So he just nodded while I was explaining how upset/irritable I've been. He wrote an override for me to get name brand on my BC, so maybe that'll help. I'll take it & see.
how long after taking the meds did everyone start feeling better? do you feel high/synthetic happiness? happy? normal? or just functional? Ie never had any long term medications or mind altering medications before. Im getting this wierd anxiety that if i start taking the anti depressants Im going to be stuck on them forever and never stop and Ill forget how to naturally be happy. Will i ever be happy again? this is awful.
I never knew THIS is how horrible depression is. If only we knew when we were in a position to support those who were suffering around us.
I have no experience but a good friend suffered from PPD with her first. She took meds for about 6 months and slowly weaned herself off with no problem.
I'm having a rough day. Been fighting an upper respiratory infection since Tue but still forcing myself to go to work because I really don't have any sick time. Now I hurt all over & have slept most of the day (probably fare up of my chronic condition which happens when I push myself too hard). LO cries whenever I'm not around today. I'm trying to live in the moment but I find myself thinking back to when LO was so small & how much she has changed. I've always been a very nostalgic person. Got to live in the present though. I'm also worried about my ability to care for her as she gets bigger (already hard for me to carry her bc of my joints & muscles hurting & bc I'm just weak). So thankful for DH but when he's oncall I'm on my own for the most part unless I can find a friend to help out. Anyway all this affects my mood. One day at a time. Hope everyone is doing ok!
@ciennah99 I am sorry you are having a tough time. Do you have fibromyalgia? My sister has that and manages really well with her two children.
I am having a rough day too. I was diagnosed with postpartum OCD and it has been pretty bad the last few days. I am taking meds and in therapy and I feel like neither are helping as much as they should be by now. I am just feeling so frustrated and just want to be better.
@AlwaysSunny1012 I have an autoimmune disease called Sjögren's syndrome. It has a lot of similarities to fibromyalgia (one doc thought I had both but with the symptoms being so similar it's hard to say). It also shares symptoms with lupus, arthritis & MS in some cases like mine bc I have neurological symptoms as well. You hang in there too! It can take time to find the right meds & with therapy it's all baby steps so try to focus on the improvements even If they are small. I could go back to my therapist (only been once since LO was born) but there really isn't much she can do but listen. She can't take my physical symptoms away & that's what gets me so depressed. I do enjoy my time with LO but sometimes I feel bad I can't do as much with her as I'd like. Trying to keep my worries at bay since I don't know the future anyway but of course that is easier said than done.
I was just prescribed Zoloft. Does anyone else take Zoloft while breastfeeding? I'm a little nervous to take it, even though it's considered low risk. I'm wondering if it's worth switching to formula to avoid all risk. But is that too extreme? This is a pretty good example of my PPA. :-SS
The benefits of BF greatly out weigh any risks... I wouldn't worry and continue what you are doing... Zoloft is safe while BFing
How is everyone doing? The weather is changing where I live & it is not helping! I'm going to really push myself to get some cardio in daily bc in the past this has helped me tremendously. I'm finding myself easily annoyed (mostly with work) and just kind of blah. I should probably go buy some new clothes since I'm wearing maternity pants & splurge on getting my hair done bc I'm going gray. Maybe that would make me feel a bit better. I have the possibility of a job change so contemplating the pros & cons of that. Problem is I'm just not too interested in anything these days other than my family. So I'm thinking perhaps I would be unhappy at any job. My husband says I should change jobs bc my current work environment is quite toxic. Not sure what will happen but trying to think positively. Hope everyone is doing okay
@ciennah99 I changed jobs with DS when he was about 9 months. This was about the time I made the decision it was time to move on and I took my time and was very deliberate with my job change. I had a lot of the same reservations as you, so I took my time in updating my resume and LinkedIn profile and looking at openings. If you are in a toxic work environment, it will probably be worth the change. Don't jump into anything too quickly, but don't let fear of the unknown hold you back, either.
@klkonwi Yes. Driving to work does not count as me time. Nor does working or sleeping. DH spend hours each weekend in the garden or working on one of his cars, but if I want an hour to workout, it's like he's making a huge sacrifice. Men.
