Can I increase my energy levels?

gaeilgegrinds1

Ok so I think things are looking up, getting more organised etc. However, I'm still really tired. So what can I do to increase my energy levels? Anything natural preferably? Either food or supplements etc? I'm walking twice a day for 45 mins each time so that should help too.

cbyrd

I thought i was doing well walking for an hour in the mornings!! :eek:

You might need some iron .... or sleep maybe you might be overdoing the walking?? I'm in the same boat and my little man is sleeping all night.
I'm on vitamin D i can't take iron it makes me sick in anyform so i'd be interested in other replies you get.. sorry i'm not any help at all:rolleyes: what age is your baby?

gaeilgegrinds1

He's 6 weeks tomorrow. I eat loads of greens but perhaps iron alright.

crazy cat lady

You're only six weeks post natal!! Give your body time to recover. Don't over-do the walking and rest when you can!

I wouldn't be taking Iron unless advised to. It can be harsh on the stomach and make you constipated. If you want to increase your iron intake, try and do it through your diet - lots of red meat and leafy green veggies!

Have you had your 6 week check? Ask your GP to check your Hb.

Is this your first baby? You're probably just feeling tired because your life has changed so much! You'll never sleep as well as you did before you had the baby, even if he or she is sleeping all night. I still find that I can't sleep deeply. The slightest noise from Megan and I'm wide awake, and she's almost 4 months now.

I read somewhere that you should give yourself the 9 months it took to get out of 'normal' to get back to feeling normal.

So thats my advice, eat well, don't push yourself too much and rest rest rest!

Cbyrd: Have you tried Floradix? Its a very gentle iron supplement and if you dilute it in orange juice you won't even taste it. I believe apricots are very high in Iron too.

Anyone who is taking Iron, don't drink tea or coffee either an hour before or after taking the iron. I think the tannine in these drinks interferes with the absorption of iron, whereas the the vitamin C in orange juice helps it absorb better

cbyrd

Floradix...yuck.. i hate opening the bottle.. it's like a ditchwater yeah i couldn't take it when pregnant it made me sick and i still have the bottle in the fridge... but i'm being sent for immunology testing and i can't take supplements til its done...even my calcium/magnesium (lactose intolerance and anaphylaxis) so until then i've to try it food wise.. which is great fun when you don't know what you're allergic too or have to avoid dairy in all forms..even chocolate:eek::(
it even looks like i've passed on sensitivity to Ben..poor baba..it's hard when your body lets you down...

gaeilgegrinds1

Have started juicing brocolli, fingers crossed. 6 week is tomorrow morn so fingers crossed all well, I always think it's more about him than me!

gowayouttadat

DS is 9 months tomorrow and I'm more wrecked now than when he was 6 weeks!!!

TargetWidow

Gailge I would consult with a GP about this if I were you.... two 45 min walks a day seems like quite a lot when you are only 6 weeks post partum. I'm no expert but your body has just been through a huge ordeal. I felt fairly full of beans myself the first time until I went back to work and started weaning my daughter. I found it very tiring making bottles, making all her babyfood myself and working a 44 hour week. I remember feeling more exhausted at 9mths than I did after the birth. But then again I was getting zero exercise and that's not to be recommended either. Im sure there is a happy balance somewhere in the middle. Plenty of low GI slow release carbs help with the mood and energy levels though. Big fan of my brown carbs I am!:D