The emergence of hunger and fatigue during breastfeeding does not really need to worry you. This is normal and experienced by most breastfeeding mothers, how come.
When you breastfeed, especially if you breastfeed exclusively, you may experience complaints of tiredness and hunger. There are various reasons that could cause this. Curious? Come on, see the following explanation!
Causes of Fatigue and Hunger During Breastfeeding
Here are a number of reasons that cause breastfeeding mothers to tire more easily and be hungry:
1. Lack of calorie intake
One reason is because of the increased need for calories. When breastfeeding, you will produce about 450-1200 ml of breast milk, and for that, your body will burn around 300-800 calories per day. The number of calories burned is equivalent to cycling for 3-4 hours. So, is it natural that you become hungry and tired more easily during breastfeeding?
2. Eating sweet food
Feelings of hunger and fatigue during breastfeeding can also be influenced by the food you consume. One of them is the habit of eating fast food that is low in fiber, and sweet foods that are high in sugar.
The reason is because the habit of consuming sugary foods in excessive amounts will increase blood sugar levels which trigger insulin production. In effect, blood sugar will enter the cells quickly, resulting in a decrease in blood sugar levels which will trigger hunger.
In addition, eating foods that are lacking in fiber will also make you feel hungry quickly.
3. Lack of sleep
Mothers will often wake up at night to breastfeed their little ones, so that Mother's sleep time is reduced.
In addition to making you tired quickly, lack of sleep can also trigger hunger. The reason, when lack of sleep, hormones that control hunger will also be affected.
4. Effects of the hormones oxytocin and prolactin
When breastfeeding, there is an increase in the production of the hormones oxytocin and prolactin. Increased levels of these two hormones are needed so that Busui's body can produce the breast milk needed by the little one.
However, another effect that can occur due to increased levels of these hormones is an increased sense of thirst, hunger, and sleepiness. Usually, this complaint will appear shortly after Busui finished breastfeeding.
Tips for Staying Fit and Fresh During Breastfeeding
In order not to get hungry and tired easily, and to stay fit and fresh during breastfeeding, you can do the following things:
1. Drink more water
Breastfeeding mothers are recommended to drink about 12 glasses of water or about 3 liters every day. To meet the needs of body fluids, Mother can consume water, milk, or fresh fruit juice.
2. Get enough rest
Get enough sleep. As much as possible rest while your little one is sleeping. This is so that you are not too tired. In addition, you can also ask other people for help to take care of and do your homework, so you have time to rest.
3. Eat nutritious food
As previously explained, the choice of food types often affects the hunger that arises when breastfeeding. Therefore, choose healthy foods with balanced nutrition. As much as possible limit foods that are high in sugar, salt, and preservatives.
4. Stay active
Even if you feel weak during breastfeeding, you are advised to stay active. If possible, set aside time to do light exercise on a regular basis, for example by taking a leisurely walk around the house complex or doing yoga.
By actively moving, your stamina will be more awake, your mood will be better, and the desire to eat can be more controlled.
Those are the various reasons behind the emergence of hunger and fatigue during breastfeeding. To overcome this, you can try some of the tips above.
So, keep the spirit of breastfeeding your little one yes, Bun. Do not make these complaints an excuse to stop breastfeeding. Remember, breast milk is needed by the little one and the breastfeeding process will build a stronger bond between the mother and the little one.
If the hunger and weakness that you feel is quite disturbing and accompanied by other complaints, such as rapid thirst, frequent urination, and a drastic increase in weight, you should consult a doctor so that the cause can be identified.
