Does breastfeeding make you tired?
You’re feeding your baby around the clock, keeping them alive with your body. And even if things are “going well,” you’re probably still exhausted. Sound familiar?
Let’s just say it out loud: yes, breastfeeding can absolutely make you tired — and not just in the sleep-deprived, new-parent kind of way. The physical, mental, and emotional demands of breastfeeding are real, and for too long, they’ve been brushed aside as something parents are just supposed to push through. This is The Lactation Network’s permission slip to feel what you’re feeling, understand why it’s happening, and find ways to reclaim your energy (without guilt).
Why does breastfeeding make you tired?
Your body is working hard to produce milk, regulate hormones, and recover from birth; all while you’re adjusting to life with a new human. Even if breastfeeding is going smoothly, the process itself can leave you wiped out for various reasons.
1. Hormonal changes
Prolactin (the hormone that helps produce milk) can also bring on a sense of calm or sleepiness, especially during those early feedings. Add in a dip in estrogen and progesterone after birth, and you’ve got a cocktail of hormones that can leave you feeling foggy, weepy, or just flat-out drained.
2. Mental load
Feeding your baby is physical, emotional, and cognitive. You’re tracking feeding times, analyzing poop, Googling latch techniques at 3 a.m., and fielding advice from every direction. That invisible workload adds up fast and contributes heavily to parental burnout.
3. Time commitment
Breastfeeding isn’t a quick task. Between nursing sessions, pumping, washing pump parts, and planning your day around feedings, it can feel like a full-time job. (Because it is!) And when you’re constantly on call, you may feel like you’re running on empty.
4. Identity shift
Becoming a parent can bring on a massive shift in identity and breastfeeding can amplify that. It’s beautiful and can feel empowering, but it can also feel like a lot of pressure, especially when your body’s function becomes the priority.
Signs of breastfeeding fatigue
Not sure if what you’re feeling is typical postpartum tiredness or something more specific? Some signs that breastfeeding fatigue might be setting in include:
- You’re struggling to stay awake while nursing
- You’re doing everything “right” but still feel like you’re running on fumes
Other symptoms may also be associated with common but important health concerns such as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) or nutritional deficiencies like low iron. If you experience any of the following symptoms, we recommend speaking with your doctor:
- You feel physically shaky, lightheaded, or depleted after feeding
- You dread feeding sessions or feel resentful of the time they take
- Your mood, memory, or ability to concentrate is noticeably affected
If any of these hit home, don’t be discouraged. You’re just human, and you deserve support.
Ways to increase energy while breastfeeding
While there’s no magic fix (especially in the early days), there are practical ways to protect your energy and make breastfeeding more sustainable.
- Prioritize nutrition
Your body needs fuel to make milk and recover from birth. Don’t skip meals. Keep easy, protein-rich snacks and a water bottle nearby during feedings. - Ask for help (and be specific)
If you’re the only one tracking feedings, doing the laundry, and managing the pediatrician appointments, you’re more likely to burn out. Hand off tasks that don’t require your body. For example, gratefully accept offers of meals or house cleaning from friends and family. Also letting your partner take over burping, diaper changes and keeping the bassinet on your partner’s side of the bed to help with night feedings. - Be strategic about rest
Sleep might be elusive, but rest can still happen. Nap when you can, create boundaries around visitors, and say no to anything that doesn’t serve you right now. - Connect with an IBCLC
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a highly trained professional who can help troubleshoot feeding challenges guide you on pumping schedules, and support your physical and emotional needs.
Get rest and real support
At the end of the day, breastfeeding is work. Beautiful, life-giving, powerful work. But work, nonetheless. Feeling tired from breastfeeding doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It’s a sign that your body, your mind, and your heart need care too. If you need support navigating breastfeeding fatigue or just want someone to talk to who gets it? Contact an IBCLC today and get personalized guidance, reassurance, and real-world strategies to lighten the load.
We know what early parenthood is like, and we’ve been there—searching for countless, often conflicting answers online. At The Lactation Network, our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are committed to providing families with trusted, authoritative information about your prenatal-to-weaning journey.
The information in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content is made available with the understanding that The Lactation Network is not providing professional medical advice on a particular matter. Every family, parent, and care plan is unique—your MD and IBCLC can work with you to ensure you receive the evidence-based, personalized clinical care you deserve. Always consult your clinical team for medical guidance.
We’re here for you, every step of the way. We work with your insurance to provide in-home, in-office, or telehealth visits with an IBCLC
