To really be struggling with motherhood?

[pinkoyster]

At a low point..

Mother to 2 beautiful sons. Married to a wonderful man, and lucky enough to be a SAHM. Youngest DC 6 weeks-ebf and oldest DC 2 years. A small age gap, and knew that it would be tough but didn't realise just how hard it would be. Today I had both of them crying on and off the entire day. Neither slept for longer than 10 mins (ds2 kept napping on me but would wake up screaming). He also has reflux which means I have to hold him upright after each feed, which gets DS1's back up as he wants to be cuddled/carried. I feel lousy and shit and inadequate. I don't think I have pnd as I don't feel like this when I'm not with them (the odd 30 mins I've had making a supermarket dash or going to the GP).

DS1 was a high needs baby-clingy, whiny and really difficult to amuse till he turned 18 months and was a delight to be with. Ds2 feels he will be the same, and I just despair that I have to go through this all over again for another year/18 months until life becomes bearable again.

Desperately looking for the light at the end of the tunnel!

Words of reassurance?

[HollyBerryBush]

Everyone feels like that now and again. Its a total bugger when you have two all mardy at once.

My suggestion? Pillows, cushions, bed on the floor, telly box on with utter pap dvd (Brum - Brum is /was always good) and just have a totally relaxed day.

But dont make the assumption two children will be alike

[Pancakeflipper]

Oh that's brought memories of a couple of years ago flooding back.
It is bloody hard but it will get better and you will sleep soundly again one day - not every night but nearly every night.

Are you using a sling - if not get testing some out.

I think you need to get some of much talked about but seldom found "me time". Just a couple hrs on a weekend, even it's it's tied in with visiting the hairdressers or a coffee all alone flicking through a trivial magazine. You need a little space for you and something to look forward to through this very hard work part.

And get support, accept friends who can casserole, vac, iron etc. use them now. You can make it up to them later - people will help you practically which is one less thing to stress over.

[thebody]

It will get better honestly. This is such a depressing time if year too and you have lots in your plate.

Hang in there, be nice to yourself and don't expect too much of you or the littlies. Xxx

[pinkoyster]

I'd love to sit in front of the box holly but unfortunately Ds1 doesn't like watching telly much as I'd love him to

And cos the weather's shite, being stuck in door creates cabin fever for all concerned so cue tantrums of epic proportions!

[gordyslovesheep]

you gave birth 6 weeks ago, you have 2 very needy babies, you are sleep deprived, hormonally ravaged, sore, and overwhelmed

it's normal - but do talk to your HV about how you feel

it gets better x

[plim]

So been there, I have three 7yrs, 4yrs and 15 months, some days are tough but I always think the 4 week old to 12 week old stage is tough, babies get growth spurts and your tiredness is really kicking in so I totally know what you're going through. Can you get out of the house for a walk, fresh air always helps. Failing that soft play? I use that quite a bit when I was exhausted, at least you can let one play and feed the other one and have a coffee and hopefully a bit more of a relaxing time even if it's for an hour? It gets easier and easier as every day passes. Can you get a but of you time? An hour to get your hair done or a lie in?

Big hugs

[iloveeverton]

I remember that stage too- now mine are 5 and 3 and entertain each other! You will get there.

I used to go the gym when dh got in or head out to tesco for half an hour just for a break.

Any friends nearby you can invite over?

[Eebahgum]

I have days like that with just one ds. I have no idea how I will manage my next newborn with a toddler to look after as well. You are doing a fabulous job but it's no wonder you feel shit after days like that. Make sure you lean on other people (dh/dm/mil?) as much as possible to give you enough free time to regain your sanity & get through another few days. It WILL get better.

[CityMa]

It is really hard. I can reassure you that you are not shit or inadequate. I have a 3 year old and a 6 month old, and I'm still adjusting BUT it already feels much easier. So there is light at the end of the tunnel! And you are not alone in feeling this way.

I realised recently that having a 2nd baby is like having your 1st in more ways than I expected - there is a genuinely life altering massive change and lots of adjustment to do.

This book gets a bad rep sometimes (wouldn't recommend reading it when pregnant as it's warts and all) but if you're finding it tough it really helps get the 'you are not shit, you are not alone' message through loud and clear!

YY to 'me time', if at all possible. And just treat yourself very nicely, take care of yourself as well as your babies :)

[somewherewest]

Could your DP/DH manage one day a week off until you escape the first twelve weeks? We were very fortunate that DH could...The long weekends kept me sane till we passed the three month milestone and things got a bit easier (and we only have one ).

[babiesinslingsgetcoveredinfood]

You're not alone, my best friend is in a state about her 3yo (dd bf every 2 hours & he is jealous)

Ok, I was where you are 9 months or so ago. DS is now 3 & DS is 10 mo. we still have our moments & this weather does not help! But they already entertain each other & clearly live each other so much. DS gets sad at pre-school drop off as he wants to go too!

He hardly feeds in the day now too & instead, 'inhales' everything he's given. I'm doing things with them that I couldn't have imagined being able to cope with.

Although they are similar, they are also soooo different in some ways.

But most of all, and this is a mixed blessing, the time has flown. So much faster than with dd.

You're doing brilliantly. Know why? Because it bothers you enough to write on here. Your standards are just high.

Good luck.

[Apileofballyhoo]

Can you take them out in the car and get them to nap at same time while you flick through a mag or something? Just for a break?

[marriedinwhite]

Do you have good toddler mornings, etc., locally. They get you out for a few hours with people who are also at the same sort of stage. Story time at the library. Wrap them up in the buggy and get out for a walk.

