If you’ve welcomed a little one into your life, you know the meaning of exhaustion all too well. While the initial joy of motherhood brings feelings like, “I’m just thrilled to be a mom bats eyelashes, late nights are no big deal,” that enthusiasm can quickly fade. Here are eight unmistakable signs that you might be a worn-out new mom:
- In a conversation about eye colors with your three-year-old, she declares, “Daddy has green eyes, I have brown eyes, the baby has blue eyes. You have purple eyes.”
- You find yourself weeping when you realize that your much-needed afternoon coffee could be keeping your breastfed baby wide awake.
- When your friend without kids complains about feeling tired from just a few late nights and insists she needs a full eight hours to function, you can’t help but wish, in a moment of weakness, that her firstborn experiences colic.
- While running errands, you bump into another mom with a baby the same age as your little night owl. She looks radiant and put together, while you’re in your usual attire: yoga pants and a t-shirt you sniffed for baby vomit before wearing. You can’t remember the last time you brushed your teeth, and your baby has been in the same sleeper for two days. She casually mentions her baby is sleeping through the night; you smile and nod, while internally muttering all the creative ways to express your frustration.
- It’s early morning, and you overhear your partner inviting friends over for brunch. He cheerfully says, “Oh no, our night wasn’t that bad.” You wonder if he somehow traveled from another dimension, as you struggle to open your stubborn left eye in the mirror.
- Your intimate moments have devolved into a nightly game of chicken. Every time the baby cries, you pretend to be sound asleep until your partner gives in and tends to the little one. Win or lose, you’re left feeling frustrated, especially when you remember this during his next attempt to rekindle romance.
- Your baby cries every time you attempt to lay him down, making him your constant companion. Once you finally manage to get him asleep in his crib, thoughts of a relaxing bubble bath and a good book flood your mind. But just then, you catch your partner’s glance. Ignoring it seems like the best option—after all, you only have one good eye open.
- On one of those endless nights when your newborn refuses to settle, you’ve tried everything—feeding, bouncing, rocking, changing, cuddling—yet nothing works. After hours of cries, your partner suggests, “Just put him on your boob!” You feel tears welling up at the thought of more feeding with sore, cracked nipples and retort, “You put him on your boob!” for a moment, he seems to ponder it.
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In summary, being a new mom is a beautiful yet exhausting journey filled with moments of struggle and joy. Recognizing the signs of fatigue can help you navigate this challenging but rewarding phase of life.