If you’ve recently welcomed a baby into your life, you’re likely familiar with the profound fatigue that accompanies new motherhood. While the initial burst of joy often masks the exhaustion, even the most optimistic new moms can find themselves worn out. Here are eight clear signs that you might be an exhausted new mom:
- During a casual chat about eye colors with your three-year-old, they innocently declare, “Daddy has green eyes, I have brown eyes, the baby has blue eyes. But you? You have red eyes.”
- You are brought to tears upon realizing that your need for that 2 PM coffee to survive the day might be contributing to your breastfed baby’s sleeplessness.
- When your friend without children shares her woes about feeling drained from a few late nights, you can’t help but wish that her future child experiences colic, just to make her understand.
- At the grocery store, you encounter another mother whose baby is the same age as your little night owl. She appears refreshed and stylish, while you’re clad in your usual yoga pants and an old t-shirt that you checked for baby vomit before leaving home. Your baby has been in the same pajamas for two days, and you can’t remember if you brushed your teeth. As she raves about her baby sleeping through the night, you muster a smile while mentally enumerating all the ways you wish her a little misfortune.
- In the morning, you overhear your partner inviting guests for brunch and casually mention, “Our night wasn’t that bad.” You can’t help but wonder if he’s been sleeping on another planet, especially since your left eye refuses to open.
- Intimacy with your partner has transformed into a nightly game of chicken. Every time the baby cries, a new round begins. The aim is to feign sleep until your partner, unwilling to continue the charade, gets up to tend to the baby. If you manage to outlast him, you might gain a few extra hours of sleep. If not, you dramatically throw the covers off and glare at him.
- You have a baby who only wants to be held, making him your constant companion. When he finally falls asleep in his crib, thoughts of a bubble bath and a good book flood your mind. Just then, your partner gives you “the look.” You pretend not to notice, since your vision is already compromised.
- On a particularly challenging night when your newborn won’t stop crying, you’ve fed, bounced, rocked, and changed him to no avail. After hours of frustration, your partner suggestively says, “Just put him on your boob!” You feel the tears welling up at the thought of another feeding with sore, cracked nipples and retort, “You put him on your boob!” You can see him contemplating your suggestion for a brief moment.
For further insights and support on the journey of motherhood, consider visiting this blog post. They provide valuable information that can be beneficial during this transformative time. Additionally, for those looking into fertility options, the resource at Hopkins Medicine is an excellent place to start. If you’re interested in self-insemination methods, check out BabyMaker.
In summary, new motherhood is a journey filled with joy and challenges. Recognizing signs of exhaustion is crucial for your wellbeing. Take time for self-care and seek support when needed.