Is this normal and what can I do about it?

[BRmama]

Okay so I finally have bf down and my DS2 nurses very well especially at night now that we know his fussiness is normal. The thing is I'm always soooo tired when I'm bf like I just want to sleep all the time. For instance last night my dh couldn't fall asleep so he stayed up painting our extra room until four am. By afternoon today I seemed like the one that stayed up till four am. So does this have anything to do with bf? Since this is my first time bf I have no idea. Also is this something that I have to get used to, or am I not taking in enough calories to give me back my energy. I have a toddler so unfortunately sleeping when the baby sleeps is not an option. How do you all deal with that if you went or are going through it? I want to continue bf until we're both ready to stop but I need to do something about not being so tired all the time.  TIA

[PatioGardener]

honestly, I think the tiredness is a baby thing rather than a breastfeeding thing.

nak

[BRmama]

Originally Posted by PatioGardener 

honestly, I think the tiredness is a baby thing rather than a breastfeeding thing. " rel="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/hug2.gif">

" rel="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/hug2.gif">nak

Yeah, and now I have two lol. Anyway thanks

[crystal_buffaloe]

Well, it's possible that breastfeeding does have a little to do with it. I'm thinking that because breastfeeding causes a release of relaxing hormones (in combination with regular new mom sleep deprivation) that it can make you feel sleepy. Also, it does burn calories, and if you're not taking in adequate nutrition, you could feel run down (again, in combination with regular new mom sleep deprivation). So make sure you're taking care of yourself

[BRmama]

Originally Posted by crystal_buffaloe 

Well, it's possible that breastfeeding does have a little to do with it. I'm thinking that because breastfeeding causes a release of relaxing hormones (in combination with regular new mom sleep deprivation) that it can make you feel sleepy. Also, it does burn calories, and if you're not taking in adequate nutrition, you could feel run down (again, in combination with regular new mom sleep deprivation). So make sure you're taking care of yourself " rel="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/thumb.gif">

Oh I didn't know that about bf but yeah I think it's a combination of all those things you mentioned. I guess I'll be looking at my diet more closely. Thanks again

[PatioGardener]

Another thought, are you cosleeping?  I find breastfeeding at night so much easier now that my refluxy little one can sleep flat (that is, with me) instead of having to be at an angle in his bassinet.  He doesn't even wake up, and although I wake, it is not fully because I don't have to get out of bed (or even sit up!)  I am so well rested compared to before!

(That said, I only have one, not two - I cannot imagine how hectic things would be with 2!)

[BRmama]

Yeah I cosleep with DS2, DS1 sometimes cosleeps with us but he has his own bed. I miss cosleeping with DS1 but he moves a lot and kicks so he does better sleeping by himself. Anyway however I get up to bf DS2 because I haven't mastered the side lying position yet. How do you guys do it? Are there pictures anywhere online or websites that you recommend? I'm glad you brought this point up because I was going to start a thread about that. 

[texasfarmom]

I remember not being able to nurse laying down for the first few weeks. I can't remember exactly what changed, but it just got easier for DD and me at some point. I kept trying each night, but was having to sit up in bed. I think her growing a little bit bigger and having just a little bit better head control finally helped.

[Marissamom]

Originally Posted by texasfarmom 

I remember not being able to nurse laying down for the first few weeks. I can't remember exactly what changed, but it just got easier for DD and me at some point. I kept trying each night, but was having to sit up in bed. I think her growing a little bit bigger and having just a little bit better head control finally helped.

totally takes some time to master (head control and head size seem to have a lot to do with it). but sleep get soooo much easier once you have it down. I do think also that if you can get even 15 minutes of time to lay down during the day it can help a lot, as well as eating constantly.

[BRmama]

Thank you guys for the advice, I'm still trying the side lying position. Today when my toddler takes a nap I'll be practicing with DS2 :).