Breastfeeding
Studies have shown women with fibromyalgia typically do not have a lot of success when it comes to breastfeeding. However, do not give up all hope!
The women involved in the study cited having problems with producing enough milk and having pain caused by sitting in an uncomfortable position while breastfeeding, among other things. If you are experiencing trouble with milk production, some have found help taking certain herbal supplements or teas, or from eating certain foods.
If you find you are in pain after feeding your baby, try sitting in a different positions each time. Use different pillows and footstools until you find a comfortable spot. You may also need to change positions during the feeding to keep from getting too stiff from sitting in one position for a long time.
Another obstacle may arise if breastfeeding prevents you from taking needed medication. Many medicines are not considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, as an unsafe amount could pass to the baby.
It's important to talk to your doctor and find what your options are. There may be an alternative treatment available that would not affect your baby, or that would not be harmful to them.
Of course, if you are not able to continue breastfeeding for as long as you had planned, do not view it as a failure. Know that any amount of time that you have spent breastfeeding is beneficial to them and to you.
Get Help
Allowing others to help out around the house can be a huge load off your shoulders and can give you the needed time to catch up on sleep, or even just to sit and relax.
My Experience
I currently have a toddler and a very young infant at home. I can attest to the fact that caring for a newborn can be hard, tiring work. But it is also one the best, most rewarding things I have ever done.
I am tired a lot of the time, but I am able to function. I have found that years of fibromyalgia exhaustion has ultimately prepared me for parenthood.
I experience pain frequently, but not more than I can handle. I have found several natural remedies to be helpful for myself, such as magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin B12.
I was able to breastfeed my first son for eight months — not as long as I wanted to, but still a good amount of time. I am currently breastfeeding my second son with the help of an herbal supplement to keep my milk production up.
Even though it is not always easy, I have found it is necessary, and beneficial, to get help from my family and friends. I like to think of myself as being capable of doing it all, but modesty requires me to admit I am far from being superwoman.
At the end of the day, those of us that have suffered from fibromyalgia know a thing or two about strength, endurance and fortitude — all of which are very much needed once you become a parent. Yes, fibromyalgia throws a few more bumps and curves in the road, but it is not necessarily a complete roadblock on this wonderful journey of parenthood.
