It’s no secret that being a new mum is one of the most exhausting experiences you’ll ever have. If you have had a normal vaginal birth, then you’re dealing with the fatigue from the enormous physical effort, and if you’ve had a c-section, from major surgery. Add to that the nine months of physical labour you did carrying your baby, and it’s no surprise you’re tired.
Then there’s a new person in your life, who demands feeding, changing and soothing at all hours of night and day. It’s easy to understand why you’re tired, but you probably also want to know when it will end, and what to do until it does. The bad news is that you’re going to be tired for a while – at least a few months. How long depends on how well your baby sleeps. The good news is that the fatigue won’t be as debilitating as it is in the first week forever.
If your fatigue is coupled with a deep feeling of depression, then it’s possible that you are suffering from postpartum depression too – especially if it continues for more than two weeks, and if you suffer from a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness in addition to trouble sleeping.
Anaemia and hypothyroidism can also contribute to post labour exhaustion, so if you feel that your tiredness is beyond normal, and it doesn’t improve, even when you sleep, then you will have to speak to your doctor or medical caregiver, so he or she can rule out any more serious problems.
Even if you have no other complications, it can be hard to cope when you’re this tired. You will need to save your energy, and build it up, so try one or more of the following:
Forget about having the perfect house. You can live with a few dishes, or un-vacuumed floors. Your baby needs you to be happy and healthy – not to live in a spotless house.
Find easier ways to do things. If it means ordering takeaways rather than cooking, do it.
Sleep when your baby sleeps. It may be hard, but if you can sleep for an hour or two at a time, while your baby is sleeping, you’ll feel a lot better.
Avoid quick fixes like caffeine and sugar, and rather focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Keep taking your prenatal vitamins. They will still have a positive effect.
Get some gentle exercise, such as taking your baby out for a walk.
Enlist friends and family to help, but only choose those that will actually be a help – if you don’t get along with your mother-in-law, for instance, then the added stress of having her around won’t help.
If you can’t find friends and relatives to help, consider hiring outside help.
Finally, don’t be in too much of a rush to get back to work. In fact, if you can extend your maternity leave, then consider doing that.
