I know this is mostly the stress talking because I'm in the "peak fussiness" time and LO hasn't taken a nap in *three solid days*, but I'm feeling the grind of being alone with her so long on a daily basis. I adore my baby and I have fun with her, even during the cranky times, but I tend to get really worn down and lose my ability to enjoy things after about the 8-10 hour mark. Unfortunately, I'm typically alone with LO from 10-14 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. It's also never the exact same schedule because my husband works different days/hours every week, so I feel like I can't get into a routine.
I'm feeling bad for not enjoying myself more, especially since everyone is like oh, you must be in heaven on maternity leave! I mean, I wouldn't trade this time for anything, but am I crazy for feeling so burnt out after the 8-10 hour mark? The last few days have just very emotionally and physically exhausting during this growth spurt/fussiness phase. She had been taking naps 2-3 times a day, but that seems out the window with this phase. I was basically in the glider with LO for 12 hours. She wouldn't nap in her crib, only on me and only if we were rocking. Otherwise she wouldn't sleep at all. I escaped for 15 minutes to take her for a walk in her ergo and had to turn back because she started scream/crying. The only breaks I've had all day were when I just had to lay her in her crib to cry so I could pee or get a glass of water. Sigh.
Anyway, for those of you still on maternity leave, how long are you alone with LO each day? Do you feel worn down at a certain point in the day? Did this feeling lessen as your LO got older? (My LO is just 7 weeks yesterday, so maybe things get more fun, she returns to napping and we get to be on a schedule a bit more?)
I'd love feedback because as a FTM I'm feeling kind of like a bad mom or like I'm not cut out for this whole maternity leave thing.
Re: How many hours are you alone per day with your LO?
Hang in there! It does get better!
Things started to get better around 8 1/2-9 weeks. He was over a lot of his colic and we nailed down a formula and feeding routine that was making him happy and full. You are not alone and it does get better! =D
sorry things are hard! It will soon pass, your baby will definitely nap again, and this tough phase will just be a memory! Good luck!
So, I'm pretty much alone with them all but maybe a 4-6 hour stretch at night every 3 nights... luckily, he's home on the weekends, but we gain his daughter from his previous marriage. So I'm still primarily on my own with the littles.
Also @claireloSC thanks for your comment and advice! I'm seeing a therapist soon for my postpartum issues with anxiety and depression I will ask about medication possibilities. Though, thankfully, I feel like I'm doing better each day with it (maybe as the hormones continue to change/level out?) Anyway, and I totally agree that LO is going through a wonder week type leap. According to the app I have 8 days left, though I think she may have (fingers crossed!) passed the worst of the nap refusal part. She's still cranky (had a meltdown today in her stroller and her car seat, even though she normally likes both!) but at least she's sleeping again, and that gives me a bit of the light at the end of the tunnel feeling, as far as her mood.
And wow, @erickamia and @kaym6 you are both amazing! I don't know how you handle the firefighter or military schedules! Seriously, I tip my hat to you because I don't know how I would do it.