@klkonwi that is frustrating. I'm lucky my DH seems to get that I need time for myself. He is always willing to help with the baby but housework depends on his mood. He's good though. @Sammy K I applied for this job two months ago, mostly bc of how I was being treated at work & it's the only job I've applied for. If I wanted full time there would be a lot more to choose from. This a company I've always wanted to work for though but it is doing therapy in home which isn't ideal & it's a longer commute (of course anything would be as I'm only 5 min from home & daycare now). There is good opportunity for advancement too unlike my current job. I've been at my current job 3 years & I anticipate it's going to keep getting worse as far as the environment & my boss who can be downright abusive. It's hard bc I truly love what I do now but not who I work for. My dr & therapist told me I need to leave this job so I'm kinda thinking I should if the opportunity arises. But yes fear has definitely been an issue in the past & I also think it clouds my judgment regarding starting something new.
Insurance didn't approve my new BC yet (& I can't afford the price), so doc called in some 10mg Lexapro. When I took 10- I felt zoned out & exhausted. Ended up splitting & taking 5mg & I feel like a new woman! I still have some anxiousness (jittery feeling) which I think is some adjustments, but I am relaxed & enjoying my days at work & my afternoons with LO & DH after LO goes to bed. Still clenching my jaw some. Maybe I should talk to my dentist about that...
@Sammy K interview went well & it was with 10 people! That was a first for me. They will take another week or so to decide. Problem is I don't think I want the job but I keep going back & forth on this. The pros & cons of each are weighing pretty even. So I'm still doing some soul searching over this one. Thanks for asking!
Sorry to revive this thread, I'm just having a hard time. DS keeps acting out and I feel like the mom you see the the grocery store with no control over her kid. Yesterday, when I let go of him in the daycare parking lot to put LO in the car, he bolted.
Money is forever tight and the fact that I have to buy Christmas gifts for my family is making me mad. We're not buying gifts for the kids or each other to save money but I have to buy for the extended family and pay to ship it to them. You want to know what's on their lists? GC to Walmart. I think we're missing the whole point of exchanging gifts.
I'm back at work full time, which means I give LO a kiss before I leave in the morning and have an hour with her at home before bed. Except most of that hour is spent dealing with DS's meltdowns. I feel like an absent parent. Daycare wants a family picture for their board and we don't have any. Not a single picture with all 4 of us. We only have 1 of me, DH and LO and that's because the nice nurse at the hospital asked if we wanted one at discharge.
To top it off, I got on FB today. There's this thing going around where you post 5 pictures where you feel strong, then tag 5 strong women to do the same. Several of my friends are doing this and I haven't been tagged, so I still feel like the outcast in high school who can't sit at the cool table. Stupid, I know. This is why I avoid FB.
I feel overwhelmed. DS is waking up 2-3 times a night and wants to be tucked back in, so I'm still tired. I stay up late to pump and get up early to pump. I just have this constant pit in my stomach like I screwed something up. I'm tired and angry and I don't see an end in sight. Which is the most depressing thing of all. I will not cry at work today. I will not cry at work today. Thanks for letting me vent.
@Sammy K I'm sorry to hear you're struggling. You certainly do have a lot on your plate with your DS and your work and your finances. There's no way I could do the fb thing. I have no pictures of me 'feeling strong' that have been taken since we moved here. And we have no pictures of our entire family (me, DH, LO) other than the selfie I took when we went corn mazin'. Try not to feel bad about the picture thing. You haven't screwed something up. You're just trying to get by. I'm afraid I don't have solutions to your problems, I wish I did. But I know you're an awesome mom and great lady, and I hope that some things work themselves out soon (hopefully your DS will begin to behave better and sleep better. I'm sure that's very stressful and draining) Hugs
Sorry to revive this thread, I'm just having a hard time. DS keeps acting out and I feel like the mom you see the the grocery store with no control over her kid. Yesterday, when I let go of him in the daycare parking lot to put LO in the car, he bolted.
