As a mom, fatigue is practically my constant companion. Sure, there might be a fleeting moment around noon when I feel somewhat revitalized, but let’s be real—that’s about it. When babies arrive, they seem to wake up every few minutes, and you can’t help but think, “When will this end?” You might think that once your little one starts sleeping for longer stretches, you’re in the clear. Hooray! A full night’s sleep is finally here! But then you remember teething, growth spurts, sleep regressions, and the endless developmental milestones that keep them up at night, like mastering the art of building a tower with more than three blocks. The cycle of exhaustion never truly ends. So, I’ve put together a list of the various types of tired that hit us parents. Yes, there are indeed distinctions! Grab a cup of coffee (if you can) and see if any of these resonate with you.
- The Anxious Insomniac Tired: You’re so stressed from the never-ending task of keeping your kids entertained and out of mischief that when you finally lay down in bed—hopefully alone—you can’t seem to drift off. You toss and turn, your mind racing with thoughts like, “How did my son manage to get into the bathroom sink?” You’re not alone in this; it’s simply a result of being tired.
- The Clumsy Newborn Foal Tired: Remember watching baby animals trying to stand for the first time? They’re awkward and stumble around. If you find yourself dropping your coffee mug out of nowhere or tripping over air while trying to get up from the couch, you’re in this category. It’s not your fault. It’s just because you’re tired.
- The Excessively Drowsy Tired: Those days when you’re on the couch, barely keeping your eyes open, only to be jolted awake by the sounds of your kids getting into something they shouldn’t? Or dozing off while attempting to explain why pots and pans are not climbing tools? It’s a classic mom moment. Again, it’s just because you’re tired.
- The Coffee Can’t Save Me Tired: Coffee is a mom’s go-to fuel, especially when the day starts at 4 a.m. But there are those days when even the strongest brew can’t combat your fatigue. You sip it constantly, fully aware that you could fall asleep standing up any moment. It’s not your fault; it’s simply a testament to how tired you are.
- The Forever Mom Tired: This final level of tiredness begins the moment your baby arrives and—according to my friend Sarah—never truly dissipates. Exhaustion becomes part of your identity, ingrained deep within you. Sure, you have instances of energy and enthusiasm, but the tiredness is always lurking, waiting to take over when you finally get a moment to yourself after the kids are in bed. Let those dirty dishes pile up. The laundry can wait. It’s not your fault that everything is a mess. It’s just that you’re tired.
If you want to learn more about family planning and home insemination, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy information. And for those interested in getting started, visit this page that covers the ins and outs of home insemination kits, including top-notch options from Make A Mom.
In summary, motherhood brings with it a unique brand of tiredness that manifests in various ways. From anxious sleeplessness to a deep-seated exhaustion that seems to never fade, each mom experiences these types of fatigue in her own way. Just remember, it’s all part of the beautiful chaos of parenting!