I’m a first-time mom who left her job to be a stay-at-home mom. My little one is 8 months old. I’m really, really tired. It feels like I’ve aged a decade. And my baby doesn’t even wake up at night, which I’m so thankful for. But I just can’t shake this exhaustion.
I have an amazing partner who helps a lot. I get breaks and even manage to take relaxing baths. But it still doesn’t feel like enough to recharge. It’s like my energy levels have dropped to the bottom, and I’m always over that limit.
Please tell me I’m not the only one feeling this way
Yeah, my son is 2 and I look like a zombie. I don’t get how everyone seems so normal while I’m just trying to survive until he’s in school. Maybe then it will be easier
Lyle said:
Yeah, my son is 2 and I look like a zombie. I don’t get how everyone seems so normal while I’m just trying to survive until he’s in school. Maybe then it will be easier
Exactly! Everyone looks fresh while I’m in total zombie mode
Lyle said:
Yeah, my son is 2 and I look like a zombie. I don’t get how everyone seems so normal while I’m just trying to survive until he’s in school. Maybe then it will be easier
My little one turns 2 this month. I haven’t slept well for over 2 years. It’s like my body switched to ‘inefficient’ mode as soon as I became a dad
GraceWenger said:
Definitely. I wake up tired even when I sleep through the night without interruptions. It’s strange
Right? This week I finally got 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep and still woke up super tired. I honestly think I need to sleep for two days to feel fully rested.
Yes. The only thing that really helps me recharge is spending quality time away from the baby when I can. Sometimes I hand off to grandparents or aunts/uncles when possible, and doing a date night with my husband helps too. Adding a movie, an early bed, and a good night’s sleep really makes a difference. But yeah, you’re always ‘on’ as a parent, and it can be exhausting
@Cai
Yeah, working full-time with a baby is actually how I’ve managed to not feel constantly drained. Stay-at-home parents really are built differently. Respect to you all!
@SleeplessSage
We don’t have any family nearby to help us. I wish I had grandparents or aunts/uncles who could take care of the baby. My brother lives an hour away and others are two hours away. My husband is the only one who takes care of the baby, but even then I can’t fully relax because I’m always waiting for the baby to come back. He’s taken outings with friends, but I’ve had none.
A few things can help: vitamins, especially vitamin D, sunlight, and exercise. If you breastfeed, eating enough calories is really important too.
But honestly, the only thing that actually recharges me is work. Being able to switch my mind to something other than parenting helps. Some people find that in hobbies or community service. Taking a bath is nice, but it doesn’t really let you feel productive like other activities. I really think we need to work in different ways to feel like ourselves again.
You are definitely not alone. I’m also a first-time mom who left work to stay home with my daughter. She’s turning one this week and I can’t believe I made it through a year. I’m older too, at 42 years old, and the exhaustion is overwhelming. I had a demanding job, but this is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done! Sending you good vibes!
I totally understand where you’re coming from. But also, hormones, thyroid issues, and nutrient deficiencies can play key roles in how you feel. Low estrogen equals low energy, and after having a baby, especially if you’re breastfeeding, your body is often in a low estrogen state.
I feel tired every day with an 8-month-old and a 4-year-old. My partner is really helpful. We manage breakfast, drop-off for both kids, and then work until we pick them up in the evening. It’s the same busy schedule every single day