Money is forever tight and the fact that I have to buy Christmas gifts for my family is making me mad. We're not buying gifts for the kids or each other to save money but I have to buy for the extended family and pay to ship it to them. You want to know what's on their lists? GC to Walmart. I think we're missing the whole point of exchanging gifts.
I'm back at work full time, which means I give LO a kiss before I leave in the morning and have an hour with her at home before bed. Except most of that hour is spent dealing with DS's meltdowns. I feel like an absent parent. Daycare wants a family picture for their board and we don't have any. Not a single picture with all 4 of us. We only have 1 of me, DH and LO and that's because the nice nurse at the hospital asked if we wanted one at discharge.
To top it off, I got on FB today. There's this thing going around where you post 5 pictures where you feel strong, then tag 5 strong women to do the same. Several of my friends are doing this and I haven't been tagged, so I still feel like the outcast in high school who can't sit at the cool table. Stupid, I know. This is why I avoid FB.
I feel overwhelmed. DS is waking up 2-3 times a night and wants to be tucked back in, so I'm still tired. I stay up late to pump and get up early to pump. I just have this constant pit in my stomach like I screwed something up. I'm tired and angry and I don't see an end in sight. Which is the most depressing thing of all. I will not cry at work today. I will not cry at work today. Thanks for letting me vent.
From what I've seen on here, you definitely are an incredibly strong woman and mother. You've been a great influence for me and other new moms! I truly value your opinions on parenting and your advice. Motherhood is so freakin' hard. We do the best we can and we don't always get it right, but somehow we'll all get through it.
We don't have any pictures of our family either. I've seen other moms get cute professional pictures, but we don't have them because money is too tight for us too. We also have to buy gifts for extended family with money that we don't have. It really is hard not to be resentful. I haven't found a good way to approach that either. Just keep in mind that you'll feel better when that burden lifts on December 26th.
Have you spoken with your doctor or been prescribed any medicine? I forgot if you mentioned that.
Keep your head up and stay strong, Mama. And you know what? Maybe you do need a good cry! Sometimes that puts things in perspective for me!
You guys are great. @mellymar There's no solution, it is what it is. Just venting here helps, especially since you guys get it. @Sjeff0816 I don't feel strong, I feel like an imposter. But thank you for your kind words. Same to you @Mommaswizz and @mindaa
I feel terrible, but I am not looking forward to getting DS from school. If things don't improve, I'm going to schedule a meeting with his teacher to talk strategy.
I finally mustered up the courage to read this thread today since I have an appointment with the counselor tomorrow and last night I took an extra 10 mg of my Paxil. I've been on Paxil pretty consistently for the past 11 years, with a 1 year break (TTC and pregnancy) and one short break in college. The doctor wants me to increase from 20 to 40 mg but wants me to do it slowly, so I'm taking 30 for a week. The mornings seem the worst. I have a hard time making myself get up and get going. I can so relate to so many of the posts on this thread about anger and irritability and I'm so glad that this is normal. I'm hopeful about my appointment. My mom picked LO up on Tuesday and this is the longest I've been away from him. I'm so grateful she has him, but I want him back. DH has been my rock and is so awesome. I wish neither of us had to work and we could just spend all day together as a family doing fun things. Reality sucks. I hope that all you ladies who have been struggling are feeling better. Hugs!
One other experience I've had is feeling like I'm afraid to be alone, not like I'm going to harm myself, but needing someone to "anchor me". DH took the rest of the week off work to be with me and when we were in a large outdoors store after my appointment yesterday I lost sight of him and almost freaked out. Then, this morning he got up before me and when I woke up alone and couldn't hear him in the house (he was trying to be quiet so I could rest) I panicked. Has anyone else had an experience like this?
