......a nightmare for herself?
I am worried about my daughter, She is in a happy relationship, with a much wanted baby daughter of 9 mths (and very supportive DH) and could not be a more dedicated mum. So lovely with her DD, despite not sleeping for more than 3 hours at a stretch since her DD was born. But she is starting to look and act as though she is stretched out like a wire. Everything seems to be 'hyper'. She seems to be "performance parenting" all the time, and instead of becoming more relaxed about motherhood, she seems increasingly intense and has said she feels anxiety if DD cries even for a moment. She works one day a week, to 'keep her hand in', has a good social network, with various groups and classes on the go. At least one of her friends is also concerned about her.
I am really beginning to worry about her. I have once seen her in a similar state of nervous energy, when she was cramming for finals, but that was short-lived. This is increasing. My ability to physically help is limited, as my job is full-time, & then some! We are close, and talk about most things, but I am very very reluctant to broach this with her as my stance has always been to tell her she is doing a great job so that she gains in confidence.The last thing I want to do is undermine her when I know she is already stressed. !
So, what do people think? I would really like to hear opinions, because I am not sure if I am asking whether I am worrying stupidly? Or if these are the symptoms of long-term sleep deprivation? Or if I should tell her she is trying harder than she needs to? Or if other mums think this is very normal and I should quit worrying? Or if people think this really is a problem, and how I should tackle it?