The 5 Distinct Types of Exhaustion Every Mom Can Relate To

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As a mother, it often feels like fatigue is my constant companion. Sure, there are fleeting moments of energy—perhaps around noon—but for the most part, I’m running on empty. The arrival of a newborn means endless wake-up calls throughout the night, leading you to ponder, “When will they finally sleep through the night?” Just when you think you’ve got it made because your baby is sleeping for longer stretches, life throws in teething, growth spurts, sleep regressions, and other surprises that ensure you’re still wide awake, typically worrying about the next developmental milestone that has them up at night.

Given this relentless fatigue, I’ve put together a list of the various types of tiredness we experience as parents. Yes, there are indeed different forms of exhaustion! Take a moment to read through and see if any of these resonate with you—or perhaps all of them, like they do with me.

1. The Too Anxious to Sleep Tired: This type strikes when you’re so stressed from keeping your kids entertained and out of trouble that sleep becomes elusive. You lay down, eyes heavy, ready to drift off—only to find yourself still awake an hour later, trying to figure out how your child managed to climb into the bathroom sink. It’s not your fault; it’s simply because you’re tired.
2. The Newborn Foal Tired: If you’ve ever watched baby animals learn to walk, you know they’re awkward and clumsy. This is the kind of tiredness where you unexpectedly drop your coffee cup, trip while getting up from the couch, or misjudge your steps and find yourself sprawled on the pavement. It’s not you; it’s just that you’re tired.
3. The Excessively Nodding Off Tired: We’ve all experienced those days when you find yourself dozing off on the couch, jolted awake by the sound of your kids getting into mischief. You might even nod off while trying to discipline them about using pots and pans as makeshift step stools to reach the fruit snacks. It’s not your fault; it’s the fatigue talking.
4. The Coffee Doesn’t Touch Me Tired: Coffee is a mom’s go-to lifeline, especially at 4 a.m. when the kids are ready to start their day. However, there are days when no amount of caffeine seems to make a dent in your exhaustion. You keep drinking it, all the while knowing you could fall asleep in an instant if given the chance. It’s not you—it’s just that you’re utterly tired.
5. The I’m A Mom Tired: This final category of tiredness begins the moment your baby is born and, according to my friend Sarah, never really goes away. Tiredness becomes part of your identity, woven into your very being. Sure, there are moments of liveliness, but that underlying fatigue is always lurking, ready to take over when you wish to be productive after the kids are in bed. Let the dishes pile up; the laundry can wait. It’s not your fault the house is in disarray and you haven’t showered in days. It’s simply because you’re worn out.

If you want to learn more about the early stages of motherhood, check out this other blog post we have that dives deeper into pregnancy and home insemination. An excellent resource for navigating this journey can be found at Healthline. And if you’re considering at-home insemination, check out Make a Mom, they offer reputable kits for your needs.

In summary, motherhood is a journey filled with various kinds of tiredness, each unique and relatable. From the anxious sleepless nights to the overwhelming exhaustion that seems to become part of you, it’s a ride we all share. Remember, you’re not alone in this struggle.