Feeling low

[APMama]

Not sure if I'm looking for advice or just support really but just need to talk!

DD is almost 8 months and I feel really rubbish.

I feel completely lost.. I have only 2 real friends in the town that I live in as I moved here away from all my friends and family to where my husband is from. Up until now, I was doing all the baby groups but I've started to find them so ridiculously boring and have nothing in common with the other mums... I want some adult conversation rather than baby talk - you know? Being at those groups has started to make me more alone if anything!

DD is EBF and won't take a bottle. For this reason she is always with me and I'm exhausted. I love her SO much obviously but haven't had any time to myself in so long. I know some babies at this age only BF or FF a couple of times a day but she is still feeding every hour and a half-2 hours and there's no pattern to it so can't even nip out anywhere.

I feel like a shadow of myself before I met my husband. I used to be outgoing, spontaneous, massive group of friends and really happy. I absolutely adore him and he's not to blame, but moving here has really isolated me and I've only really noticed now I've got DD and am not at work all the time. I just feel stuck and alone. I can't remember what I used to enjoy doing and don't have any time away from her alone to go out and meet new people.

I love being a mum but just want to be more fulfilled by the rest of my life too!

Is there any way you can work for a couple of hours in the week and get childcare? We are supposed to all love being at home with our DC all day but I know I was ready to go back to work. There's no guilt or shame in that (although the EBF would be an issue I know)

I took a year off work for mat leave and often felt quite low, even considered taking anti depressants. You feel like you should be having the time of your life but it can be very tough and isolating at times

My best therapy was going back to work, altho I'm lucky to only work three days a week and love my job

Honestly? As a mum of 6, at 8 months your dd should be having solids minimum of 2/3 times a day. Plus drinking from a cup.

You must be exhausted beyond belief. I don't agree with the otber postet about you returning to work yet unless its something you really want to do.

Teach dd there are other ways to eat. Get dp/dh involved. Take some time, rest, sleep & look after yourself.

@Winniethepooher Sorry for not clarifying, we have started weaning but she's a little madam and won't be spoon fed and baby led means she doesn't really eat a massive amount - mainly makes a mess! We do 3 meals plus snacks but as I said, not a huge amount goes in. Definitely not enough to notice that she is cutting down with feeds! Might see the HV and see if they can suggest anything..

Fluff and user - thank you. Other options to consider too.. I only have another month or so before I'm due to go back xx