So sleep deprived

This was me with my first ... Plus exclusively pumping. This time I've let things go. So what if baby has a few pouches here and there and batch cooked when husband is off so it makes things easier. I've also recently spoken to my husband about how all the household stuff can't be for me ... It's exhausting trying to keep a baby stimulated, fed and napped! Sleep should be a priority as with more sleep you will get more done. Even if you just lay down and rest, do yoga, meditation or something. It's hard but once it's a habit it'll be so worth while.

I also find it quite hard to nap in the day, and then some days when I think I might be able to manage I tend to have my toddler at home to worry about which means naps can’t happen anyway 🙃 I also find it takes me a while to wind down and be ready to sleep at night which is also annoying- when you’re already sleep deprived and exhausted but not in the state of mind where you can just switch off and sleep! If the sleep isn’t happening, I would work on the other stuff that stops you feeling relaxed to see if it helps- as above, shortcuts can happen to make cooking easier, and maybe have a chat with your husband to see how you can share the load more

I’m exactly the same, I’ve never been able to nap and still not something I’ve been able to do. My parents have always said I was never a sleeper or napper, even as a baby and had “revivers” instead where I would sit and be quiet on my own and just rest that way. I still pretty much do this. Most of the time, when my baby naps, I’ll do 10-15 minutes worth of jobs and use the rest of the nap to relax. I am lucky now that he will have at least 1 hr 15 mins for his naps so it’s a chunk of time I know I can have. But still have multiple wakes at night and the broken sleep really does take its toll xx

This is a really hard phase - I promise it passes. I think I found 9-15 months brutal with my first - especially night waking and being back at work. With my second; I’ve simplified lots. Baby has whatever food we’re having, and if it’s not suitable then he has a pouch. You also don’t have to entertain them every second they are awake. Set up your lounge so it’s a safe play space and then you can relax whilst they explore. Ive also chosen to cosleep this time and it’s the best decision I’ve made in terms of my own wellbeing. Even though baby wakes multiple times I’m rarely tired and that’s also with school run and my partner working long shifts including weekends so a lot of childcare and domestic chores falls to me.

@Chloe thanks for your advice! i am the same at night-time, I found meditation really helped. This then one I've recently been using if you wanted to try it https://open.spotify.com/episode/0i9goQL0g3uaoLJs0qU4Yf?si=1NUNYYTgQHS-NNFnPrtJEQ

@Jenny it's reassuring to hear it passes, need to remind myself this is a phase and not for a lifetime!