Energy drain

How much are you eating/ drinking water? It’s massively exhausting keeping a whole human alive with just your body! I’ve started buying electrolytes that I put in my water and they make such a difference to my energy levels. Are you taking breastfeeding multivitamins too?

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24879-dysphoric-milk-ejection-reflex There’s also this but it sounds like you’re talking about a physical thing more than an emotional?

@Lauryne I’ve been finding it hard to get time to eat. I’ve been trying to eat at least a meal a day in the evening. I’m much better at keeping my fluids up. I didn’t even think about electrolytes or multivitamins! Thank you I will give this a go ❤️

@Lauryne it’s definitely physical, like my body feels exhausted but also I feel emotionally drained at the same time 😪

I’m the same way. I don’t eat or drink enough I think is what causes it since you burn a lot of calories during the d at breastfeeding

I would definitely say it’s due to not eating enough! If you pop your details in here it’ll tell you how many cals you need to be eating including for breastfeeding 🫶🏼 https://www.thelactationnutritionist.com/calorie-calculator If you’re interested, the electrolytes I have are from Oshun and multivitamins are an absolute must since baby will be taking all of yours! I recommend the vitabiotics pregnacare ones x

@Lauryne I did this and it says nearly 2700 calories! I’ve been having 800 - 1200 at most a day. I think I’ve found the problem 👀 thank you for sharing this. It’s been very helpful

You’re welcome! I know it’s hard to eat so much in one day, but even if you find yourself eating a whole tub of Ben & Jerry’s just for the calories, that’s okay!! You don’t really need to eat for two while pregnant, but you definitely do while breastfeeding 😆 Make sure you get some multivitamins too, most of us don’t consume anywhere near enough vitamins in our diet to replenish what baby is taking x

You've gotta eat! That was my problem. I didn't eat enough and at approx 3 months when supply regulates. My milk was gone.

@Lauryne I think I massively underestimated how important it is to look after yourself when breastfeeding. It’s hard when you are feeling down and stressed but it’s got to be done!

@Amanda my baby is 8 weeks do you think this is going to affect my supply or will it be fine if I make changes now??

Definitely still have time. You've gotta eat for 3 starting now! Build up your reserves again. My tip: a bowl of trail mix, popcorn and water at your breastfeeding station. Then once baby is sleeping or comfy and strapped to you. Make a big meal like chilli or Mac and cheese. Try to make extra so you have a snack for later or the next day. Typically if you eat, hydrate and latch enough within 3 days your supply should increase. So curb all plans for a weekend and camp out in bed. My problem was I didn't eat enough, didn't know all these things and my baby stopped latching because nothing was coming out. Had to switch to formula the next day and my bf journey was over.