Why I am I so tired? Is it possible that I'm iron deficient?

Advice from medicos most welcome ;) I might post in the prof support section too :)

I am sooooooooo tired. I've been blaming it on sleep deprivation, but when I actually think about how much sleep I average, it's not bad at all!

I went to the GP about 6-8 weeks ago as I was having alot of funny sort of dizzy spells. Like I didn't feel as though I would pass out, just like I was losing my balance IYKWIM? Anyway, the GP checked me out, I suggested that I thought it was due to tiredness, and he agreed it was likely. He asked me to try and get more sleep/rest, and if I didn't see an improvement within a few weeks to go and have some blood tests, and a CT.

He did ask how my periods were, and when I told him that I haven't had any since DS was born (still BFing), he said that I shouldn't be iron deficient then. Is that true?

The dizzy stuff is a bit better, I don't always get more sleep, but I really don't think I'm actually that bad off in that department. I didn't go and get the bloods and scan done, I don't think it's warranted.

But could I be iron deficient? Could that be why I'm so tired? I'm seeing my gynae in a few weeks, so I can always ask him about it, and for a referral for bloods if needs be.

TIA for any advice :)

Are you pg? :P
I'd get the bloods done. Could be you are just tired, but you know your body better than anyone. And if it doesn't feel right to you, get checked out. :hug: to you, mate. I really hope you are feeling more like yourself soon. xx
ETA: Dunno about not being iron deficient unless AF has returned...? Sounds a bit half-ar$ed to me!

Hello Janie,

It is possible that you are iron or vitamin B12 deficient - both of these deficiencies can cause dizziness and tiredness. I think is is worth getting your blood tests done, just so you can either rule out deficiencies, or identify and treat them. Remember that BF is a huge (and wonderful) job for your body, and does take up lots of energy. Are you taking any multi-vitamins at the moment? It is really beneficial to continue taking a multi throughout BF and beyond to restore nutrient levels following birth. Make sure you're eating loads of good food and lots of protein :) and enjoy the big sleeps xxx

Janie
i was sooooo tired the whole time i breastfed. I took supplements throughout and my Hb was fine
BUt always exhausted. THe only time i wasnt tired was the 2 weeks between stopping BF-ing and falling pregnant again lol!

Forgot to mention yesterday....

You produce loads of relaxing 'sleepy' hormones when you are BF. That's another thing to consider - it's perfectly normal to feel tired and a bit dreamy when you're feeding. I would still gets those bloods done just to be sure though.

xxx