I have a 5 1/2 month old son and have been pumping exclusively for about 4 months. I've always had a huge supply (which was part of the problem we had with breastfeeding). I've been trying to reduce my supply/wean myself off of breastfeeding and am down to pumping 3 times a day. Once at about 7:30 a.m., once at 2:30 pm and once at around 9:30 pm. I've been noticing that I start to feel either lightheaded or nauseous or extremely hot or a combination of all three at times throughout the day. I try really hard to drink enough water and eat enough, take my vitamins etc. Has anyone else ever experienced this? Is it just because I'm trying to reduce my supply or do you think it's that I'm still not getting enough water/nutrients? Does anyone have any suggestions for weaning myself off of pumping? It's just gotten to the point where I don't feel well on most days and I can't do it anymore.
Thanks,
It is about twenty five years ago since I breast fed and I REMEMBER THAT. UGH. Keep drinking water ( dehydration ) and try having things that perk you up anyway, like almonds and bananas, etc. It eventually passes. Keep paying attention to what time of day. This usually happened to me around 3 30 in the afternoon (funny I remember that soooo well). As always if it is extremely bad, call the doctor.
I always feel really hot when I breastfeed, and it's worse right before my milk lets down. And during the evening feedings I get a little rush of nerves, that almost feels like a mini panic attack, right before the let down. By the end of the feeding I feel normal again. I just assumed all that was hormones. It sounds like you're doing all the right things. It may just be your body trying to balance things out.
I don't know your reasons for weaning, but you might consider pumping until your son is a year old. You'll save a ton on formula, and after he's 1 he can have cow's milk. When I weaned my oldest, we were down to twice a day, once before naptime and once before bed. I never had any problems with engorgement or pain after he stopped nursing. Good luck!
From what I understand this is totally normal. When you breastfeed you release a hormone that is supposed to relax you and make you somewhat sleepy. Some people have different reactions to it then others. I was not able to breastfeed for long, but I struggled with headaches and exteme drowsiness whenever I would breastfeed.
I had that all 4 times.. Keep a glass of water by you at all times while you pump!! Mine didnt go away till I stoped. And I do have a bad thyroid. Which accured after all the kids.So ya have that checked.
Have you had your thyroid checked? It often gets thrown out of wack with pregnancy....
I experienced the same thing while breastfeeding and pumping for my two babies. When this happened I would have to just stop and eat something and drink water. I agree w/ what a previous poster said about having to eat like an elite athlete. I lost a lot of weight due to breastfeeding and all while eating huge portions of food (mostly healthy) to maintain my energy and milk supply. I wondered if it might be my thyroid and had it checked twice, it was normal. Breastfeeding is great but it does take a lot out of you.
I have a six-week old and have been experiencing the same thing...nausea and dizziness. I did some research online and found that it can be caused by not consuming enough calories, and as you said, making sure you're hydrated. My OB said a breastfeeding mom needs to eat like an elite athlete (because of how many calories are burned by breastfeeding).
I've been trying to be more conscious of eating more and it seems to help.
I would consult your doctor getting things checked like thyroid, hemoglobin A1C, Chem12, CBDd, and vitamin B and D. Have possibly an EKG. Make sure you are continuing your pre-natal vitamins, drinking plenty of fluids. I had problems with these sensations and ended up having some post partum risidual problems from late pre-eclampsia that was caught when I was about to be discharged with my baby all the way up to 13 months post partum. I did quit pumping and bf'ding cold turkey and it helped alot, painful in the chest for a few days but it was easier to deal with than feeling like passing out all day long. The fullness decreased by day 3 and while not totally gone it was all but gone by 2 months after doing so.
Yes, I am weaning my 13 month old daughter from breastfeeding, I stopped pumping completely and am down to 3 feeds a day. I noticed that when I stopped pumping I started getting very light-headed, headaches, nauseous and dizzy. I started experiencing almost all the symptoms of pregnancy but I am NOT pregnant. It would come in waves but now that my body has adjusted I notice that I don't experience these symptoms as much anymore. It'll get better as your body adjusts to the decrease in hormones.
It could be somewhat hormonal but sounds like might be something completely unrelated. I would go see the Dr. Could be thyroid or blood sugar related or something else. Do you have any pain/soreness or hard red areas on your breasts? Could be mastitis if so....but I'd go see the Dr. just to rule things out and not necessarily blame it on the nursing unless other things are ruled out.
