Postpartum - Lack of Energy

The one thing I learned with my first son, If there sleeping you sleep. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it. It did take a little while to convince myself I needed the rest and not to have a perfectly clean house all the time. And if he is sleeping unless you are concerned let him sleep. If he gets hungry he will wake up!!!

J.-

I hope that your partner lives with you so that you can at least have 2-3 nights a week to sleep 6-8 solid hours. I'm single w/ 3 yr old twins and you're right to be concerned about your energy (I ended in the er several times after having passed out from exhaustion). Keep taking your vitamins, esp. if you are breastfeeding. What also helped me lots was working out. I know it sounds strange, but when you're body's in shape it uses energy more efficiently and you sleep better. I did this with my kids & it allowed me to have some 1 on 1 contact (baby squats, baby crunches, etc.) Don't waste time doing everything perfectly. Set up your kitchen so that you have the baby's things at hand. Post the baby's schedule and write in what time he ate and how much, along with diaper changings. Don't bother folding everything - socks and burp rags don't wrinkle and some things that do wrinkle won't have the time b/c you constantly have to change the baby. I wouldn't advise it, but sometimes I did end up drinking massive amounts of soda and coffee. This will only messes up your sleeping habits...and then you get that caffeine "crash." Also, eat lots of fruits and veggies-they're in season, too.

You're body's been through a lot. If you had a c-section it may take you longer to get your energy back (it is surgery, sometimes people forget). That's all I can think of off the top of my head, feel free to email me with anything else.

Congrats and good luck!

Hi J.!
I am a stay at home mom of 3 girls ages 2,4, and 6. I always found that making sure that I got a shower early in the day. It made me feel better and more awake the rest of the day, otherwise I would say things like: "Look I couldn't even take a shower today!"
Enjoy the baby!!
B.

J.,
Hi. Congratulations on your new baby.
Unless your baby has severe medical problems, I would not wake the baby up to feed them. You will only create a bad habit for the baby to wake up only to eat, whether or not the baby is hungry. Someone once told me, "never wake up a sleeping baby." I learned that lesson one baby too late. Believe me, when the baby needs to eat, the baby will let you know. Get some rest. Also, just like adults, babies also wake up during the night, for a bunch of reasons. Just like adults, babies wake up, make some noises or even cry a little bit. Don't rush to pick the baby up, give the baby some time to calm themselves down because lots of times they will fall back to sleep simply because they happened to wake up for no serious reason, just like adults. I don't mean to preach, just some truly friendly advice. In the end, of course, your senses will let you know what needs to be done.

Dear J.,

I understand completely! When I had my first child at 31 weeks, I was exhausted beyond imagination. The trips to the NICU, having to pump and take my milk to the baby and trying to take care of my older child wreaked havoc on me. You will be tired for the next 6 years (smile).

Continue to take your prenatal vitamins, as they will give you the energy to sustain the demands of your new baby. Nap while he or she does- it may be hard to do at first, but you learn quickly. Ask a friend or relative to come by during the day for an hour or two with the baby so that you can take a relaxing shower, run some errands or nap. If you have a significant other or husband, have him take care of the baby for a little while once he gets settled from work.

In terms of feedings, things do get better. For the first month though, babies do want to eat every 2-3 hours- especially if being breastfed. If your baby is formula fed, try to prepare some bottles ahead so that you can feed your baby right away. If you are breastfeeding, pump and try to freeze some milk ahead of time, so that when the baby is ready to eat, all you have to do is run the bottle or milk storage container under lukewarm water for prompt feeding.

I have many many more suggestions. If you would like to continue to chat, feel free to email me for additional ideas. Happy Parenting and congratulations on your new addition!

Hi J.,
Hang in there, it does get better. Postpartum was terrible for me with my son (I have a son 2, and a daughter 11 months). I cried everyday and was too tired, too stressed, very hungry (never had time to eat) and scared not only that, I wanted to clean and couldn't, I couldn't take a shower when I wanted or needed it. But, around 6 weeks, you start feeling better and by 2 months you should have a "normal" or familiar routine with your baby and things just get better from there.

