Congratulations, fellow new mom! First of all, let me tell you that you are awesome. The fact that you have brought your bundle of joy to this world through all the physical and mental challenges of giving birth is an achievement that all of us should praise. Did you know that they say labor puts a strain on your body such as running a marathon? So well done, for running a marathon, but the journey of motherhood is not over, you need to keep going along this both beautiful and challenging path. As you embark on the wonderful experience of breastfeeding, you might have already faced some challenges, or things may have just instantly and naturally worked for you. Whether it is the former or the latter, it’s crucial to prioritize your nutrition. Eating well is not only important for your own well-being but also for the optimal development and growth of your little one. If you are like me, and feeling insecure at times, if you are doing it right, or whether your body produces sufficient and good quality milk to feed your baby you are at the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss five symptoms that may indicate you’re not eating enough while breastfeeding. Remember, taking care of yourself is an act of love for both you and your baby.
Table of Content
- Fatigue and Low Energy Levels
- Rapid Weight Loss After Pregnancy – Losing that Belly Fat Too Fast
- Decreased Milk Supply
- Hair Loss and Brittle Nails
- Mood Swings and Irritability
1. Fatigue and Low Energy Levels:
This one might seem pretty straightforward, and not even necessarily means that you are not eating enough. One of the most common signs that you may not be taking in enough calories and nutrients while breastfeeding, is feeling excessively tired and lacking energy. Although fatigue and low energy levels could be also mistaken as the result of strong sleep deprivation in the initial weeks and months of new motherhood, you should still check in with yourself and see if you are consuming enough calories. Breastfeeding requires an additional 300-500 calories per day, so it’s important to fuel your body with a sufficient amount and quality of food. If you are not eating enough, it can leave you feeling drained, making it challenging for your body to produce the necessary milk for your little one, as well as to keep up with the demands of caring for a newborn. Ensure you’re consuming a balanced diet comprising healthy carbohydrates, lean proteins, and essential fats to maintain your energy levels. In the same time don’t forget to treat yourself sometimes with your favorite sweet and savory snacks. Occasionally indulging in these potentially unhealthy pleasures will make you feel relaxed and happy and gives your body energy quick.
2. Decreased Milk Supply
Another red flag that you may not eat enough while breastfeeding is a sudden decrease in milk supply. If you start to realize that your baby seems constantly hungry, and unsatisfied or their weight gain is slowing down, it might be a sign that your body is not producing enough milk and your little bub is not receiving enough calories. In this case, it is worth discussing with your healthcare provider, who can run some routine tests both on you and on your baby to identify where the problem lies. In general, your body requires additional nutrients and fluids to produce an adequate amount of milk for your baby. If you notice a significant drop in milk production, it could be due to insufficient caloric intake or dehydration. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and prioritize foods that are rich in lactogenic properties, such as oatmeal, fenugreek, and fennel. Additionally, consult with a lactation consultant, midwife or healthcare professional for guidance.
3. Rapid Weight Loss After Pregnancy – Losing that Belly Fat Too Fast
Now I am not saying you should be too focused on losing all that mom pooch as soon as possible, especially not in the weeks after giving birth. Please allow your body to heal and give it some time to naturally lose some of that pregnancy fat. Although you may be eager to return to your pre-pregnancy weight, it’s crucial not to rush the process. Rapid weight loss can affect milk production and compromise your health. Focus on nourishing your body with nutrient-dense foods and avoid crash diets or extreme calorie restrictions. Gradual and sustainable weight loss is the key to both your well-being and successful breastfeeding. You might not even be doing a diet on purpose, however not paying attention to your nutrition and skipping meals because you are busy caring for your little one, can quickly lead to dropping some extra pounds way too fast. While you might even be happy to get rid of that extra weight without extra effort, be mindful and pay attention to your diet.
4. Hair Loss and Brittle Nails
As a new mom, in the postpartum period, you are experiencing a great deal of physical and emotional changes. After all, now it is the three of you, you have to get used to the new set up, to care for a tiny little helpless being. With that said on top of all the challenges of navigating through sleepless nights, and never-ending diaper changes, as well as trying to figure out what exactly that high-pitched cry means, your body goes through a massive amount of hormonal changes. Due to these hormonal changes, it can happen that you start to lose a large amount of hair. Postpartum hair loss is widespread among new moms, however excessive hair loss and brittle nails could be an indication of nutritional deficiencies. When you’re not eating enough, your body prioritizes vital organs over non-essential functions like hair and nail growth. Ensure your diet includes foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, and biotin, which play a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair and nails. Leafy greens, fruits, nuts, seeds, and lean meats are excellent sources of these essential nutrients.
5. Mood Swings and Irritability
Yes, I know you are exhausted, and yes, I understand that you feel sometimes like a walking bomb ready to explode to the tiniest thing like you finally manage to put your baby to sleep when you try to stand up from the bed and silently sneak out, and damn it, that bed starts to creak waking up your little one, and you just want to shout or run out of the world. Those feelings of rage and anger are pretty normal, and who could blame you for that. However, if you feel constantly feeling angry and irritated there might be some other reasons behind it. Permanent mood swings and irritability could be linked to inadequate nutrition. When you’re not consuming enough calories or essential nutrients, your body can struggle to maintain hormonal balance, leading to mood swings. Prioritize foods that support brain health, such as fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate. Additionally, reach out to your support network, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
Conclusion
Taking care of your baby is hard work, and as new moms sometimes we lose sight of taking care of ourselves both mentally and physically. Bot to be able to care for your loved ones, and bring the best out of yourself, you need to take care of yourself. It is especially important during your breastfeeding journey. If you recognize that you are experiencing any of the mentioned signs, it’s important to stop for a moment and check in with yourself, and be honest and ask yourself, am I really taking care of my diet? Remember, you are nourishing not just your baby but also your own body. Prioritize nutrient-dense foods, stay well-hydrated, and seek support from healthcare professionals or lactation consultants. Your well-being matters, and by prioritizing your nutrition, you’re ensuring the best start for both you and your little one. Happy breastfeeding, moms!
