BF tiredness not due to lack of sleep

[Allegrogirl]

Does anyone else feel exhausted when they BF? I'm only having to do one night feed for my 5 month old now but I am so tired I can barely function. Finding it hard to be patient with my 3 year old. Me and DH constantly bickering over who is more tired.

I want to carry on at least for a couple more months until I go back to work, then mix feed. But I'm so tired today I'm thinking of packing it in.

Have you had your iron levels checked? Are you taking any supplements? I started taking spatone when DD was younger and found it really helped.

Eaurouge I think I might go and see the GP to check iron levels. I also have anxiety problems that I can usually cope with but get worse with tiredness.

Everything it was hard at this time with DD1 as well. I feel guilty about the state of the house but too tired to tackle it. Not able to sleep during the day but I think I'll stick a film on next time DD1 is at preschool.

The actual feed always makes me feel sleepy but from what I understand that is the oxytocin, but that's in a chilled out way rather than exhausted way!

I am a person who needs sleep and although my ds2 is very good, feeds and goes straight back to sleep so I am only up 10-15mins each feed it's the broken sleep that's a killer. He's up between 1 and 3 times a night. No advice but perhaps go and see the GP and tell them how you are feeling.

When you BF your body produces oxytocin which naturally makes you feel relaxed and sleepy whilst encouraging bonding with the baby - so tell your DH that you probably are more tired than him with good biological reason (grin)

...but also prob a good idea to get your iron levels checked too