To feel like this with a baby?

[Mjkkk]

I’m a lone parent so that’s probably part of it. However, dd is 11 months and I sleep the same as before she was born yet I am constantly exhausted. I go back to work in another month and I’m worried I won’t cope. I just feel spaced out, when I wake up I’m groggy eve after 8 hours sleep. I’ve been on iron tablets and levels well within normal range. Had all other bloods checked and they are fine.

I feel so… gross. Ugly, tired, a mess. Mentally I’m ok and I just don’t get it? I don’t know if I could get through a day at work at all.

Get some vitamin B complex.
Look at what you are eating and drinking. Are you exercising ? Even if it’s a brisk walk with baby in the pram

It takes a special kind of energy to care for a baby all day. I felt similar to you when I was on at leave, just no energy and very heavy in my body. Once I returned to work I started to feel a lot better. You are doing this by yourself so can imagine it is exhausting. What about starting the little one in nursery a few days to settle her in and give you some time to yourself. I do think a bit of excercise might help as well, just to get your body moving a bit more.

medically - def look at B12 supplements even if the blood work says your fine, you might be out of the normal range for you.

I felt like that around the same time and my thyroid levels were too low - but there is a range for this and GPS don't always pick it up unless you are seriously under active (ime)

Hear me out.. Try sleeping with your bedroom window open. I feel hung over and groggy if it's shut.. Cosy socks apparently help you get your body the right temperature to get into a decent level of slumber.. Works for me and you won't believe how my sleep has been this past few years.

Are you breastfeeding? With both of mine it was only when I stopped feeding that I realised how much it contributed to me feeling tired and groggy. I know that’s not a popular thing to say and I’d still choose to bf every time as the pluses outweigh the negatives for me but I only felt I had come out the other side when I stopped. Lots of people probably have different experiences though.

Thanks so so much for the support. Would you say I’ve got through 50% of the hardest bit then? Is the aim to get to age 3? I’m really massively struggling with just juggling it all. If one thing happens like he’s a bit unwell it’s honestly so draining I feel like I can’t cope at all.

I want to feel pleased I’ve successfully made it to a year but if I’m honest I am absolutely dreading facing work alongside this. People often say how hard that part is like it’s worse than when they were at home!! I am struggling to sleep as I’m worrying so much.

Honestly, going back to work after both of mine was such a breath of fresh air! I've never found working and parenting to be as exhausting as being a stay at home parent. When they are older, yes, being at home is maybe easier - and by older I mean like 7-8 when they can largely look after themselves - but not when they are little. Do not under-estimate how important it is to have time to yourself (commuting, a walk a lunchtime, these are both time to yourself), being able to eat proper food in peace, being able to finish a cup of coffee, etc in terms of your mood and energy levels.

Would you say I’ve got through 50% of the hardest bit then? Is the aim to get to age 3? I’m really massively struggling with just juggling it all. There's ups and downs, but it gets steadily better, partly because they can communicate better, partly because they get more rational, partly because as their personality develops it becomes more rewarding. And partly because you're not alone with them all day if you're back at work.