People have different opinions on pregnancy and childbirth. Many women consider it to be a miracle. After all, you are giving life to another human being!
Pregnancy is delightful! You will be surrounded by the love and blessing of your loved ones. You will start weaving dreams about your baby’s bright future, and purchase babyclothes, furniture, and other baby-related products. Even the idea of turning your house into a stingy poop factory will seem exciting while you wait for the arrival of your adorable little munchkin!
But amidst all these glittering joys, pregnancy and childbirth come with many difficulties. It may wreak havoc on your body. On top of this, you will be accompanied by sleep-deprived nights and the stress of taking care of your newborn. It is no wonder that new moms feel exhausted.
Postpartum fatigue is very common, and it is something that all new mothers will experience. Much research suggests that most women experience Postpartum fatigue after giving birth, which may persist for more than three months. But this doesn’t mean that you should smile and bear all this. Instead, there are some strategies and practices that can help you cope with this emotional rollercoaster journey.
Delve into this article to understand its symptoms, how to cope, and when to call for medical help.
What is Postpartum fatigue?
Feeling tired and experiencing “baby blues” is common for a “new mom.” But Postpartum fatigue is more than the sleepiness and feeling of exhaustion. It can be considered a mental and physical illness affecting women after giving birth. It is characterized by a lack of energy, extreme mood swings, and an inability to concentrate.
During the Postpartum period, women will experience mood swings. One moment they may feel happy, but the next, they may feel gloomy. As a result, they may have trouble concentrating, lose their appetite, and have trouble sleeping.
So, if you are a new mom going through an emotional rollercoaster, you might be expiring postpartum fatigue. Here are all the symptoms that you need to look out for.
Symptoms of Postpartum fatigue
• Feeling down or sad
• Experiencing Anxiety and depression
• Crying frequently
• Feeling restless and irritable
• Lack of interest in anything
• Not able to concentrate
• Loss of appetite
• Lack of motivation
• Facing sleep issues
• Feeling worthless and hopeless
• Sudden weight gain or weight loss
• Feeling that life is meaningless
Causes of Postpartum fatigue
• Iron deficiency
• Postpartum depression
• Blood loss
• Using of drugs
• Stressful marital life
• Stress during the Pregnancy period or after childbirth
• Breastfeeding
How to Cope with Postpartum fatigue?
Take rest
Take rest whenever possible. Follow the wisest and old advice “sleep when the baby sleeps.” Do not use that time for doing laundry or household chores. Instead, try to get sleep and relax whenever possible.
Prioritize your comfort
Prioritize your comfort. Try to be comfortable while breastfeeding. Here are some tips that you can follow:
• Use a pillow or cushion to provide support for your back, arm, and baby
• Choose comfortable clothing
• Take breaks when you feed. You can switch sides or take a few minutes to rest in-between feeds.
Take assistance
Do not hesitate to ask the support and help from your partner, family, or friends. Even though you might feel you must take complete care of the baby and your house, ask for assistance. Ask them to hold your baby for a while when you nap or shower.
Consult a doctor
If you are feeling excessively tired or feeling overwhelmed, it is advised to consult a doctor. You can also seek patient support and guidance from a reputable online platform like MD Newsline, which offers insights and offers online forums where patients can connect with other women who are going through similar experiences.
Eat nutrients rich food and hydrate
Make sure that you have a well-balanced diet and eat nutrition-rich food. In addition, keep yourself hydrated. But make sure to limit your caffeine intake.
Get moving
Talk to your doctor, and engage in some light exercises. If the doctor says you can move, go for strolls with your baby or lite walking. Taking a little fresh air can lift your mood.
Postpartum Journey is filled with smiles and frowns. There will be times when you feel overwhelmed with all the sudden changes around you. You will have to take care of many things but do not forget to take care of your mental and physical health. Remember that only a happy and healthy mommy can keep their baby happy and healthy.
