Should I be this tired or is there something wrong with me?

[Dontforgettoscreamatthebear]

SAHM for a little while, 14 month DS

DS does wake every 2 hoursish but this feels good really after every 20 mins for months when he was younger. We go to groups etc most mornings which he loves and then housework and dog walking in the afternoons while he plays.

My DH even helps with the cooking quite often if it's not something I can completely prepare beforehand (ie a chilli I can cook in the afternoon, something that is better fresh I can chop and prepare ahead but he might cook it while I feed DS and do bath and bed etc)

We don't have family nearby and DH away a lot so I guess I don't get breaks at such but I absolutely love being at home and feel so happy and grateful I don't mind.

The problem is I really struggle with feeling so tired. It doesn't stop us going out and I still get everything that needs doing done (generally, I'm not suggesting my house is a show home!) but I've started to rely on coffee which I never used to drink and feel like I need it to be able to talk properly to people. Sometimes I wish I could just sleep all day for a day!

We have had some other health worries lately (not me) and maybe it's taken it's toll emotionally but I'm not the affected one so I feel it shouldn't impact me this much although I do feel I carry the health responsibility checking everyone has taken what they need, got their appointments etc

I did lose quite a bit of weight (still bf and another reason I try to be careful with coffee, I only have one or two a day carefully timed for maximum benefit!) but it's been the same for a while now

I don't mean to be an ungrateful cow but feel like I'd be a better mum and wife if I had a bit more about me but I feel like the engine has just run out of petrol and it's making that chugging noise when I turn the key in the ignition!

Is this a GP one or will it just get better when DS sleeps more one day? We're thinking of another but I worry my body won't give a growing baby all it needs

Go get a blood test. I was in your shoes and I brushed it off as a lack of sleep. I had a severe iron deficiency. No changes in diet etc. Just very low iron all of a sudden.

DS is napping and dinner is in oven and I'm having a cup of tea before dog walk so this afternoon is going well and I'll answer questions @NannyRed

Are you overweight?
Are you underweight?

BMI on the low side of healthy weight but still in the healthy range. If it kept dropping I'd be underweight but it's ok now

Is your diet healthy with plenty of fresh veggies, good quality meats, adequate iron etc?

Yes, I've become really interested in nutrition lately much to DH's horror and I think our diet is good and varied

Are you a heavy drinker?

Almost no alcohol as breastfeeding

What time do you go to bed?

About 10 but I could definitely go to bed earlier

What time do you get up?

Usually around 6 but sometimes earlier like 5 this morning!

Are you getting any lie ins, time to yourself?

No

Are you laying awake waiting for your little one to wake?

Sometimes it takes a while because we have a few false starts sometimes after settling. It's one reason I don't bother going to bed at 9 because I know he'll wake at 10, and it seems silly to dream feed at this age when he doesn't need it. I used to go bed at 7 when he was tiny!

My diet and lifestyle are so much better than before which is why I'm surprised things feel like such a struggle. I could do more exercise like cardio but I do walk about half an hour or more most days

@BogglesGoggles maybe I'll ask for one then. Were you prescribed iron tablets?

get yourself to the GP. sometimes, it's little things that can be easily identified by a blood test. when I had these issues, my iron/ferritin was very low. don't rely on fellow mumsnetters telling you that this normal with a little child and that things will improve!

but even though you have a toddler, I don't think this level of tiredness is normal. most women are back by then to an often full time job, nursery runs, commute and household on top - much more demanding than what you have to do! Definitely get yourself checked out.

Yes. Currently taking them to see if theyup my iron levels and then will go from there. My doctor was really good about it all. He took me seriously and ordered tests for iron, B12 and thyroid immediately.

Hi OP I think it would be a good idea just to have a blood test so yes, see your GP

Thank you all. I guess vit levels are pretty important pre pregnancy too.

That's the thing, I've done really long hours with a two hour each way commute for years before (sometimes out at 5am and back 10pm) and I'm way more tired now.

Mine sleeps through the night and I still feel exhausted all the time. You haven't had a decent night's sleep in over a year. Of course you're exhausted, you poor thing.