Only a couple of weeks until the days get longer - it's always better the week after Feb half term.

Easy stuff for your eldest - play doh, scrunched tissuse paper - lots of colours - making a tent in the sitting room and having an indoor picnic.

All I remember is trying to get out every day to break up the day. You are doing the hard yards but when you look back you won't remember the bad bits. Just do what makes it easier - easy dinners, tidy once a day, go with the flow and their routines.

[raisah]

That was me not too long ago. My ds1 was premature so suffered from bad reflux. I kept him upright in baby bouncer after feeds for about 30 mins. Try to sleep when both your sons sleep during the day. Could your partner do a late night feed so you can get an early night? It's hard but will get easier when the weather gets better & you can go out for a walk & trips out.

[KitCat26]

I remember it well, mine are 2 and 3 now and it really does pass.

The light at the end of the tunnel comes in stages, you adapt, your first born adapts and the baby matures, drinks more/settles easier/sleeps more. Things that I found helped were:

Try to get out for a walk with the eldest each day despite the foul weather, (my second was a winter baby too), wellies and waterproofs and let him splash.

Picnic meals- easy for toddlers (and you) with veggie sticks/ sandwiches. Easy evening meals too.

Get a small break from both of the DCs when you can- easier said than done but at that stage I loved the weekly shop as I could leave my two at home with DH and head out in the evening for an hour to Tescos.

Truly, it really does get easier .

[SGJ]

Babiesinslings has it right, being concerned just shows what a great mum you are, well done you! 6 weeks is such a hard stage, you feel you should have it all together by then when in reality it's still a monumental achievement to even have everyone up and dressed by 10.30am!!

I only have a 2yo DD but am pregnant with no. 2 and my tactic (assuming she's still keen) will be to encourage her join in everything that I do with the baby by doing the same with her doll - sling, feeding, sleeping, playing etc... though your DS1 isn't a girl I know loads of 2yr olds that love looking after dolls, and ELC do a blue version of everything doll related. That's my best suggestion, though I echo others who've said try and get out for a while every day, or failing that, play in different areas of your house so DS1 thinks that even a day spent indoors is varied.

Overall though, it will pass. Too quickly, really, though it doesn't feel like it now x

[GregBishopsBottomBitch]

YANBU, Motherhood can be hard, but you can do it Pink, us women are born survivors, we get through because we can, its what we do, your love for your boys will get you thru it.

[Twattybollocks]

Yanbu. It's bloody hard work with that age gap, I speak from experience. It does get easier though, and if it's any consolation, you are right in the thick of the worst bit now. the lovely post birth high is wearing off, reality is kicking in and the sleep deprivation is evil when you have a toddler to deal with. I used to say to myself every morning when I got up (assuming of course that I had in fact been to sleep) today will be better than yesterday. Pretty soon it was.

[OneLieIn]

It's hideous, been there.

Hang in there.

Buy ds1 a dvd, pour yourself a glass of wine and get the baby a dummy.

x

[pinkoyster]

Thank you all so much. Just reading your replies brought a tear to my eye. After crying solid from 6.30-midnight, DS2 has finally passed out. I cried so much myself-unfortunately right in front of the toddler who kept saying "mummy don't cry". He then was trying to comfort DS2 by patting him and putting a dummy in his mouth! He's obviously realised I'm not up to the job!!

Hopefully today will be better. Isn't it terrible that I'm wishing away these days, when both DC are so gorgeous and little, in the hope that things get easier? Why can't I be one of those mothers who enjoy their children even when it's difficult?

[Offcolour]

Pink, I've got an 8 week ds and 2.5 yr dd. totally get where you are, especially the feelings of inadequacy- I feel unable to meet either child's needs. In fact I posted a similar thread 2 weeks ago! 6 wek growth spurt was hell. It has already got a bit better, am just clinging on and trying to get through these months until it gets easier, and trying to appreciate the good bit (beautiful smiles, dd being so sweet with him) along the way. You are not alone in finding life mostly shit at the moment! Can you get a childminder/nursery a couple of mornings? Dd still in nursery 2 days and that's a lifeline for me.

[retrocutie]

Gina Ford refers to the first 3 months post-partum as the "100 Day Hell". She is spot on. It gets better - I promise.

[pinkoyster]

Huge dripfeed-I actually have a Mother's help who comes in 5 mornings during the week 8-1. The only downside is DS1 hates her, and refuses to play with her so I have to tend to both myself. The lady then does somecleaning for me, potters around and goes home. I know this sounds ultra pathetic, but I've yet to take them out both together on my own. Partly due to shit weather and partly due to not thinking I can cope if Ds1 kicks off..

[crazykat]

My DD1 had terrible reflux and hardly slept till she started weaning. It was aweful especially as DH worked away mon-fri back then. One thing I found which helped DD sleep was to put her on her front to sleep. I know it's against all the advice but after I fell asleep holding her from sheer exhaustion I figured it was worth it. I made sure the sheets were as tight as possible and kept the blankets well away from her head.

It really did save my sanity especially when I found out I was pg with DS1 when she was four months. I was terrified he would be the same but he was the complete opposite, just had a bit of colic.

DD also used to help me with DS1 even though she was still a baby herself she'd babble away to him and as they grew they entertained each other. Just keep telling yourself it will get better, each day they get a little more independant.

[crazykat]

And FWIW I've now got four DCs aged 5,4,2 and 4 months and it took me about 8 weeks to take them out on my own for anything but the school run and that was only because I had to or I'd have stayed in the house.