@sammy k I'm sorry you are feeling this way. We've had a few tight Christmases and it sucks. I told my extended family that we would be making our gifts and if they had time, could they do the same for us. A Christmas ornament, decoration or note cards were great ideas. It brings the spirit into it and doesn't cost a lot besides craft supplies. We did footprint ornaments of DS, I collected pine cones from my yard and made wreaths and decorations. Mason jars or old spaghetti sauce jars were made into candle holders etc. It was a rough few years. Lots of fighting, angst, and guilt. It will get better. DS will find his groove again. Three year olds go through phases just like babies. Have you heard of The Hall Pass for DS at night? If not I will send you the info. It's something my pediatrician suggested when we were having this same problem with DS. He still wakes at least once a night and in turn wakes the baby. It's frustrating and draining. We're in the trenches together. You're a great mom, you just don't have a lot of time to fill up your own cup right now, so it sucks when someone needs even more from you. Feelings of resentment and "why doesn't someone take care of me for a change?", pop up and then that leads to guilt. It's a bad cycle. Just know that this won't last forever. DS will grow out of this phase and the stress of holidays will pass. If you can try to get some "me" time in. You deserve it and need it in order to be able to care for others long term. Hugs to you!!!❤️❤️
@KarasTwin when I was having bad panic attacks I was afraid to be alone. I hope it gets better for you. I know as the medication & therapy started helping my anxiety that slowly lessened over time. It revived itself a few times since LO was born when I was so stressed about going back to work I got myself sick with panic. Then I wasn't so much afraid to be alone as afraid I couldn't take care of her but that's better now!
@Sammy K don't apologize for reviving this thread. That's why it's here. I agree parenting is hard! Those of you with more than one child I don't know how you do it. Being exhausted makes everything feel worse too. I know I'm way more emotional & irritable. I have to bite my tongue at work to keep from lashing out at certain people. And I'm usually pretty easygoing. I am so easily annoyed it's almost laughable.
@Sammy K I might have mentioned it before, but I am so in awe of all the diet restrictions you went through to help your LO. That alone shows so much strength. And it worked.
When I see your name pop up as a responder on a thread, I know I'm going to get some new insight, good ideas, and helpful advice. So thank you for being such a good contributer on here.
Regarding Facebook, to flip the script a little, maybe your friends know you've got a lot on your plate and couldn't participate in the game right now. Maybe they're doing you a favor! I've got lots of acquaintances and just a few good friends, so I get picked last on that stuff too. Remember that ice bucket challenge? I thought I was going to make it through unscathed, until right as it was dying out, my sister picked me.
Keep on truckin' girlfriend. You'll make it work. You always do.
@Sammy K there's nothing that I can add that others haven't posted. I agree with the PP. Everytime I see your name on a thread I know it's going to be something worth reading. Hang in there. This too shall pass.
@sammy k so sorry to hear it's been so rough for you. You have a lot of support and encouragement on this board.
As for gifts is it too late to tell extended family it's too tight this year? After we bought gifts for 6 nieces and nephews last year and exchanged gifts with the SILs and BILs I said we weren't doing that again this year. Thankfulky another SIL was on the same page and suggested it first. We drew names for the kids only and that's the gift we'll get.
I think we had a break through with DS today. He was trying to hit LO and during timeout, he actually talked enough to tell me why he was upset. We figured out how to address the issue, talked about appropriate things to do when we are upset, and then he even went and apologized to LO unprompted. Progress.
I'm trying to keep in mind, one fire at a time. I can tackle one issue but I can't fix them all. One thing at a time.
I think we had a break through with DS today. He was trying to hit LO and during timeout, he actually talked enough to tell me why he was upset. We figured out how to address the issue, talked about appropriate things to do when we are upset, and then he even went and apologized to LO unprompted. Progress.
I'm trying to keep in mind, one fire at a time. I can tackle one issue but I can't fix them all. One thing at a time.
That's pretty awesome! That's a skill that not a lot of adults have, even. And that's something YOU taught him and are teaching him, you awesome lady.
I agree with what others said about your strength and about your value here - I lean on you so much, personally.
I hope there's something small you can do for yourself tomorrow that just takes a couple minutes but can boost you a bit. And that your son continues to find ways for more productive outlets for his energy.
Hang in there, lady. Life has its cycles. We are here for you, always.
@KarasTwin Have been thinking of you often. Hope your appointment went well, and you're feeling a little better each day. So proud of you for being strong enough to take all those steps toward climbing out of this! Spending time with family, recognizing you need help, going to a counselor, taking medicine. Lots of victories there. Big hugs
@Sammy K I am thinking of you. It is hard. Christmas is an awful time. I suggested to not do gifts for the "adults" for our immediate family this year and just be together but nope. Didn't go over well.
