What is everyone doing to cope with being so tired? I am breast feeding and cant really have caffeine. My son is 9 days old now and I can barely function. I also lost a quart of blood during labor and am anemic now so that isnt helping my cause.
Any tips?
Re: Tiredness
Violet Mae born 1/15/13
I don't think there's much you can do but grin and bear it. You'll get through it.
My best advice would be to not pressure yourself to do anything but care for baby. Meaning let the housework slide, it's ok if laundry piles up, and there's no shame in eating take out multiple nights a week! It's temporary and the other tasks will still be there when you're feeling a little more rested. Sleep when baby sleeps if you can, if not at least try to lay down and relax/rest while they are, it helps even if baby's sleeping on your chest. Just laying in your bed for a bit will at least recharge you a bit.
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Violet Mae born 1/15/13
I agree with this regarding the water and iron. You have to replenish your system after losing all that blood and fluids definitely help. Also, juices are a good fluid. The first two weeks are always the most exhausting. You'll start to feel better once you recover a little more. GL!
My baby is about 10 days older than yours and I'm already starting to get a little more sleep...or I've just gotten used to the lesser amount of sleep. Either way, I'm feeling more well rested. So, hang in there, you'll start to feel better soon!
I've been drinking lots of water, taking my iron supplements, and eating lots of iron rich and vitamin C rich foods. Vitamin C is important to help you body more efficiently absorb iron. Also, keep snacks on hand that are easy to prep and eat so that you can have a little energy boost during or after nursing.
Also, the tiredness has been psychologically hard for me. For a while I dreaded going to bed because I knew I wasn't really going to get a good night's rest. My day seemed endless because no matter when I slept I knew I'd be up in 2-3 hours again. To combat this, I make sure to get dressed as soon as I get out of bed in the morning and I put on my pjs at my designated "bed time". Using clothing to mark the difference between day and night makes me feel better, even though I'm still tired.
Hope this helps!