Postpartum Fatigue
Studies show that a significant proportion of women experience severe fatigue after birth. So in order to identify ways to address and treat Postpartum Fatigue, we must first gain more clarity and a better understanding of what it really is.
Defining Postpartum Fatigue
Postpartum fatigue in the literature was reviewed by Mathew et al (1) in 2018, where they found that Postpartum fatigue (PPF) is, “commonly experienced but not well understood,” (1). PPF did not seem to be influenced by parity; Instead it was influenced by the lack of sleep, fatigue, tiredness and the amount of infant crying. Postpartum Fatigue is defined as:
“A combination of exhaustion and feeling overwhelmed which leads to diminished functioning” and is routinely worse during the first four-to-six weeks following birth.(1)
Alleviating Postpartum Fatigue
Interestingly, this literature review found that most of the studies to lessen or prevent postpartum fatigue were conducted outside of the United States where greater support is available to new mothers. There is a dearth of studies that identify strategies utilized in the US. Globally, social support from family, friends, and older children plays an important role in decreasing PPF, as do the uses of aromatherapy, chamomile and lavender tea, exercise programs, massage, warm showers, self-care management techniques, and social support groups.
(1) In addition, Baumgartel and Facco (2018) found that the use of bright light therapy, relaxation guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation helped in decreasing PPM.
Final thoughts...
What do you find in your support of the newly postpartum family? Is postpartum fatigue prevalent in your area? What resources are available for new families and how easily and equitably are these resources accessed?
If you found this post on Postpartum Fatigue to be informative then you may also be interested in a previous post on Preventing Birthing Trauma & Failure. Thanks for all you do to support, promote, and protect breastfeeding, and for your Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative work. I hope you stay safe during this COVID-19 time.
Kathy
Referrences
- Mathew, L., Phillips, K.F., and Sandanapitchai, P. (2018). Interventions to reduce postpartum fatigue: An integrative review of the literature. Global J of Health Science & Nursing; 1: 113-119. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/decc/05c75dd04614e39f95f6887cafdad83717f1.pdf
- Baumgartel, K.L. and Facco, F. (2018). An integrative review of the sleep experiences of mothers of hospitalized preterm infants. Nurs Womens Health; 22(4): 310-326. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6157631/
- Lamaze International. (2001). Supporting early postpartum attachment: Selecting a birthing environment that clearly supports the infant-parent attachment process. J Perinatal Education; 10(4): 35-50. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595086/
- Redshaw, M. and Martin, C. (2013). Babies, ‘bonding’ and ideas about parental ‘attachment’. J Reproductive and Infant Psychology; 31(3): 219-221. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02646838.2013.830383