You are an amazing hard working mom. You are doing a rockstar job pumping. Maybe you just need a bit more recognition and rest..... Ha... Like we all do! . Day to day shit can wear on people..... I've often felt drowned in pumping/working/taking care of the house/pleasing family members. It all boiled down to not EVER having any ME time.
I hope that you can get this coveted (maybe fairytale) doesn't exist free time soon lady.
@KarasTwin Have been thinking of you often. Hope your appointment went well, and you're feeling a little better each day. So proud of you for being strong enough to take all those steps toward climbing out of this! Spending time with family, recognizing you need help, going to a counselor, taking medicine. Lots of victories there. Big hugs
Thanks, I think the increase in my anxiety meds is helping. DH has been amazing and I see the counselor again tomorrow.
@Sammy K that's awesome! I'll echo what others are saying, you rock!
@Sammy K I got to say with all your posts you might be one of the strongest women I know. I was tagged in the fb thing and I don't have any pictures looking beautiful or anything.
I told our family we have a baby so you are getting something hand made, that's it. It's not up for discussion. If you need a present then you forget the true meaning of Christmas. My sister was a little upset about it, but whatever I told her to make us some cookies.
I had my doc increase my anxiety meds, it certainly helps but I can tell in the morning when they are wearing off and panic is settling in. AND PUMPING SUCKS it eats up so much of the day, and DH considers that ALONE TIME. umm no I can't move to get up and even do laundry, it's not alone time...
@sammy K I was literally feeling the same way the other day. I don't have any good advice to offer you, just solidarity.
I think I've decided to give 1 formula bottle a day starting at 6 months. This will mean I can stop staying up late to pump. I feel like that would lift a huge burden.
My baby won't sleep and lately I've been getting very anxious at night time. Thinking about crazy stuff like car wrecks, ISIS, natural disasters, the future. I can't shut my mind off.
Not that I want anyone else to struggle, but it is nice to know I'm not alone. Sometimes I just feel like I'm on a rollercoaster that I can't get off. I haven't considered meds, but for me that is a last resort. My mom has been on anti-depressants since I was 10 and it hasn't been good. I think her doc is awful, but that's another story entirely.
@Sjeff0816 Best case scenario, she became numb. No real lows, but no highs either. Every time they would switch her meds, it was weeks or months before they dialed in the dose. Maybe the alternative would have been worse but I don't feel like the meds have helped. And now it seems like she's dependent on taking a pill. For anything. Heaven forbid she try anything like losing weight, getting more exercise, following a consistent sleep/wake schedule, etc. I haven't seen a genuine smile from her in years.
I know this is not the norm. She lives in rural WI with no good services close. And she doesn't want to change. She missed out on a good portion of my childhood and I partly blame the drug-induced haze.
Did not know where to post just looking for some support. I'm dealing with a lot of health challenges both chronic & acute. I've been very sick the last two weeks with an infection. Was only able to work 6 hours last week & I have no FMLA or sick time. No holiday either bc I've only been able to work around 30 hrs/wk since LO was born. I'm worried about finances & losing my job. I'm worried about my health. I'm worried about how It is impacting my marriage & my mothering. I worry DH & LO will resent me for my limitations. I try not to let this get me depressed but I'm really struggling. Had to miss a family event today & probably will miss seeing my good friend from out of state tomorrow too. I'm dreading calling in to work Monday if I have to again although my boss is usually understanding (sometimes she's a bit volatile though so you never know). I'm dreading my next coughing fit especially if I can't catch my breath. LOs loose schedule has been all messed up since I got sick so dreading starting over again with her sleep at night problems. Plus the coughing wakes the poor girl. DH has been sick so that's been hard & LO too but thankfully she is pretty much back to normal now. I also got a call about a job on Friday that I applied for in Sept & did two interviews for already. A new program is opening so they have really taken their time in filling the position. I don't even feel stable enough to make a decision that big right now. So many pros & cons regarding a job change for me. Sorry so much venting but it's just really hard right now.
