You are probably more than aware of this, but having a baby is a whole new level of exhaustion. You’ve just grown a human for nine months, and now you’re expected to keep that tiny bundle alive while running on two hours of broken sleep, cold coffee, and sheer willpower.
Some days, even standing long enough to butter a piece of toast feels like a monumental effort, right? Now, how are you supposed to look after your health, with all of this being laid on you? How?
Now, that dip in energy doesn’t just affect your body, it can mess with your head, too. It’s frustrating to feel so zapped of strength when life demands so much of you. While sure, it sounds impossible, there are ways to recharge that don’t involve waiting for your baby to magically sleep through the night. It’s about small, manageable steps that help you feel like yourself again, bit by bit. And yes, it’s possible.
The Reality of Sleep Deprivation
Sleeping after having a baby is a cruel joke. You hear about “sleeping when the baby sleeps,” but nobody mentions that babies nap in 20-minute bursts, and there’s still laundry to do and bottles to wash. It’s no wonder so many new mums feel like they’re running on fumes.
But the truth is, you’re not going to get perfect sleep right now, and that’s okay. What you can do is prioritise rest where you can. You can lie down when the opportunity arises, even if you don’t actually fall asleep. So, just close your eyes, slow your breathing, and give your body a chance to relax. Short naps might not fix everything, but they can take the edge off.
Food is Your Secret Weapon
Alright, so it’s easy to fall into the trap of surviving on toast, biscuits, and whatever’s left on your toddler’s plate. But relying on quick, carb-heavy fixes won’t do your energy levels any favours. Yes, while parents do this, it’s just not going to work out well for you.
Actually, the crashes that follow leave you feeling worse than before. Now, it might be easier said than done but think of food as fuel. But it’s only the good foods that give you fuel, right?
Supplements Can Be a Game-Changer
Sometimes, even the best meals can’t do it all. The physical toll of childbirth and sleepless nights can leave your body craving extra support. That’s where supplements come in. Now, for a lot of women who just gave birth, there are recommended foods for them to eat so they can get the much-needed nutrients for energy (especially if breastfeeding). You need your iron back, your vitamin B12 levels need to be steady, and so on.
But if you’re not breastfeeding but still drained then you could look into an NMN supplement, to help recharge your energy at a cellular level. It boosts NAD+ levels, which naturally dip as we age or experience stress (like, you know, having a baby). It’s slowly gaining popularity, so it could be an option!
Move, Even If It’s Just a Little
When you’re running on empty, the idea of exercise feels laughable, right? While sure, it’s easier said than done, but overall, gentle movement can actually help lift that cloud of fatigue. Even a five-minute walk outside can help.
