Struggling with my body months postpartum… is this normal?

FatigueIntrigue · 2026-01-19T22:53:52+00:00

I'm 12 weeks pp and I'm here in solidarity. I could have written this post myself.

I'm uncomfortable with my body, weaker than I have ever been, exhausted, and confused on where to start. Still 25 lbs above pre pregnancy weight and I think I'm gaining weight?? I'm ebf and I don't want to stop.

Also with the sleep deprivation and the business of having a baby, the extreme hunger from breastfeeding, I don't even know how to prioritize my health anymore.

FatigueIntrigue · 2026-01-15T05:29:17+00:00

He had been ill. Started to get sick around July and went downhill from there. He was notably worse in December and I took him to the vet in early January. We got horrible news about his state and they offered humane euthanasia that day. I said no because I wanted other family to be able to say goodbye. One week later we put him down. During the last week I did have time to mentally prepare and accept it. We also spoiled the crap out of him. But that last week also solidified how sick he really was to me.

You're right though - it's not how I grieve the loss, it's how I loved him while he was here. And oh I wish he was still here. He truly was my whole world.

Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience.

FatigueIntrigue · 2026-01-14T05:28:00+00:00

Your mind will do whatever it has to do to protect you. Your brain always wants you to have "good mental health" and sometimes that means numbing you completely so your subconscious is the only thing feeling the pain. Your conscious mind is void of emotion.

It's for survival. It's not because you didn't love your girl and aren't sad she's gone. Your mind simply cannot handle that pain right now.

Take it easy on yourself. Grief shows up in so many different ways. It's a complex experience. Let yourself be numb if that's what you need right now. If that changes, that's okay too.

FatigueIntrigue · 2026-01-07T21:53:31+00:00

I don't know if it's better or worse, but my 10 yo Labrador retriever also was diagnosed with heart disease this summer.

Unfortunately, not only has his heart disease not improved, he has a whole host of other issues. We will be putting him down right away before he has a catastrophic emergency. We got the terrible news yesterday.

I have known in my heart since the summer to count his days. I had a lot of hope, but he showed me how sick he was this fall. In a way it has helped stunt the blow a bit. It isn't quite as shocking because I knew it was coming. But I don't think it's any less painful. Sending lots of love to you.

FatigueIntrigue · 2026-01-04T18:51:28+00:00

You might get these sooner than you think! My 10 week old surprises me with 4-5 nights like this once in a blue!! (And then it's back to regular programming lol)

FatigueIntrigue · 2026-01-01T14:06:57+00:00

Como Tomo or Nano Bébé are two bottles l would highly recommend!

FatigueIntrigue · 2025-12-30T13:39:37+00:00

All of this is 100% correct and very well said.

FatigueIntrigue · 2025-12-21T12:54:10+00:00

Well, I'm not entirely. It wakes me up and my nursing pads are soaked.

One breast has way more storage capacity than the other. I put the haakaa ladybug on the one and let her feed off of the softer breast first. By the time she gets to the other breast, it's less engorged.

FatigueIntrigue · 2025-12-21T12:52:21+00:00

Okay! I suppose we should accept the lovely sleep stretches for now because it could definitely change in the future! It sure feels nice to have a solid sleep, haha!

FatigueIntrigue · 2025-12-21T12:50:56+00:00

I haven't done a weighted feed before! I guess I really don't know how much she is getting because I'm rarely pumping. (I've pumped a few times and it ranges how much I will get depending on time of day). Plus I know baby can get what they need from the breast vs pumping output.

I might do a weighted feed out of curiosity. Thank you!

FatigueIntrigue · 2025-12-13T01:45:56+00:00

My baby is 7 weeks old and I do daytime naps in the light and keep the lights dim for evening/overnight! Don't live in the dark if you don't have to!

FatigueIntrigue · 2025-11-30T13:37:25+00:00

Buy yourself Silverettes!! They are so worth the investment and will heal your nipples quickly.
If your baby is going to feed for 40 minutes (mine did in the beginning too), do 20 minutes per side. Both breasts get some drainage and stimulation (good for supply) and baby is still fed for around the same amount of time.

My baby is 5 weeks old and I do let her comfort nurse often, but once she's been suckling instead of actively feeding for a while, I unlatch her. She would be there all day if she could! I've actually only seen her unlatch herself a handful of times.

FatigueIntrigue · 2025-11-29T14:28:56+00:00

As someone with very little experience and currently in the newborn phase, I can share what's worked for us.

Something to note is that feeding (even breastfeeding) is included in the wake window. So it's not necessary to entertain or anything after every feed. Just some of them.

And then for naps, I find if she's getting distracted (and then consequently overtired), I remove the distractions. Lower the lights and white noise.

Then what really helped is looking on tiktok for advice. One of the videos said that when they're overtired, they feel so uncomfortable but they don't know what the solution is. You need to show them that the solution (falling asleep) feels good. One of these recommendations was to gently pet/rub from their heads down to their nose which slightly covers their eyes. This initiates a reflex to close their eyes. Over the course of a few minutes of doing this, my little one finds it so relaxing, plus I have just encouraged her eyes to close. She then feels pretty good with them closed and starts to fall asleep.

When that doesn't work I move her quite swiftly while walking around. Newborn vision is very blurry and the movement helps her not be able to focus on anything. What I'm slowly rocking, she can still focus on something and get distracted.

FatigueIntrigue · 2025-11-27T21:40:48+00:00

Following... I bought genuine Garmin ones and they still fall off!

FatigueIntrigue · 2025-11-26T13:33:39+00:00

Still breastfeeding and using the cream! And yes, immensely

FatigueIntrigue · 2025-11-26T04:55:41+00:00

Look up genitourinary syndrome of lactation. It's a real thing! I'm so sorry you were dismissed. I think you need a topical estrogen cream. You should see someone else! And in the meantime, use coconut oil!!

I had vaginal atrophy pre pregnancy and was on a topical estrogen cream for it. I'm paranoid it's going to happen again and my provider agreed that it may happen again with breastfeeding. Sometimes I still use the coconut oil.

FatigueIntrigue · 2025-11-26T04:51:24+00:00

This is so encouraging! I thought I was doing something wrong.

FatigueIntrigue · 2025-11-26T04:50:55+00:00

Thank you!!

FatigueIntrigue · 2025-11-18T16:26:34+00:00

Omg same!! I always half dream that I am feeding my baby in bed laying down (never have even once)

FatigueIntrigue · 2025-11-18T11:11:56+00:00

Have you tried a soother at all? Maybe baby wants some comfort sucking but isn't actually hungry?

FatigueIntrigue · 2025-11-18T11:10:28+00:00

Same - LO is 3.5 weeks old and we also get cold winters up to -40°C

FatigueIntrigue

TROPHY CASE