I remember not wanting to leave the hospital because I was so scared of being home with the baby. My husband thought the "maternal" instincts will kick in for me as soon as I gave birth, but I was horrified. No one ever talks about the fear and the emotion a new momi goes through when the baby is born and is home for the first several weeks. I didn't think I would go through postpartum when I was pregnant, but it's hormonal and it effects everyone differently. It's helpful to know that other moms have gone through this and with understanding from a spouse and/or family and friends a new momi can get through this.

I hope this helps a bit. If you want to reply with questions or comments or just to vent. I'll be here to listen (or read in this case).

Take care, rest (if you can), EAT and know that it does get better with every passing day.

And don't worry, when your baby is hungry, he'll let you know. Both my babies also went like 4 or 5 hours with out waking up (in the first few weeks) at times. I woke my son up all the time, but with my daughter, I let her rest until she told me she was hungry.

Barbara

Your hormones are still wrecking havoc in your body. That takes some time to work through and your energy will be affected. I know it is hard, but sleep when the baby sleeps and take advantage of any help you can get! I am due with #3 in a few months and am allready exhausted just thinking about it. Good luck and enjoy, they are only this little once.

K. in Western Springs

I'd say sleep whenever you can. I've also heard "Noni Juice" works, but I never tried it.

One day you'll just realize - I don't feel tired anymore. So the hazy foggy days will be over before you know it.

It's great that the baby only wakes up twice. Please take this advice for what it's worth. If the baby sleeps at night don't wake them. This is what my pediatrician told me and this is what I did. If your pediatrician told you differently please follow what your pediatrician told you.
As for energy, have your tried eating a little more protein? Perhaps taking a walk around your neighborhood with the baby for a little exercise would help. These are some things that I did that helped I hope they can help you!

J.,
Hang in there it gets better. Try and get out w/the baby (go shopping, park, whatever to get out). The best thing is to be around other moms. Its such an adjustment, not only hormonal but lifestyle. Being around others in the same situation helps a great deal. With my 1st baby, i used to wake her to eat. By the 2nd one, you dont even bother. You let them wake up on thier own. I dont care what the books say. They are fine. Get your husband involved. Mine was not...and they dont realize how stressful it can be at times. Maybe when he gets home, if you can have some alone time...just to yourself...that helps as well. I never got that, and your really need it. Good luck! Let me know if you have any questions....

Hi J.,
It should get better in the next month. By third month, your energy levels should get a lot better. In the mean time, take plenty of rest & try eating a few Almonds. They helped me out with consistent energy throughout the day. I used to roast them & eat them as snack.
Let me know if this helps u.

Hi J.
I have a little girl and she is now 9mths. I have been running around like crazy with her lately she is crawling all over and trying to walk! WATCH OUT! :)

As far as postpartum, I have not experienced it but my sister did and she got on medication to help her depression. I am not sure if you are experiencing anything like thast, but if so I would let your doctor know. Its better to get help, than to be embarressed about it. It happens to most women, but so many are afraid to talk about it.

As for energy, I would take vitamins and try to excerise as much as you possibly can. Just for like 20 mints, this always helped me right after I had the baby, and eating right. I felt when I ate non healthy food, I was more tired.

Well I hope I helped, and if you ever need anything please feel free to email me. :)
____@____.com
Smile :)

Sorry J., I forgot we changed the software I will add White Glove Cleaning Service to the directory. I know its a cost but SO worth it on occasion $72 for 5 hours... Also I just noticed you are in Bolingbrook are you part of the moms club of Bolingbrook? When you have a baby we (Members of the club) volunteer and make a meal for your family for 2 weeks. If you are a member then ask Keri if not email me and I will send you the info on how to join. Finally contact me about the foot soak its a WONDERFUL way to have some pampering time and the Bergamont is energizing! Good Luck :)!