the breastfeeding energy lull

Purchasing flowers when you need an energy boost –  I’m not sure if it’s a proven remedy but it’s worth a try, if you ask me.

Breastfeeding weariness is a real thing and at the moment, it’s hit me hard. At this stage with every baby I have noticed a distinct decline in my energy levels. I’m sure there’s something that happens at the nine-month postpartum mark but I’m yet to discover the science behind it. Alas, I’m tired. That’s all there is to it.

The humidity coinciding with the pre-Christmas rush is a contributing factor, of that I am sure. And then there’s Percy’s teeth which are yet to appear but we all know that they’re moving about with vengeance (more on that later). He’s crawling – quickly – and will speed up if he hears me running toward him. He’s also pulling himself up to standing and will stay there for a good long while, his tiny stick-like legs doing a fine job of holding him up. He’s increased his breastfeeds, too, so just as I was thinking that feeding was predictable he decided to shake things up a bit.

He’s busy and I’m tired.

If I’ve learned anything from my eight-odd years of mothering (and close to five years of breastfeeding) it’s that it’s always best to listen to your wise body when it’s yelling at you, regardless of the fact that you may be too tired to do anything about it. Indeed, it’s a vicious circle.

Reclaiming energy is at top of my list out of absolute necessity. I’m having to be religious about drinking water and taking supplements (iron, magnesium and vitamin c), early bedtimes are a must (I’ve fallen asleep in my clothes far too many times of late) and I’m trying my hardest to fit regular walks and swims into my week (however short they may be). Instead of reaching for sugary treats I’m attempting to discipline myself with fresh fruit and vegies and plenty of good fats (but oh, chocolate!).

This exhaustion is not new to me – I know it all too well. The silver lining? I also know the best cure. Good food, exercise, sunshine, early nights and being disciplined enough to follow the plan.

My advice? Listen to your body. And buy flowers.

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Showing 16 comments
  • Kirsty
    Reply

    And buy flowers. I love that – odd how such a little thing is such a boost!

    • Jodi
      Reply

      It's a tried and true happiness-inducing method, if you ask me x

  • Margaret
    Reply

    Of course flowers are the answer……short term anyway. Homemade hommus and veg sticks,veg or fruit smoothies might help,
    Babies at that age sure do put a srain on the milk supply and energy levels.

    • Jodi
      Reply

      Hommus + vegies are a daily staple around here x

  • Tin of tea
    Reply

    I envy your discipline! I've realised at 3 pm yesterday i hadn't eat yet, no wonder why i was starting to see little stars in front of my eyes…!

    • Jodi
      Reply

      I have those days! x

  • Jane S
    Reply

    Thank you Jodi…and I am not even breastfeeding x

    • Jodi
      Reply

      Yes, motherhood in general… x

  • Lilian L
    Reply

    O yes. Flowers…I have always felt rather indulgent buying flowers which so quickly wither but the massive perk up you get whenever you catch sight of them from the corner of your eye however brief is worth so much more,..hang in there Jodi, be kind to yourself and ride that wave. I've only had 2 babies so I can only imagine how difficult it would be with three! Sending prayers and good vibes.

  • Kristina
    Reply

    Thank you Jodi, my third baby was born right around when Percy was – this is just what I needed to hear! For some reason the 8 and 9 month mark is when I tend to get hard on myself – I should be more productive, the house should be cleaner, things should be more organized by now. So nice to hear your gentle voice this morning, reminding me I'm not alone and to be kind to my breastfeeding body.

    • Jodi
      Reply

      You're so right. Why do we think everything should be "together" when it's at this stage that the chaos of a moving baby is only just being realised! x

  • Kari
    Reply

    This is not a criticism. I dislike negative comments. But remember what a blessing it is to be able to breastfeed this long. I was only able to breastfeed my two children for about six months each. In both cases I couldn't produce any milk after that point.

    • Jodi
      Reply

      I am very grateful but it's also important to be honest and open about the reality of this experience x

  • Musobeck
    Reply

    Thank you Jodi for such an insightful post. It was soothing to hear that I am not alone (or crazy) in experiencing such tiredness at this 8-9 month mark (my baby was born just a few weeks after Percy) and that we need to be listening to natural instinct. I'm sure we need to slow down and ground ourselves more to contrast to the movement and joyous chaos that little crawlers are bringing to our lives right now. Thanks to you, I've put 'buy flowers' on my list of things to do today.

  • Teffy Perk
    Reply

    Ok so I have absolutely zero experience in breastfeeding, but I do have experience in the snacking for energy department =)

    If you're missing chocolate, you could always look for raw chocolate, which basically means you get the delicious chocolate with all the amazing health benefits of raw cacao. Also, energy balls made of things like dates and nuts can be a lifesaver when you want something to grab and go (plus they taste delicious!). Sliced apples or rice cakes with almond butter is also divine! X

  • Eloise
    Reply

    Jodi, I was experiencing the same thing (with a 16month old baby) and someone put me on to 'Floradix's' Floravital. It comes in liquid form (around $20 p/bottle) and you drink 30mls or so a day. It's AMAZING. I wish I'd found out about it years ago!
    Here's the link;
    http://www.redseal.co.nz/product/floradix-floravital-iron-tonic/

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