I'm exhausted

[DietCokeIsBae]

This is my first and he's a week shy of 6 months - he's not difficult but he is demanding of attention almost all the time. I'm struggling to find time to shower or go to the toilet nevermind any of my hobbies I had before he came along.

I'm not resentful at all nor do I want to come across selfish but I'm starting to get very exhausted. I don't feel like 'me' anymore and keep fantasising about leaving DS with OH and going away for the weekend but he works so hard that I don't feel like it would be fair.

I don't feel as though I'm able to be the best parent I could be because of it so I'm wondering how you all manage to look after yourselves aswell as everyone else?
Xx

It's really hard OP. Do you have family nearby? Are you happy with the routine you have at home? Do you have other SAHM friends and playgroups to go to?

See if there is a gym nearby that offers a crèche service or any babysitters who you could book every now and again to get some headspace.

All I can say is it's really hard work but it does get easier and if you're really struggling then don't be ashamed to ask for help from DH or Doc.

Good luck xx

I'm a SAHP to a 2 year old, it can be tough! And it definitely gets easier as they get older. My daughter is profoundly deaf, which influenced my decision to SAH, I left my job just before she was 18mo. I don't know if i would have chosen this were she not deaf. She's doing brilliantly with cochlear implants, but it's a lot of hard work, and I don't have much time for myself in the day.

Day to day i don't put much effort into my appearance! I don't bother with makeup, and if i manage to wash my hair I'd be pleased! DH and i take it in turns to get ready in the morning. DD gets up at 5:30am so i take her for half an hour while DH showers etc, then we swap. He is out of the house from around 7 to 7 so it's a long day! Can you get up before your dc to get ready, or do shifts with your dp?

My dd goes to nursery a couple of mornings a week, which i mainly use to clean the house, because it's so difficult to get anything done while she's home. Me time is rare, do you get any down time in the evening? Are you splitting the chores with dp in the evening?

Does he nap? I found I could do things for myself during naps. If house stuff needed doing (washing up) I could still listen to the radio or music.

Do you have hobbies that you can do at home? If not could you try out a craft - knitting etc? Or watch a TV series, read a book.

I found going to baby groups hugely helpful to get out of the house and have adult company. Also to meet other mums who I could then meet up with. There are mum apps for this purpose now too. (Mush).

Are you breastfeeding? For me I started to get more freedom at the weekends or evenings when DD was feeding less often or stopped, so maybe knowing that might not be too far off might help you. Similarly as he gets bigger you may be able to leave him alone in a safe space (maybe playpen) more to shower or be in the kitchen. And he'll learn to play independently sometimes as he gets bigger. It will get easier.