Does B/F make you tired?

Does anyone know if physically breastfeeding can make you tired? I am exhusted at the moment. Especially during the day which is when I am feeding 2 hourly. I am literally falling asleep anywhere. My toddler woke me up today, cause I had fallen asleep just sitting on the couch holding my baby. I realise having a 4 month old and a 2.5 year old is tiring but this seems extreme. I am taking breastfeeding vitamins + a super B for energy but it doesn't seem to be helping. Has anyone else had this? Is there any vitiamins that could help?

Not sure about the vitamins hun but I find I get sleepy during most feeds if I'm not talking to others or out in a different environment to home. I think it's related to a particular hormone that gets released or is in the breast milk. It makes both baby and mum sleepy.

I've done 2 hourly day feeding too hun, :hug: it's hard work!

I *think* I remember reading that breastfeeding releases oxytocin into the body, which can make you veeerrrry sleeeepy. Made me snoozy anyway.

Feeding 2 hourly is going to be taking its toll on your body - make sure you're drinking enough. You might want to pop into a doctor and get a blood test taken, they might pick something up like an iron deficiency that you can fairly easily combat.

If you can maybe sip on a drink while feeding or watch something interesting on tv, that might help keep you feeling a bit more alert and awake too. xo

:hug: Hang in there.

It made me really tired with my first. Needed a nap just about every day. Now I'm just used to being a walking zombie. What Nelle said is right re: the hormones. It was worse when I didn't drink enough water though.

Hi,

When you breastfeed, you release the hormone Cholecystokinin (or CCK for short) Your baby also gets a burst of CCK while he is breastfeeding, which makes him go to sleep - he gets a longer more sustained burst as his food digests.
CCK makes you sleepy. You are in fact meant to get a rest. And breastfeeding helps that. As you recognise, having two young children is tiring. Breastfeeding assists you getting a rest. You are in fact meant (by nature) to curl up with yur baby and have a sleep. Encourage your toddler to lie down and have a sleep.
There is a myth that "breastfeeding takes it out of you" (Milk is the only thing it takes out of you!) In fact breastfeeding is very efficient. Breastfeeding mothers utilise nutrients from the food they eat more effectively. And they have savings in things such as iron, as menstruation is usually delayed. So in fact, they are generally in better shape than if they were formula feeding.
Breastfeeding 2 hoursly during the day is pretty normal and not "taking a toll". If you are eating normally there is no need in particular to take a vitamin.
Having a daytime nap with your babies is delicious. Its hot outside - the housework can wait. Enjoy it!

I think parenting makes you tired. Especially with two. DS1 weaned when I was pg with DS2 and I didn't feel any less tired than when he was bfing. The same thing happened when DS2 weaned - parenting two boys was still every bit as tiring. Personally I don't think bfing had any impact on this.

As Barb says, your body also used nutrients more efficiently when you are bfing. I need regular blood tests for high iron, and my GP was always commenting on the fantastic nutrient levels that I had while bfing.

I didn't know my body was using nutrients more efficiently while breastfeeding! Thanks ladies, you learn something new every day.

I think having 3 children is tiring, breastfeeding two of them is only part of it :)

I do think breastfeeding makes you a bit tired, afterall your body is producing the milk. But it might be worth getting your iron levels checked. I had mind checked 3 months after DS was born and they were very low. I've been on a supplement for the last few months and it definately made a difference to my energy levels when I started taking it.

I think it makes you exhausted! My 18 month old girl refuses to be weaned and infact has increased her feeds. She is very healthy and I know it's so good for her but I am wiped out. After a couple of very hot days last week she wanted to be fed all the time and I could barely get through the day. I don't know if this helps!

yesss i get all dozy after every feed, but if im watching something really good on tv, or i am out at the shops, then it doesnt affect me at all. i think its the combination of oxytocin PLUS sitting for a long time and waiting around for bub to finish that makes u tired.