Having trouble eating because of stress & breastfeeding

[kayla Lilyz mum]

I am really stressed out at the moment and haven't been eating much at all. I'm worried because I'm breastfeeding at the moment. I know everyones thinking, just go and eat but I don't feel like I can, my tummy feels sick already. I'm going to try and go have some toast and fruit in a sec. I just feel so guilty and I do not want to put my baby on formula either. Has anyone else had this issue while breastfeeding? I feel really stupid, but I just have a lot going on at the moment.

[funnyfarm]

I know it must be hard but you are going to have to eat to keep your supply up.

Maybe pack a lunchbox in the morning with lots of finger food and just nibble out of it all day, then you are not eating big amounts to make you feel sicker.

Hope things improve for you soon

[kayla Lilyz mum]

Thanks hun for the idea. I managed to eat some toast and a muffin, once I started eating it wasn't so bad, even though I really don't feel like it. I'm just going to force myself, going to have too for my baby because she's relying on me.

[brandnewmama]

Aw you poor thing yes I had the same problem, felt nauseous and I think I had a bit of hertburn and reflux which doesn't help. Freezer dinners, bought or prepacked, toast and more toast, lots and lots of small snacks- if you just start you might realise you were hungry sometimes. I also made or asked DP if they could make my lunch for the next day, and took it with me in Tupperware if i went out, that way it is right there whenever you do feel hungry. (for me it was always when breatfeeding, driving, or otherwise too tied up to prepare food lol)
Eat whatever you crave, or special treats ie ice cream and lots of it :-) your body is telling you what you need when craving, and maybe having extra yummy food can be a bit of a break and help u relax
sometimes. You are doing such an amazing job and deserve all the special treats you can manage per day, a bath, a break, some tv and yummy food while someone bathes the baby, whatever you feel like.
If you are getting tired of eating the same stuff or just of the amount you have to eat as a breastfeeding mum, try to get completely different things that you may not have had for a while in the next grocery shop?
I take a BF multivitamin too, and extra
calcium...that is another way to make sure my body gets as much nutrition as possible on days where I feel like cake and more cake! Just don't be too hard on yourself about what you eat on stressful days.
Hope that helps, big hugs, i hope things get easier for you soon. :-(

[brandnewmama]

And don't ever feel stupid for feeling this way, it is very very normal to feel this stressed with a new baby and everything else that comes along with that. It sounds like you are doing a fantastic job :-D

[trishalishous]

I agree with both the PP.
just try to relax (hard I know) a multivitamin is a great idea.

[InSaneOne]

just eat what you feel like eating. i know its hard especially with 2 little ones. when you make your dd a snack make a little extra for yourself so you can try and sit down with her (even if you are feeding bubs at the same time) and eat. if you can't eat try and have a glass of milk or juice and keep drinking lots of water. if you can make some lactation cookies - they are really yummy and will keep your energy and your milk supply up.