Breastfeeding & fatigue

[Annie2222]

Hi all, I’m hoping for some advice re breastfeeding. I’m 6 weeks post C section and already have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME (although I function quite well, just can’t really exercise or overdo it without bringing on symptoms). In the last 1-2 weeks I have had a huge resurgence in my ME symptoms - extreme tiredness and drugged / hungover feeling, weak, shaky, headache etc. I’ve had a decent amount of sleep as I’ve had a lot of family support, so I’m wondering if it could be breastfeeding that’s making me feel so fatigued, depleted and unwell.

I am 100% breastfeeding (although most feeds are pumped then use a bottle) and I want to continue if possible, though I def can’t cope if I continue to feel this unwell.

Has anyone found that breastfeeding brought on fatigue / weakness, or that you felt much better once you stopped? I’ve heard that it’s a massive amount of energy that’s used for BFing therefore fatigue can be normal? Any experiences, or advice you might have had, would be great to hear. If I just reduced the amount of feeds I’m doing so my supply reduced, seems logical that this may help? Thanks in advance x

I don’t think it’s BFing that’s tiring, it’s babies unfortunately!

Why are you expressing? That’s extra work (and wake ups) which won’t be helpful.

Pumping is so much extra work. Why are you doing it?
Are you drinking enough water? You need at least an extra few pints than you normally would.

Did you check your iron levels? It sounds like anaemia. After I gave birth my midwife prescribed my iron tablets for 6 weeks. Also, are you eating and drinking enough? Do you have enough support?

Thanks, yes I’m pumping because I have so much milk and they become engorged otherwise? Although I’m conscious I am probably maintaining my supply by doing that so I’m trying to reduce the duration of each pumping session. She’s also on expressed milk, so if I don’t pump then I have to use formula I suppose!

hi, thank you! I am on prescription, iron tablets, actually, as I had l low iron during pregnancy and a transfusion post birth.

Could you wean baby onto the breast?
Pumping is the worst of both worlds, all the faff of expressing and bottles without the convenience of formula

Also , kindly, I think life will be tiring with a newborn and hopefully in a few weeks things will settle down for you

You’re right, the pumping is the cause of the engorgement, supply is created by demand.

Does your baby feed directly from the breast as well?

The best energy saver is mastering feeding lying down (side lying position) and safe bedsharing.

It would be a great idea to call the national breastfeeding helpline and get to a local support group, they can talk it all through with you.