exhaustion and children

[magpiedee]

Just curious how those suffering from debilitating exhaustion and/or nausea are dealing with their children? I feel like an awful mother-- all i'm doing is laying on the floor, letting her play around me. I know she gets frustrated, because she wants to go out and do interesting things, but I have that full-body-exhaustion like one gets with the flu. I just don't want to move. And the constant nausea just adds to it. DH isn't here most of the time, and my mom still works, so it's pretty much just me.

How is everybody getting by? And for those on their third pregnancy or more, when does it get better?

[chic2chic]

:

i have two very active girls, and all i want to do is lounge around on the couch, or at the computer
i feel like a terrible mother! especially because i'm aware that these are the last few months when they'll get this much of my attention (my almost-3-year-old in particular, as she's still at home with me full time).

i also don't feel like making food for anyone as i'm constantly nauseous and can't stand cooking anymore -- so i feel even more guilty about that, as feeding my family well used to be a priority

i have to take the girls to a playground nearly every afternoon -- which is extremely exhausting -- but at least when they're at home they play pretty well together, which eases the burden considerably.

[rstump]

It is survival mode. You do what you can. They won't be harmed because of it...promise. You will go to the park more and cook more veggies when you feel better or after you have the baby.

Give yourself a break...you are creating a WHOLE human being. No one else can do what you are doing!

[Motherto4]

I have 3 other children and still nursing my 10 month old. Oh and I have been watching 2 other kids. By the end of theday I jsut want to go to bed. The house is a little behind but It's okay not terrible. However, my wonderful husband let me sleep in till 10:00 today almost 12 hours of sleep!!!! He is so wonderful

[grace's voice]

I just lye on the couch all day long. The kids bring me books to read, and they're watching way too much TV. They eat fruit or little snacks throughout the day and I leave dinners up to dh. I really feel so crappy most of the time I can't even sit up. Dh just finished this tri at school and has a month off so he's been taking the kids out for fresh air.

[kayla14]

I don't deal well with it at all. I pretty much just lay on the couch all day, and we watch tv, and the kids play beside me.
I'm thankful that i homeschool my kiddies because the older 2 can make easy lunches and help look after the younger 2.

[blairinargentina]

yeah, it's crazy exhausting. i have NO energy for the fun stuff anymore. i admit to more dvd watching than i would otherwise approve of. but what can you say... the do the best you can, it's only a short time right?

on the other hand, i think having a kiddo this time around does actually make it easier for me at times. i dont have the time i did with the first pregnancy to lay around and think about how crappy i feel. so that helps, sometimes.

[LoveMyJonah]

I feel very flu-like. And I have a two year old little boy who has just discovered soccer. I hear "Mom, soccer with me!!!" Every two seconds!!!!! And he gets mad if I kick the ball so he just wants me to stand there lol!

[Munki'sMom]

I'm so with you! I have 2 active girls (3 & 4.5) and I've been such a bum. ALL I want to do is lay in my bed and watch tv. Ummmmmm the girls had frozen belgin waffles and halved a rice bowl with veggies (frozen!) for dinner tonight.

[coyotemist]

Wow, I can sure relate with all of you!

My kids are older, 7 and 9, and so I don't play with them as much as I used to, so thats ok. But I sit on the computer a lot...and DD wants a turn!

Each of my pregnancies has been different, I wasn't this tired with DS, but definately with DD. It went away around the begining of the 2nd trimester. I don't really know when, it was just like one day I woke up feeling like my old self and never looked back. I can't wait for that day to come again!

:yawn:

Today I've done most of nothing. The sun is shining for once, I think I'll run out and get on my bike for a minute!

[LillyGrace'sMommy]

Hey Magpie! Yes! I am with you on the exhaustion.....I napped all.weekend.long and was in bed early every single night (it doesn't help that Micah still wakes up at least once, if not more to nurse every night!). Currently, I am sitting on the couch, and Frosty the Snowman is keeping my kids entertained, because I just honestly can't move, and would probably get sick if I tried!
Since this is baby number three, and since I'm still not sleeping through the night, I think that's what's making it worse. Last time, I had a little more energy, but I had a baby that slept through the night, was very independent, and napped two times a day. Now, with two, I'm lucky if they nap at all!
I do find, though, that if we can get out and for a a walk, that it seems to help get me out of the energy funk and I have a "little more" energy. Other than that, I just do what I have to, ask DH for more help- i.e. I'll do the laundry, but he puts it up. If I'm up to it, I'll cook, but he cleans up aftterwards. That works for me. And just getting in bed- even though most of the time I have insomnia and can't sleep, just laying there relaxing seems to help!

[meetoo]

Originally Posted by magpiedee

Just curious how those suffering from debilitating exhaustion and/or nausea are dealing with their children? I feel like an awful mother-- all i'm doing is laying on the floor, letting her play around me. I know she gets frustrated, because she wants to go out and do interesting things, but I have that full-body-exhaustion like one gets with the flu. I just don't want to move. And the constant nausea just adds to it. DH isn't here most of the time, and my mom still works, so it's pretty much just me.

How is everybody getting by? And for those on their third pregnancy or more, when does it get better?

One thing i learned going from one to two kids is: I will never be a perfect mother, but my kids will till turn out alright in spite of that!

I felt just like you last time around I was so upset that i was ripping my DD off and tramautizing her. But you know what, she doesn't remember any of that stuff and now she has a brother to share her life with . This time around I have it easier because they are a little older and play together, but I'm really just trying to do my best and not stress about short changing them. It all works out in the end.