It hit me today that I am really tired. I haven't had more than 4 hrs of a sleep at a time since LO was born. I can't complain to DH bc he is gone for 12 to 13 hrs a day for work so I know he is tired too but its not the same kind of exhausted as I am. Breastfeeding is a lot of work and I'm usually good on little sleeo but after 14 days I am feeling it...heck, I haven't even showered since Sunday and now I'm crying...anyone else feel this way?
Re: I'm tired
Yes, it seems impossible to get caught up at all. I am really trying to nap when he does, but that is hard. Breastfeeding is really hard and I have a tough time waking up at night to feed. You're so not alone!! I'm sure this is the hardest part and it will get easier!
I am in the same boat. I would recommend seeing if a family member or trusted friend could come over to watch your LO so you can shower and nap while they nap. Your helper would be in charge of taking care of the baby (other than feedings) while you get yourself some time.
I have also gone to pumping a couple of bottles a day. If you are able/willing to do that, your helper could get one feeding in and you could get a longer nap in too. GL!
PS - I am a first time mom but from what I hear it gets better!
I know how you feel. I try to get as much sleep as I can, but the lack of continuous sleep is starting to wear on me a little. DH works a lot, so I don't expect him to get up with the baby in the middle of the night... plus since I BF, there's not much he can do anyway. It is really hard... but it's already getting a lot easier than it was the first week or two, and I'm sure it will continue to get easier.
ETA: The first couple weeks, I didn't shower much, but now I'm making it a priority. Today as soon as LO fell asleep after a feeding, I put him in his carseat and brought him into the bathroom while I took a quick shower. Sometimes I also shower at night when DH gets home.
I'm sorry! I feel like the books, classes, etc. do not really prepare you for how hard breastfeeding is. I think someone should say "you will do it about every three hours and the whole thing will take about an hour, so you will spend a third of your life doing it- and it will probably be painful and messy and you might need professional help to get it right". Then at least you know!! It's a huge shock to get used to the reality of it.
I'm in the same boat with my DH working a ton too- he works long shifts, plus now is doing overtime to help make up for my three month maternity leave. He works in a detention center and is on his feet all day, so I don't feel like I can complain to him- at least I'm sitting in a rocking chair!
I'm only a week ahead of you, but I notice that it's easier this week than last week. Try taking your LO into the bathroom in a bouncer or carseat while you take a shower. I started this a few days ago and LO loves it! The noise of the fan and the shower water put her to sleep and she has been sleeping for an hour after the shower is over. That's actually what's going on right now, giving me a chance to bump and gulp down some soup! :-)