One of many questions: exhaustion

[lenabrandenburg]

A good friend of mine and I both had babies recently and are breastfeeding. It's nice because we are going through similar things at similar times. Her son is 10 weeks old, mine is 12 weeks. This is my first time being able to exclusively nurse this long so I don't have a reference.

I get soooo sleepy! All the time it seems like. And I can't blame it on a wakeful baby. He generally sleeps through the night now (though I can't quite say the same for my 22 month old). We have one nighttime feeding maybe once a week and the other nights he sleeps 10-6. (then nurses and nods back off until 8 or so).

I am getting so sleepy at times that I literally feel like someone drugged me. My friend says she feels the same way. What is this and can I get it to stop?

[debbie_page]

Well, every time you nurse your body releases oxytocin which causes you to get sleepy. Plus you have TWO BABIES!! Are you getting any exercise?

[lenabrandenburg]

I'm getting some. At the very moment I am out of state visiting my dad so I'm not really getting any exercise this week. Currently my husband is away at basic training and I am staying with my sister while he is gone, which provides a built-in sitter for a little exercise time every day.

I find that after working out I am SO much more exhausted than I used to be...I have to get a shower and then plop down on the couch for awhile! I suppose that is indicative of my fitness level more than anything though.

The oxytocin is kicking my butt! I can barely keep my eyelids open some afternoons. I even nap with the kids most of the time.

[debbie_page]

I definitely recommend napping everytime the babies are sleeping. Your sleep is very important. When my babies were young I took a nap every afternoon and thought it would last forever! But guess what. It didn't and now at 54 I rarely nap! Are you eating dark green leafy vegetables?

[lenabrandenburg]

I'm not but I can...what will that do? I like fresh spinach.

[debbie_page]

I am wondering if you need some extra iron. Spinach is excellent.

[lenabrandenburg]

*sigh* I was afraid of that...I'll have my hemoglobin checked...I failed to mention that twice PP I was hospitalized for hemolysis and have received 4 units of blood total. This was 10 weeks ago and it has been better...the hemolysis has stopped and hemoglobin finally went up ( was as low as 6.3 ) but I just feel cruddy lately.

[debbie_page]

Well, that is a huge clue as to your tiredness. Have it checked and start taking FLoradix-liquid iron supplement made form fruits and vegetables- it is non constipating.

[lenabrandenburg]

thank you Debbie. I'm off to the grocery store in just a few minutes. Besides spinach what other foods can I buy to help?

[debbie_page]

# liver
# lean red meats, including beef, pork, lamb
# seafood, such as oysters, clams, tuna, salmon, and shrimp, etc.
# beans, including kidney, lima, navy, black, pinto, soy beans, and lentils
# iron fortified whole grains, including cereals, breads, rice, and pasta
# greens, including collard greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach, and turnip greens
# tofu
# vegetables, including broccoli, swiss chard, asparagus, parsley, watercress, brussel sprouts
# chicken and turkey
# blackstrap molasses
# nuts
# egg yolks
# dried fruits, such as raisins, prunes, dates and apricots

[lenabrandenburg]

Debbie you have been a sanity saver this afternoon. My mood is greatly improved after chatting with you. Thank you tons.

[debbie_page]

You are welcome. What a great mom you are. Your babies are so fortunate.