To think I have aged so much since having DC

[CheekyFawn]

I feel like I have aged 10 years in the span of 5 years since having 2 DC. DC1 was born during pandemic and we were renovating the house all by ourselves, more like decorating and new kitchen, new driveway and patio etc. DC2 was born last year, 3 years after DC1. I also work full-time and has been studying for my masters from work alongside. I had 2 C-section, baby is 5 months old now and I feel like I am so exhausted and I look like I have aged 10 years in the span of 4 years since the last pregnancy. I am 35 yo, turning 36 in couple of months. I have friends who are older than me and they never understand when I say I have aged so much so quickly.

I have gained over 10 kilos and struggling to lose weight as well as totally sleepless due to baby waking up every 2-3 hours at night to breastfeed.

That's a lot to deal with but you are and have been in the thick of it. It will get easier as the kids grow. Be kind to yourself and in time you'll be able to get out and exercise more. And you will have your two lovely kids, your Masters and your nice house and you'll get to a point where you think 'that was tough but it's all worth it now'. Just got to keep moving for now.

I feel like that. I look at photos of me before children and then after I had my first and I aged considerably. I am not sure whether things get better though as my eldest is now 10, but maybe I lack motivation to sort myself out.

@PullTheBricksDown that's very kind of you. I hope I look back and think it was all worth it x

I feel like this too. I notice it with my friends as well (not that I would ever tell them!), but it is quite startling the difference between those who have had children and who haven’t (both men and women).

I also think with young children (especially after DC2) you just don’t have the time/ energy to do the basics like washing/ styling hair, shaping eyebrows, putting on makeup etc.

I look back at my photos before kids (even when pregnant) and I don’t recognise that person. It’s crazy how much it changes you.

I also feel that I’m completely out of the loop with everything style related. I went to a birthday party on Saturday night and everyone looked stunning. I looked like I had just walked in after attending a baby sensory class!

Agree. My childfree middle aged friends look so much younger than my friends who had kids, especially compared to those who had kids later in life. Pregnancy and the early years really does a number on our bodies.

The last positive thing I remember about me was being 32, young and slim, fresh faced, life was fabulous and I felt fabulous.

Now I’m 42, with two kids, about 2.5 stone heavier and exhausted all the time.

I honestly don’t know where the last decade has gone, but motherhood has stolen it from me and spat me out.

You’ll get more time to look after yourself when the kids are older. I’m 48 and in much better shape physically than I was at 38 because I have time to get to the gym regularly, have my hair done, look after my skin properly etc.
But you have to make the decision to prioritise your health and fitness when you find that extra time as the kids get older.

Definitely feel this as do all the mums I know. I just hope it all evens out longer term as long as you don't keep having more and more babies.

I felt I aged suddenly at age 35-37 (DCs were around 3y and 6y old). However, I read that this is usual and hormonal changes take place around this age. I noticed my first white hair (an eyebrow!), it was a shock as even early 30s I still felt young.
I'm now late 40s, been on HRT for a year and that gave me a boost (more energy, better memory and feel calmer).