaining.
 
You will find that people will be happy to drop by for a short visit to let you get the rest you need. Some may even be happy to help with your baby while you go for a lie down. This allows them to spend time with the new member of the family without tiring you out.
 
 
 

Related Post For Postpartum Care

 
 
 

Consider Hiring Some Help

It may be beneficial to hire someone to clean your house for a few weeks so you can get the rest that you need. You also have the option of hiring a postpartum doula.
 
A postpartum doula will offer practical help and advice and help you transition to life with a newborn. They will support with feeding, assist with the care of your baby, help with your physical recovery, run errands, and do some light housework.
 
 
 
 
 

Get Some Fresh Air

Going outside for a short walk every day with your baby can help with postpartum fatigue. The fresh air will energize you and also help tire you out so you can get a good nights sleep.
 
Light exercise like walking will boost your energy and improve your mood. Always check with your healthcare provider that it is safe to begin exercising and try not to overdo it.
 
 
 

When To Seek Medical Advice

If your postpartum fatigue is not improving and your energy levels are not increasing then you need to seek advice from your doctor as there may be an underlying problem.
 
Conditions that may cause excessive postpartum fatigue include:
 
  • Anemia (lack of iron)
  • An underactive thyroid gland
  • Postpartum Depression
  • The use of strong painkillers
 
Postpartum fatigue is extremely common after giving birth. You have just pushed a human out of your body, it’s natural to be exhausted.
 

Be kind to yourself, accept help, and get plenty of rest so you can beat extreme postpartum tiredness and enjoy your new baby.

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