Getting back to normal

[willowgirls]

Hi
I have been breast feeding bub for almost a year now and would like to improve my overall wellbeing. I feel a bit run down and tired as well as minor asthma-like symptoms sometimes. I have had a health check and all seems fine. I am a healthy weight. Just wondering if there are some basic vitamins or something I can do to boost my energy.

[naturopathonline]

Hi There,

Sorry to hear your energy levels are low :sleeping:. This is not uncommon in breastfeeding mums and there can be many causes, so I think it was wise to have had a health check with your doctor.

Did you know breastfeeding places great nutritional demands on the body - even more than pregnancy – your body uses all available nutrition for lactation first and you get what’s left after that, so nutritional deficiencies are common in new mums.

To help boost your energy levels start with your diet -


Top Nutritional Tips for Breastfeeding Mums

· Good quality protein every day – lean meat, fish, eggs and combining vegetable proteins such as legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
· Eat more complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and cereals and less sugary/refined foods like pastries, white breads and sugary biscuits, this will help provide essential nutrients and balance blood sugar.
· Healthy fats are essential! Regularly eat oily deep sea fish, nuts, seeds and avocados
· Fresh fruit and vegetables daily
· Slow cooked foods as opposed to raw foods and salads for example stews, soups and tagines
· Keep your fluids up! – drink 2 litres of water per day. You can also add herbal teas to help with your postnatal recovery and breastfeeding
· Healthy snacks - nuts, homemade soup, wholegrain bread with tuna, huommus or baked beans and jacket potatoes.

If you are still not feeling like you are getting your energy back after making a few dietary changes, have a nutritionist look at your diet – you may be deficient in essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, B group vitamins and essential fatty acids .

With the right advice and supplementation you could be back on track in no time! :smiliedance:

Wishing you and your baby the best of health.

Tania