My baby is 6 months old. Since he was 3 weeks old, he has allowed me to enjoy 9-11 hours of uninterrupted sleep (just sharing context, not trying to brag). I wouldn’t say he’s a super chill baby, but he’s not overly fussy either. Naps are hit or miss, with some days going really well and other days being quite challenging. But I am EXHAUSTED. I’ve had blood tests done, I aim to work out four times a week, but I wake up every day feeling completely drained. I handle 95% of the morning feeds (usually between 4-6 am). Most days, my baby is up at 6 ready to start the day. I feel guilty bringing this up because I know others have it rougher, but I can’t help but wonder what’s wrong with me. We’re also formula feeding, so I feel like I shouldn’t feel this way but I am really struggling. Living in Canada has me thinking that the cold and dark days affect me, and I hope I’ll feel better when the weather warms up.
Is this your first child? I hope you don’t mind me asking. I ask because I’m currently nursing my 7-month-old and can relate to being tired. Looking back at my first baby, I realize I was thoroughly exhausted in a way I don’t feel with my second. The transition from no babies to being a new parent is a tough adjustment mentally and physically.
It’s completely okay to say you’re tired. I hope you’re doing alright health-wise. I don’t have any substantial advice, but I can say that the super exhausted phase does, in my experience, pass eventually. I hope you reach that point soon!
@Mal
I’ve felt the same with my second baby compared to the first. Those first few months with my first felt like I couldn’t think for 3-4 months haha.
Peyton said:
@Mal
I’ve felt the same with my second baby compared to the first. Those first few months with my first felt like I couldn’t think for 3-4 months haha.
It’s wild! I was barely functioning then. I even fell asleep on the stairs once. I have a friend who’s on her first baby, and she wonders why I don’t seem more tired. Trust me, I am exhausted, but I feel it’s different from first-time parent exhaustion.
@Mal
Yes! He is my first.
Have you thought about taking vitamin D?
Leif said:
Have you thought about taking vitamin D?
That was my first thought!
Leif said:
Have you thought about taking vitamin D?
That was my first thought!
And also some magnesium.
I’m in the same situation and honestly don’t know if it’s just me or if something is wrong.
Vesper said:
I’m in the same situation and honestly don’t know if it’s just me or if something is wrong.
It’s definitely exhaustion.
Vesper said:
I’m in the same situation and honestly don’t know if it’s just me or if something is wrong.
Make sure you continue taking your prenatal vitamins and maybe add in a vitamin D complex and B12. It really helped me out.
Those cold and cloudy days definitely make us feel worn out. Have you tried any vitamin D supplements?
I dealt with iron deficient anemia after having my first baby 5 months ago, and it really can wear you out. I’m still on iron supplements.
Breastfeeding moms don’t have the exclusive on tiredness. You can feel sick with the flu while others have it worse, right? It’s the same deal here.
I have a seven-month-old who is also formula fed and usually sleeps through the night, she’s typically happy, and even then, it’s still exhausting.
I feel the same way. I’m also dealing with postpartum depression, and my baby doesn’t sleep well. I’m so drained. I live in Canada too, and it’s so cold that I dread going outside. My days revolve around taking care of my baby, and I find myself just staring at the wall while he sleeps in my arms, wondering when things will improve. I know others have it worse, but some do have it better. We’re all human, and you’re entitled to feel your emotions.
I can relate, but I’m in NYC. My blood work came back looking fine, except for slightly low vitamin D levels.
I’m also Canadian and can truly relate to what you’re saying. I can’t wait to take my babies out into the sun without having to bundle them up! It’s so tiring just to be active and engaged all day. Your feelings are valid. Just because someone else might be in a worse situation, doesn’t mean your experience isn’t real. Consider getting your blood checked, though it may just be part of the parenting experience. By the way, are you staying hydrated? I often forget to drink enough water.
I feel the same, but I’m living in Berlin where I can barely remember what sunshine feels like.
Was your TSH/T4 checked during your blood tests? Apparently, postpartum hypothyroidism affects 10-20% of new parents around 6 months after giving birth. I had it, and even though I would sleep 9+ hours a night, I was still so tired and felt like I needed multiple daytime naps. I initially thought it was just my ADHD or seasonal affective disorder. After getting my blood work done, my TSH was 19 (the normal range is .4-4.0). My doctor suspected a lab error, but after a repeat test, my TSH hit 30. I’ve been on thyroid medication for 6 days now, and I already feel a huge difference!
@Rio
I was going to suggest this. Before trying to conceive, I went from having tons of energy and working out daily at 5 am to feeling completely drained. I hadn’t gained weight or had other symptoms, but my bloodwork revealed I had hypothyroidism. Within a week of starting treatment, I felt like my old self!