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My Night Sweats Following Pregnancy

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Reproductive System related image Photo: Getty Images

After the birth of my son, I was in for many changes. My body was healing and adjusting to the lack of sleep.

My chest ached from the milk that was constantly being produced, and the rest of me continued to look like I was still four months pregnant.

I struggled with breastfeeding and keeping up with the nutritional needs of my baby for long feeding sessions during the day and exhausted night feedings.

Also, I noticed that every night when I awoke to his hungry cries over the monitor, my skin was drenched.

It seemed to start just after coming home from the hospital. The first night, I woke up and was freezing cold. I shivered as I made my way to the closet, where I fumbled through the dark until I found a pile of sweatshirts.

I layered on two over my pajamas and moved back towards my bed, my teeth still chattering. My husband woke up and asked me what was wrong.

“I’m freezing,” I managed to whisper through the chattering. He wrapped his arms around me under the covers and I placed my ice cold feet between his warm legs.

Next came the sweaty nights. Without fail, every night for what felt like weeks, my pajamas were soaked when I woke up for nightly feedings.

My hair stuck to the back of my neck, my skin was sticky and wet, and sweat soaked my nursing tanks. It reminded me of having a fever break.

I began to actually keep a second set of pjs close to the bed so I could change. I didn’t remember reading about it in my pregnancy books.

I started to wonder if something was wrong with me. Then I talked to some of my mom-friends and realized that they had experienced something similar.

Was it related to breastfeeding, hormones, or my body losing fluid over weeks after giving birth? I don’t know. I meant to research it but since I was still experiencing “pregnancy brain,” I never remembered to do it.

It eventually went away, but I still I had very similar experiences after giving birth with my next two pregnancies. For weeks, I felt like I was “sweating off the baby weight” without a single trip to the gym.

Edited by Jessica Obert

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TheBoldBlend
Empowered

I definitely had that after my last pregnancy. I thought it was the start of menopause but it eventually stopped. Very interesting read, thanks for sharing!

January 24, 2012 - 3:05pm

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Haralee
Empowered
Blogger

Hi Susan,
As you found out it is real common to have night sweats after birth and breast feeding. It is a glimpse of hot flashes and night sweats to come with menopause!
Per request of customers, I designed a new pajama in my line of sleepwear in the 'midnight in the garden' collection that is a top that crosses over in the front and long sleeve, all made in wicking fabrics. My niece who just had a baby this fall loves wearing them because not only do they wick, they are comfortable, easy to nurse while wearing, and also any milk drips quickly evaporate as well.
My line is for the woman experiencing night sweats but more and more pregnant women are buying them because of the wicking and comfort qualities. Also we have a draw string waist which is nice for the new Mom! www.haralee.com

January 24, 2012 - 12:51pm

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Susan Schade
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.