Lack of enough sleep can cause your body to produce a chemical that increases your appetite. Also, when you're tired your body can mistake fatigue for hunger-especially for sugary foods that'll give you a quick rush. If you've had less then adequate sleep try adding some protein to each meal and snack-that can help keep your energy level stable. Cathy
Catherine is the co-author of "Exercising Through Your Pregnancy" with Dr. James Clapp, and author of Fit Pregnancy For Dummies, published by Wiley Publishing in 2004. To learn more about these books or buy them online you can find them on www.amazon.com.
Cathy also provides Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Information and certification courses to Healthcare Professionals. Click here to learn more.
NSALVADORE
Posts: 5378
6/25/08 4:05 P
Well I think rest and sleep is soo important! Supposedly it does help weight loss, and stress can make you gain belly weight. As far as breastfeeding goes if you're not getting enough rest and sleep it CAN affect your supply. And I have to say if I've had a good nights sleep and I rest here and there I am definitely a better mother (i.e. more energy to play with my kids, less snappy to my toddler, more likely to get extra stuff done)!
My name is Nicci, I'm the proud
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BSH0805
Posts: 1935
6/23/08 7:47 A
I was subscribing to that notion that I had to be moving all of the time after DD#2 was born so that I was constantly burning calories. I was tired, cranky, anemic, and not losing weight anyway:-) This post is more about well being than weight loss, though. I've started to relax more. I have slower mornings, drink my coffee, feed my kids and THEN go and work out for a bit. I'm not afraid to take a nap in the afternoon if my 2 year old is down and I can get DD#2 to sleep. During the day, I do the usual child care, exercise, errands, cooking, some housework, and 3 nights a week I go to work as a teacher. I'm also EBF + pumping 5-10 oz. per day.
How important is it to SLOW DOWN and relax as a mom? Is it better to be constantly moving, burning energy, or does it actually help to just... chill out?
How much of a role does total sleep hours play in overall health, especially while breastfeeding?
DH Matt
DD Kylie (the Jelly Bean), 01/07/06
DD#2 Evelyn (the Gummy Bear), born 03/01/08
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