Where did all my energy go?!
Fighting Fatigue during pregnancy or nursing can be a real challenge. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you’re probably no stranger to fatigue. Whether you’re in your first trimester, third trimester or breastfeeding, the sluggishness can really weigh you down. Pregnancy and postnatal recovery is a hormone free-for-all and those increases in progesterone leaves us feeling completely wiped out.
Fatigue isn’t just tired, it’s so much more.
Don’t let summer heat and fatigue during these stages of motherhood leave you with a double dose of cranky and irritable.
It’s all about balance!
When your body is hard at work with developmental milestones during pregnancy or even breastfeeding, you might be missing some key nutrients and feeling fatigued. You might just be surprised at all the little ways you can naturally boost your energy.
With a little focus on your self care routine and some help from mother nature, you can banish fatigue during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Why am I so tired?!
Our entire body is working double time and adjusting to all the new changes during the first trimester can cause you to feel sluggish, tired and fatigued. Towards the end of our pregnancy, all the extra weight you’re carrying around can stress out your joints and muscles and keep you chasing naps.
How can you get some relief for all this fatigue?
Restore some of the balance so you can kick start your body into Fighting fatigue during pregnancy to breastfeeding and beyond.
Protein, Mama.
When you’re eating for two or eating to feed, remembering to get balanced meals can be easier said than done. Increasing your protein intake can send some big relief your way. Protein maintains cells, assists in growth, transports hormones and vitamins where you need them most. Since the first, third and “fourth” trimester are famous for hormone imbalances, protein can help you reset.
B Vitamins to the Rescue!
The key to your energy supply and the healthy of your baby are B complex vitamins. B Vitamins help metabolize proteins, carbohydrates and fats while they work wonders on your pregnancy discomforts. Clinically shown to alleviate muscle cramps and nausea, decrease the risk for birth defects and promote healthy development for baby B Vitamins are amazing!
Keep it Au-Natural.
While fresh fruits, veggies and meats are great for you, the hidden preservatives, antibiotics and additives are not. Choose your groceries wisely and avoid preservative-laden foods that can get in the way of fighting your fatigue and keeping you and your baby healthy.
Organic products are more closely regulated and when you choose organic products, you can be sure they will have:
- No pesticides
- No chemical fertilizers
- No weed-killers
- Can’t be genetically modified
- Does not receive hormones or antibiotics
Avoid Caffeine!
You might be used to grabbing that double Americana every morning to give you an energy boost, but large amounts of caffeine is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers. Caffeine is a stimulant and while we can effortlessly swig down gallons of coffee, our babies don’t have metabolisms developed enough to process caffeine.
It’s also not sustainable energy that will keep you going!
Due to conflicting conclusions from numerous studies, the March of Dimes recommends that pregnant women should limit caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day until more research can confirm or deny links between caffeine and significant harm to your baby. Play it safe and keep caffeine-free when you can!
Don’t let fatigue weigh you down.
Whether you’re in the first trimester, counting down the days in your third or breastfeeding, fight fatigue with natural foods packed with vitamins, minerals and sustainable energy. Choosing lean proteins, preservative-free foods, fruits, veggies, whole grains and nuts will be your best defense.
- Eat every 3-4 hours and include carbohydrates, lean protein, and good fat in every meal and snack.
- Stick to high fiber carbohydrates (whole grains, starchy vegetables, fruit) and minimize sweets and refined grains.
- Include red meat, poultry, fish, dried beans and peas, iron-fortified cereals and prune juice.
You’ve got this, mama.
Now don’t let fatigue ruin the rest of your summer fun!
