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As a mom, you’re probably all too familiar with the phrase, “You’re a mom, that’s normal.” when it comes to complaints about your health, energy, and mindset. But is it really? When it comes to fatigue, many moms are told this by family members or even doctors. But here's the thing: fatigue is not always just a part of motherhood. It could be a sign of something more, and I think it’s time we dig a little deeper.

Understanding the Root Causes of Fatigue

Fatigue is complex. It doesn’t just come from sleepless nights with a newborn or juggling the busy demands of parenting. There are a wide variety of factors that could be contributing to your tiredness, and many of them are treatable and manageable.

**Here are just a few possible underlying causes of fatigue:**
**Nutrient Deficiencies:**
- Anemia (Iron Deficiency)
- Thyroid issues (deficiency or otherwise)
- Low B12
- Low Vitamin D
**Nutrition:**
- Poor nutrition
- Insulin Resistance
- Restrictive diets
- Blood sugar dysregulation
**Home Life:**
- Interrupted sleep
- Lack of support
- The unbalanced mental load of running a household
**Mental Health:**
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
- Undiagnosed ADHD

🩸Iron Deficiency: A Common Culprit

Let’s talk about iron deficiency, a common but often overlooked cause of fatigue—especially in postpartum moms. It’s not just an issue in the first few months after delivery, but can persist much longer.

During pregnancy, blood volume increases significantly, which can dilute your iron stores. Resources are also being shunted to baby, which can deplete your iron reserves. Even if you weren't told you were low in iron during pregnancy, the vast majority of people are. Then, after childbirth, blood loss further reduces your iron levels, which directly impacts your energy. Low iron can also affect your sleep quality and make you more prone to anxiety and depression.

Before we write off your fatigue as “just motherhood,” it’s worth getting your iron levels tested to rule out deficiency.

🥑Nutrition and Fuel: What You’re Eating (Or Not Eating)

Your body needs fuel to function properly. If you're skipping meals, cutting out whole food groups, or relying on coffee all day with little to no water or balanced food, your body will definitely feel that. Poor nutrition can lead to a sluggish metabolism, a lack of energy, and mood imbalances, which all contribute to overall fatigue.

Taking a closer look at your eating habits and making sure you're fueling your body with the nutrients it needs can make a world of difference.

🧠The Mental Load: The Invisible Strain

Let’s not forget the mental load—the constant thinking, planning, and organizing that goes into managing a household and family. Society places a lot of pressure on moms to “have it all” together: a perfectly tidy home, well-behaved kids, a successful career, and an active social life. We often compare ourselves to others, seeing their “highlight reels” on social media, and then putting unreasonable expectations on ourselves to measure up. This never-ending mental load can be exhausting and drain your energy in ways you don’t even realize.

It’s time for a reframe. Instead of shouldering everything by yourself, ask for support when needed, set realistic expectations, and prioritize your well-being.

so, Is It Motherhood? 🫤

The short answer: No, it’s not just motherhood.

Is it a common experience for moms to feel exhausted? Absolutely. But there are actionable steps you can take to start feeling better.

Where to Start?

Start by getting some bloodwork done. Iron deficiency, thyroid concerns, nutrient deficiencies, and other health issues can be easily identified and treated with the right testing. This can give you clarity and a starting point for improving your energy levels.

Also, don’t hesitate to seek support. Whether it’s nutritional guidance, managing stress, or just needing someone to talk to, you deserve to feel your best. There are solutions to help you manage your fatigue and start reclaiming your energy.

You Deserve More

Motherhood is hard, but your fatigue doesn't have to be the norm. It’s time to dig deeper, address any underlying issues, and give yourself the care and support you deserve. If you’ve been struggling with fatigue and feeling like something isn’t quite right, don’t ignore it. Take action and let’s figure it out together!

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