Community› The Bump Message Boards› Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding
New Discussion

Body fatigued from pregnancy/nursing?

MississippiCatfishMississippiCatfish member
in Breastfeeding
Hello there,  I haven't been active on this board for quite a while, but I have a question that I'm wondering if anyone can shed wisdom upon.  I don't think is really a clear, yes/no, easy answer...but I'm going to ask anyway!

I have been pregnant and/or breastfeeding for the past 3.5 years straight.  I had a LO Oct 2012, another July 2014, and am due again Feb 2016.  I EBF my kids, and have been fortunate enough to have a good supply with no need to supplement with formula.  But over the past year or so, I have noticed that my body just feels...tired.  I recognize that this may simply be related to having small children to care for, but part of me wonders if my body is simply physically tired of nourishing more than just myself for so long.  I tend to pick up colds more easily than I used to, be more fatigued at the end of the day, etc.  I am also just starting to feel that tug of "wanting my body to myself."  I have every intention of EBF again with baby #3, but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced these kinds of feelings - physical or emotional - and if there is anything that I can do to combat them?  Other than living a healthy lifestyle with an adequate diet, does anyone have any tips? Specific things to eat or to do?

Again, I recognize that this is vague and subjective.  I really appreciate any time that you take to think and respond!
*E 10/2012, H 7/2014, F 2/2016*
Pregnancy Ticker

Report Reply to Post

Re: Body fatigued from pregnancy/nursing?

  • SharonB222SharonB222 member

    Could be something medical there. Was your recent bloodwork normal? When I claim fatigue, my mom always claims I'm anemic, but it's small kids. Initially I was getting every other cold that LO#2 had and then I was get every cold that he got. Pedi/PCP didn't have suggestions. My acupuncturist gave me herbs to boost my immune system. We switched daycares so his immune system could catch a break.

    I suggest you do special to honor your effort and/or to make a distinction between babies - or to have a little "break" in some way. A tiger-striped nursing bra? ;) Something symbolic of your-baby-is-yours (even if it isn't quite yet)...

    Unexplained IF/RPL

    TTC#1 2003 BFNs, 2004-2009 imageimageimageimageimage 5 angels above

    2010 IVF-PGS-FET#1, DD b. Aug-2011 image

    TTC#2 2012 BFNs, 2013 FET#2, DS b. Nov-2013 image

    TTC#3 2015 BFNs, FET#3 image (my 6th and last angel above)

    Journey Complete.

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • MyCousinVinnyMyCousinVinny member
    First, I agree with getting full blood work done.  You could be anemic or even have a thyroid issue.  

    Second, I am amazed at what you've been able to accomplish and am impressed.  I am just starting to gradually wean my 5 month old (because of low pumping output) and I only breastfed my oldest DD for 3 months.  After 5 months of nursing/pumping, I am exhausted and I can't even begin to imagine how it would feel having done it longer (which I wanted to do but my boobs do not like pumps).  Your body is working (and has been) a lot to sustain life for you and your children and I think it's totally normal to wake up and think, "Geez, I am really tired."  I also think it's normal to want to have your body back after all that time.

    You're right, there is no easy answer.  But I'd start with blood work to make sure everything is in order and if it is, chalk it up to your body being "on" for a long time and just needing a well deserved break. :)
    Report Reply
  • MississippiCatfishMississippiCatfish member
    Thanks ladies.
    *E 10/2012, H 7/2014, F 2/2016*
    Pregnancy Ticker

    Report Reply
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"