@ciennah99 oh my goodness that is a lot on your plate right now. Sickness is THE worst. I couldn't work for a lot of my pregnancy so I understand the stress and need for money/stability. Hang in there lady, I will think of you often. I hope you can come to the best decision about the new job offer.
Re: PPD/A
ETA: she says it made her feel normal
I am having a rough day too. I was diagnosed with postpartum OCD and it has been pretty bad the last few days. I am taking meds and in therapy and I feel like neither are helping as much as they should be by now. I am just feeling so frustrated and just want to be better.
You hang in there too! It can take time to find the right meds & with therapy it's all baby steps so try to focus on the improvements even If they are small. I could go back to my therapist (only been once since LO was born) but there really isn't much she can do but listen. She can't take my physical symptoms away & that's what gets me so depressed. I do enjoy my time with LO but sometimes I feel bad I can't do as much with her as I'd like. Trying to keep my worries at bay since I don't know the future anyway but of course that is easier said than done.
I just get frustrated because my only "free time" is not free time..... It's my work. But DH gets free time.......
@klkonwi Yes. Driving to work does not count as me time. Nor does working or sleeping. DH spend hours each weekend in the garden or working on one of his cars, but if I want an hour to workout, it's like he's making a huge sacrifice. Men.
@Sammy K I applied for this job two months ago, mostly bc of how I was being treated at work & it's the only job I've applied for. If I wanted full time there would be a lot more to choose from. This a company I've always wanted to work for though but it is doing therapy in home which isn't ideal & it's a longer commute (of course anything would be as I'm only 5 min from home & daycare now). There is good opportunity for advancement too unlike my current job. I've been at my current job 3 years & I anticipate it's going to keep getting worse as far as the environment & my boss who can be downright abusive. It's hard bc I truly love what I do now but not who I work for. My dr & therapist told me I need to leave this job so I'm kinda thinking I should if the opportunity arises. But yes fear has definitely been an issue in the past & I also think it clouds my judgment regarding starting something new.
@ciennah99 Any update on the job situation?
Money is forever tight and the fact that I have to buy Christmas gifts for my family is making me mad. We're not buying gifts for the kids or each other to save money but I have to buy for the extended family and pay to ship it to them. You want to know what's on their lists? GC to Walmart. I think we're missing the whole point of exchanging gifts.
I'm back at work full time, which means I give LO a kiss before I leave in the morning and have an hour with her at home before bed. Except most of that hour is spent dealing with DS's meltdowns. I feel like an absent parent. Daycare wants a family picture for their board and we don't have any. Not a single picture with all 4 of us. We only have 1 of me, DH and LO and that's because the nice nurse at the hospital asked if we wanted one at discharge.
To top it off, I got on FB today. There's this thing going around where you post 5 pictures where you feel strong, then tag 5 strong women to do the same. Several of my friends are doing this and I haven't been tagged, so I still feel like the outcast in high school who can't sit at the cool table. Stupid, I know. This is why I avoid FB.
I feel overwhelmed. DS is waking up 2-3 times a night and wants to be tucked back in, so I'm still tired. I stay up late to pump and get up early to pump. I just have this constant pit in my stomach like I screwed something up. I'm tired and angry and I don't see an end in sight. Which is the most depressing thing of all. I will not cry at work today. I will not cry at work today. Thanks for letting me vent.
There's no way I could do the fb thing. I have no pictures of me 'feeling strong' that have been taken since we moved here. And we have no pictures of our entire family (me, DH, LO) other than the selfie I took when we went corn mazin'. Try not to feel bad about the picture thing.
You haven't screwed something up. You're just trying to get by.
I'm afraid I don't have solutions to your problems, I wish I did. But I know you're an awesome mom and great lady, and I hope that some things work themselves out soon (hopefully your DS will begin to behave better and sleep better. I'm sure that's very stressful and draining)
Hugs
We don't have any pictures of our family either. I've seen other moms get cute professional pictures, but we don't have them because money is too tight for us too. We also have to buy gifts for extended family with money that we don't have. It really is hard not to be resentful. I haven't found a good way to approach that either. Just keep in mind that you'll feel better when that burden lifts on December 26th.
