Postpartum Fatigue

For the most part, postpartum fatigue is a normal part of life with a new baby. The key, though, is to keep that tiredness at a manageable level.

Why is this important?

It's important because fatigue is strongly linked to a whole host of health and coping issues, including depression, a decreased ability to effectively manage stress, increased anxiety, energy loss, concentration problems, emotional numbness, and more. (1-3)

There are three different levels of fatigue, going from the least to the most severe. (1)

The first level is tiredness, which is normal. The second level is fatigue, which is a bit more serious in terms of coping abilities and state of emotional health. The third level is exhaustion, which is debilitating and serious.

The bottom-line connection between postpartum fatigue and emotional wellbeing is this: the more you progress along this continuum -- from tiredness, to fatigue, and finally to exhaustion -- the less able you are to cope and adjust, and the more your physical and emotional health will be compromised. (4-5)

So gauge yourself. And wherever you are in terms of managing your level of postpartum fatigue, it is imperative that your own self-care is a top priority.(4-6) This means:


1. Effectively managing postpartum fatigue means getting the rest and sleep you need, when you need it

Yes, this does mean you need help from others, and it does mean that others will likely have to take on some of the responsibilities associated with taking care of baby and house, etc. This is a good thing!


2. Getting a break when you need it

Every mother needs regular down time. Respite is essential for managing fatigue, and is also essential for maintaining emotional health.

Don't feel guilty for wanting or needing this -- its necessity is well established in health literature.

Foster parents have respite time built in to their care schedule. Same thing for people who take care of the elderly.


3. Getting adequate exercise/activity and nutrition

Yes, this is sounding the same old horn. But it has to be said: eating well (less sugar, less processed food; more grains, fruits and veggies) and getting your body moving are SO important for emotional and physical wellbeing.

If you are still in the early postpartum stages, you might not be feeling strong enough to exercise. That's fine. Just getting out of the house and going for a walk is good for your physical and emotional health.

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3. Kendall-Tackett, K. 2005. The Hidden Feelings of Motherhood: Coping with Mothering Stress, Depression, and Burnout, 2nd Ed. Amarillo, TX: Pharmasoft Publishing.

4. Knaak, S. 2009. "Having a tough time: Towards an understanding of the psycho-social causes of postpartum emotional distress," JARM 11(1): 80-94.

5. Knaak, S. 2008. The Process of Postpartum Adjustment. Unpublished dissertation. University of Alberta.

6. Knaak, S. 2007. "Sleep deprivation as a problem of entitlement: The influence of contemporary mothering ideology on mothers' personal wellbeing," Paper presented at the University of Kent's "Monitoring Parents: Child Rearing in the Age of Intensive Mothering" conference. Canterbury, England, May 21-22.