who can help us?

[smedrock]

my partner and i are just at our wit's end. i'm home with two under 3's and he is working on a temporary contract and trying to keep money coming in. this contract is due to run out in a few months time and so the thought of being out of work is totally preoccupying him (understandably) to the point that he is losing sleep, tired and unable to participate much in family life. don't get me wrong, he is still good (cooks, does own laundry etc) but he is just exhausted. me too i'm sleeping in another room with the baby (cause he can't sleep through the noise i know, i know but it works for us) and feel like we never get time to relax. we see each other alone for maybe an hour a day during which time he is often finishing up tasks for work, or just so tired he is unable to do much. we've previously got on great but now find that we are having ridiculous arguments about nothing much at all...
unfortunately we don't have the option of grandparents to help us -- too old and too far away so we are on our own and really really struggling at the moment to think about who to turn to to help us. I'm still breastfeeding the littler one so i can't really leave her with just anyone (and don't want to...)
argh -- sorry if this is a pointless rant. i'm just so exhausted and don't know who else to turn to...
has anyone found any good counselling services? GP? who else can stressed out mums turn to? or what can i do???

thanks in advance for any ideas you can offer xx

Is there a children's centre near you? Homestart?

It sounds like you're having a really hard time and it's no wonder you're taking it out on each other. But obviously you'll both do your relationship some serious damage unless you can let each other off the hook a bit and communicate more kindly.

Has he been to the gp about trying to solve his insomnia/stress? There may be medication/therapies that will let him get some sleep or help him cope better with his worries.

You can self refer to homestart or speak to your HV. Just to let you know that you only get approx 2 hours a week support and they are not there to babysit but could help out in other ways. For instance entertain your older child or help you get out of the house to the park or similar.

What about a trainee nursery worker from college? They could look after the children whilst you do some chores in the day, hopefully freeing up some time for you and your partner in the evening.