Have you spoken with your doctor or been prescribed any medicine? I forgot if you mentioned that.
Keep your head up and stay strong, Mama. And you know what? Maybe you do need a good cry! Sometimes that puts things in perspective for me!
I feel terrible, but I am not looking forward to getting DS from school. If things don't improve, I'm going to schedule a meeting with his teacher to talk strategy.
@Sammy K don't apologize for reviving this thread. That's why it's here. I agree parenting is hard! Those of you with more than one child I don't know how you do it. Being exhausted makes everything feel worse too. I know I'm way more emotional & irritable. I have to bite my tongue at work to keep from lashing out at certain people. And I'm usually pretty easygoing. I am so easily annoyed it's almost laughable.
When I see your name pop up as a responder on a thread, I know I'm going to get some new insight, good ideas, and helpful advice. So thank you for being such a good contributer on here.
Regarding Facebook, to flip the script a little, maybe your friends know you've got a lot on your plate and couldn't participate in the game right now. Maybe they're doing you a favor! I've got lots of acquaintances and just a few good friends, so I get picked last on that stuff too. Remember that ice bucket challenge? I thought I was going to make it through unscathed, until right as it was dying out, my sister picked me.
Keep on truckin' girlfriend. You'll make it work. You always do.
As for gifts is it too late to tell extended family it's too tight this year? After we bought gifts for 6 nieces and nephews last year and exchanged gifts with the SILs and BILs I said we weren't doing that again this year. Thankfulky another SIL was on the same page and suggested it first. We drew names for the kids only and that's the gift we'll get.
I'm trying to keep in mind, one fire at a time. I can tackle one issue but I can't fix them all. One thing at a time.
I agree with what others said about your strength and about your value here - I lean on you so much, personally.
I hope there's something small you can do for yourself tomorrow that just takes a couple minutes but can boost you a bit. And that your son continues to find ways for more productive outlets for his energy.
Hang in there, lady. Life has its cycles. We are here for you, always.
It is hard. Christmas is an awful time. I suggested to not do gifts for the "adults" for our immediate family this year and just be together but nope. Didn't go over well.
You are an amazing hard working mom. You are doing a rockstar job pumping. Maybe you just need a bit more recognition and rest..... Ha... Like we all do! .
Day to day shit can wear on people..... I've often felt drowned in pumping/working/taking care of the house/pleasing family members. It all boiled down to not EVER having any ME time.
I hope that you can get this coveted (maybe fairytale) doesn't exist free time soon lady.
@Sammy K that's awesome! I'll echo what others are saying, you rock!
@Sammy K I got to say with all your posts you might be one of the strongest women I know. I was tagged in the fb thing and I don't have any pictures looking beautiful or anything.
I told our family we have a baby so you are getting something hand made, that's it. It's not up for discussion. If you need a present then you forget the true meaning of Christmas. My sister was a little upset about it, but whatever I told her to make us some cookies.
I had my doc increase my anxiety meds, it certainly helps but I can tell in the morning when they are wearing off and panic is settling in. AND PUMPING SUCKS it eats up so much of the day, and DH considers that ALONE TIME. umm no I can't move to get up and even do laundry, it's not alone time...
I think I've decided to give 1 formula bottle a day starting at 6 months. This will mean I can stop staying up late to pump. I feel like that would lift a huge burden.
Thinking about crazy stuff like car wrecks, ISIS, natural disasters, the future. I can't shut my mind off.
I know this is not the norm. She lives in rural WI with no good services close. And she doesn't want to change. She missed out on a good portion of my childhood and I partly blame the drug-induced haze.
I also got a call about a job on Friday that I applied for in Sept & did two interviews for already. A new program is opening so they have really taken their time in filling the position. I don't even feel stable enough to make a decision that big right now. So many pros & cons regarding a job change for me. Sorry so much venting but it's just really hard right now.
Hang in there lady, I will think of you often. I hope you can come to the best decision about the new job offer.