1) everytime I breast feed him I feel really thirsty while he is on the nipple ..
and
2) when he breastfeeds it makes me really tired while he is on the nipple ...
is this normal???
3) since I've delivered .. I haven't had much of an appetite (but I do take my pre-natals) .. If I'm not eating a lot .. will it affect his nutrition???
he's my first baby ...
thanks!
2007-07-19 16:59:11 · 24 answers · asked by Mommy of One 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
You should drink a lot of water while you are breastfeeding to stay hydrated. You should also drink lots of milk. Being dehydrated can also make you feel tired. It will affect both your nutrition and his if you don't eat healthy while breastfeeding.
2007-07-19 17:04:59 · answer #1 · answered by mljk74 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
It is really normal to be really thirsty while you are breastfeeding. Many women get a big glass of water and keep it next to them to sip on (or gulp!) while the baby is nursing. Just as when you were pregnant, the nutrition goes first to the baby and then to you. It is important for you to eat well so that you and the baby can get your nutritional needs met. The truth is that your milk will be made no matter what you eat; the thing you need most is fluids, as you have discovered. I wouldn't worry so much about your appetite at this point because if you just delivered your baby five days ago, I'm sure your body is all out of whack and your hormones are going nuts. I'm sure your "normal" appetite will return and you may find yourself really hungry as well. I would thing that being tired is just a regular feeling and that you should probably get used to it because it's going to become a lot more common before it goes away!! I don't remember being particularly tired while I was nursing; rather I just remember being really exhausted all the time! It really gets axhausting after a couple of months when you realizre that it's not going to change for a long time. Take it easy on yourself. Drink plenty of water and feed yourself well, don't worry, you will get hungry soon! Take care of yourself. Congratulations!!
2007-07-19 17:15:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations on new motherhood.
1. Yep, its normal to be very thirsty, your baby is taking away your normal hydration while he is breast feeding, You used to only drink for yourself, now you are drinking for you and your baby, so just keep something you like to drink handy, so while your breast feeding you can have a drink too.
2. Yep, being tired while your baby is breastfeeding is totally normal, especially 5 days post partum. Not only are your taking care of a new baby, which is all new, but the new infant is causing you to make new habits, the biggest being taking care of a new baby. Relax. I used to sleep in a recliner while my babies nursed. Its a very relaxing time to have your baby nursing while your sitting their enjoying the moment. Its a great feeling
3. You will burn a lot of calories breast feeding and caring for your new baby. If possible, maybe you should just buy some frozen food entree's or make some quick snacks to eat.
Be careful, you dont get so wrapped up in mother hood, you stop eating. I did that and lost a lot of weight. Eat in small amounts and snack all day long rather than try to sit down and eat a big meal. I had a hard time eating mainly because I had some post partum depression. I was ashamed to be feeling so depressed and didnt want to tell anyone somehow, it turned out. I dont know how, but it did. Remember to get out and take a break now and then for awhile and you will do fine.
2007-07-19 17:17:26 · answer #3 · answered by happydawg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I felt thirsty a lot while I bf'd. I just kept a bottle of water next to me while I did it. Also, bf'ing releases hormones that help relax the mother, so it's also likely that's why you are tired. Maybe you haven't had much of an appetite because of stress etc. Make a goal to plan out small meals and snack throughout the day (healthy snacks) Just keep in mind that while he's probably still getting good nutrition, YOU need that nutrition as well. If your body doesn't get enough calories your breast milk supply will start to fall or stop. Be careful and congrats!
2007-07-19 17:07:10 · answer #4 · answered by Miss Informed 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is normal to feel thirsty while feeding the baby...keep some water or juice nearby when you are nursing him....It is normal to be tired, you had a baby 5 days ago!! I'm glad you are still taking your vitamns, but you do need to try to eat, not only will not eating affect the "quality" of your milk, but you will have a harder time recovering if you aren't getting the nutrients you need! You need to take in more calories than someone who is not breastfeeding...you may not be hungry right now, simply because your body has been through some major changes and you're exhausted, but if your lack of appetite continues, maybe you should check w/ your doctor...congrats on your new little one!!
2007-07-19 17:09:05 · answer #5 · answered by Renee B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1) That is perfectly normal. I did the same thing. Drink lots and lots of fluids. Sometimes drinking fluids can help you have letdown again!
2) I don't know about making you tired while he is actually on the nipple, but breastfeeding is an energy consuming task. You burn nearly 500 calories a day producing milk for your baby. Just rest. Take some time out and cuddle with your baby in bed. You may be feeling tired because you gave birth 5 days ago. :]
3) If you don't consume enough calories, your milk supply could be affected. Try to remember to eat. Plus, if you're not eating properly, your immune system can weaken, and you don't want to get a cold and then get your son sick!
2007-07-19 17:05:41 · answer #6 · answered by Umma K 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is perfectly normal to feel thirsty. You should try to take a glass of water with you when you sit to breastfeed. I was very bad about not drinking enough water and I got very dehydrated, my skin dried up and cracked and my lips chapped, etc... Your body needs the water to make the milk.
It is probably quite common to get tired while breastfeeding also. It is sometimes the only quiet or restful time you get with your baby. It is good to relax and enjoy the time.
You should try to eat. It is still very soon after delivery however. If you are like me, I was very keyed up for days and I didn't feel the need to eat (nor could I find the time!) As things settled down, I was able to return to a normal eating routine. If things don't settle down, you will want to put more effort into getting some healthy foods down in the next couple of weeks.
ps... don't eat lettuce... or at least be aware that it causes some breastfeeding babies to have horribly painful gas!
Good luck, and keep up the good work! it is worth the effort!
Breastfed my son for one year.
2007-07-19 17:11:46 · answer #7 · answered by QuiltyGirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) That's perfectly normal. When you sit to nurse take a glass of water or something else non-carbonated with you.
2) also perfectly normal. You are still exhausted from delivery whether you think so or not, your body is healing and that takes energy.
3) That's also perfectly normal. Eat small amounts a few times a day and keep up on the vitamins and STAY HYDRATED!
The first few weeks of breastfeeding are the hardest, after you both get adjusted it will be well worth your time. In fact it is will most likely become the greatest choice you've ever made for you and your baby. Enjoy it and get your rest!
2007-07-19 17:08:23 · answer #8 · answered by Kishauna_P 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
1. Totally normal, make sure to get water BEFORE you sit down to feed and have it within reach.
2. Your body releases hormones when you breastfeed that make you relax, so feeling tired is normal too - Try the side-lying position and you will be able to get a little nap in too.
3. I did not have much of an appetite for 2 weeks - don't know why but my theory is the emotional roller coaster and physical exertion just kinda mess stuff up. Stay hydrated and take the vitamins and make what you do eat count as far as health goes - don't worry your appetite will return with a vengeance in a few days to a couple of weeks!
Good Luck!
2007-07-19 17:06:15 · answer #9 · answered by ShellyC 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
1) If you are thirsty drink something, before you go to nurse your baby, grab yourself some water, or milk, something healthy, to drink as well.
2) You are still recovering from childbirth, it is normal to be tired, try not to fall asleep when the baby is nursing, but do nap with him/her afterwords, you need to rest a lot right now also.
3) of course what you eat, or don't eat, will affect your baby, try to just eat very small snacks throughout the day, some crackers with peanut butter, or a couple of pieces of lunch meat with cheese. This will not only give the baby some more nutrients, but it will give you more energy!!
Congrats, being a mom is the greatest job in the world, I'm sure you'll be a great employee!!
2007-07-19 17:09:06 · answer #10 · answered by momofthree 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1) It's natural to be thirsty, he's taking some of your 'liquids" too.
2) It's normal to be tired, bf can take a lot out of you since a newborn nurses a lot throughout the day and night.
3) It's good you're taking you pre-natals, but try and eat when you can. Easy stuff like fruits, that way you can keep your energy up and it is better for baby if you do.
2007-07-19 17:05:55 · answer #11 · answered by ~lattemom~ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