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What do you do all day?

lissyy22lissyy22 member
in Babies: 0 - 3 Months
I’m a first time mom & just gave birth 4 weeks ago. I feel like all I do is sit on the couch or chair and breastfeed my baby. I look out the window and it’s dark and I just think to myself, where did my day go? I forget to go to the bathroom, I’m not drinking as much water as I’m used to, and I don’t shower everyday. I want to organize the nursery and run errands but I feel like I am glued to my baby. I’m alone most of the time so it’s hard for me to leave him alone for a second unless he’s in his crib. I don’t have a stroller and I don’t feel comfortable taking my baby outside for a long walk without one. I want to do more but not sure how. Am I the only one struggling with this?
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Re: What do you do all day?

  • swizzlemalarkeyswizzlemalarkey member
    Hey there, I felt the same way and even do sometimes now with my toddler. And just remember the fourth trimester is mostly about survival. I would look into getting a stroller or a baby carrier. Being able to wear my son helped a lot to get things done. Do you have a play pen or pack & play? Bouncer or swing? you can place him on a blanket on the floor for supervised tummy time or play time. My son really liked those play gyms that you put them under. It’s okay if he is unhappy for a bit. Or just putting him in the crib so you can get something done isn’t a bad thing. I used to bring the bouncer in the bathroom with me so I could shower. My son was/is very clingy so i get how hard it can be. But you need to take care of yourself too. Maybe coming up with a daily schedule would help? once they’re mobile it’s difficult as well… so learning how to adapt now will be useful in the future. Best of luck! 
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  • hlislehlisle member
    Hello! I just had my 5th baby and trust me, each time there is an adjustment period! If you're feeling very overwhelmed, make sure you talk to your doctor because postpartum anxiety or stress is just as real as depression. If you're feeling ok and just trying to navigate the waters in mommyhood, I agree with the other poster, baby wearing is a huge game changer as far as getting things accomplished around the house. I even use it when I'm walking the kids to or from school or to take my 3 year old for a walk and keep my hands free. I recommend maybe a baby k'tan. Also, find something safe to keep your baby in that you can put near the shower and you can easily take at least a quick 5 minute shower, even if they scream the whole time. Try to time it for when they have finished eating, been burped and have a clean diaper. You will feel better knowing you have taken care of your baby as well as you can. It is very normal at this age for baby to fuss and cry often. Most of all  remember you are caring for a new life, you do not need to worry about all the time you spend with them and feel like it is lost time. Rest and slowly learn to care for the baby and yourself, this time will pass and things will get a little easier (each stage brings its own new difficulty), enjoy your sweet soft snuggly baby!
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  • alp63alp63 Newbie
    edited August 2022
    I feel you! The 4th trimester is real and hard. I don't know how I got over it also. My baby is 3 months old. I think your idea of having a schedule is a good idea --- basically planning. If you haven't done so already, track your baby's eating, diaper, and napping then you can figure out where to fit things in between. this helped me.
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  • thumpzillathumpzilla member
    It's important to take care of yourself first. I find that I'm a much more patient and happier mother when I have my breakfast before I muster the energy to feed, burp, change and play with him. Make breakfast the night before so all you have to do is take it out of the fridge and/or reheat it. See if someone can help you with some tasks in the morning as a lot happen when we first wake up.

    Sometimes the days feel long and tiring but both baby and I cheer up considerably when we go out for a bit of fresh air. Even if you don't have a stroller yet, just carrying him to walk around a bit will help. Certainly, aids like stroller, carrier, bouncer, lounger all will help to hold baby and free you up to do other things. It's also important to get away for baby for some times in the day to collect oneself.
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  • mamabopmamabop member
    I often felt this way for the first few weeks. Found that if I took a walk and a nap in a day it made the world of difference. I know it’s hard when your baby is so clingy sometimes a friend or family member would come over so I could get some rest and quiet time even just for an hour. Your baby will eventually be more OK with being put down or you will find how they like to be put down. I would get a stroller as soon as possible if you can and enjoy some daylight.
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  • acamomma18acamomma18 member
    Currently in the thick of it as well. I make a point to get out of the house at least once a day - to the store or on a walk or running errands. It helps me feel human and see other people going about their lives. (I happen to live downtown in a big city, so have that ability to be in the thick of it.) I used to live in a more suburban environment, where you can still benefit from walks around the neighborhood!
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  • acamomma18acamomma18 member
    And I’m glad you’re connecting with other mamas on here… the early days are hard. You’re not alone!
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  • nikiznbnikiznb member
    edited August 2023
    In the first places after birth, my husband and mother with the child helped me a lot. I could easily go for a run or go to the gym or go out for coffee with friends. I think it's normal. I spend a lot of time with the child, but I think that leaving everything for the sake of the child is not right. When she sleeps, I can clean up or play on UFABET เข้าสู่ระบบทางเข้า , log in to the PS. This is, of course, a personal opinion and if someone does not like it, then it is normal
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  • knottie17f0bf275d3f372cknottie17f0bf275d3f372c member
    I'm also the first time mom like you and had my baby for 2 weeks and one day now. The first week is so hard as I all I did was eating , pumping , washing bottles, restroom trips and others . I felt it's ok to ask for help from husband and friends . I make some calls to talk to others help me stay connected and learn what to do when taking care of new baby. Also writing daily for things I am thankful per day  and watching different YouTube videos from mom experts that share tips helps me stay alert and understand that all moms are going through similar struggles like me. I just want to let you know that you are doing an amazing job as a mom and I believe you will do your best to take care yourself healthily. Remember your baby depend on you so try to do what you can to stay healthy for you baby . Don't afraid to ask for help or share things you concerns.
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  • majlin29majlin29 member
    This is my 2nd go round. Honestly I set up (activity) stations, it helps pass the time. We do tummy time for 5 minutes then a leg workout (pushing baby's legs in and out or bicycle motion this helps baby pass gas, or at least it really helped my daughter pass gas) do  each leg 20X in  5X or 10X increments, then we read 2 books, they don't have to be long, then it would be time to eat, change diaper and nap ever other wake time we walk the driveway or the backyard baby likes the sun and its good for you to get some fresh air, I dont feel comfortablewalking around with baby in the neighborhood so i walk with him in my arms, try to spend about 3 tk 5 minutes outside. Try to nap when baby naps, I heard this so much with my daughter and I didn't listen I did laundry, dishes and cleaned house every chance I got, now with my son I take advantage and sleep when he sleeps, it keeps you sane. Hope this helps, hang in there momma ❤️ you ARE doing a GREAT job 
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  • knottied8dd7295d4252893knottied8dd7295d4252893 member
    I’m going to comment on the other side of this problem… 4 weeks you are probably already seeing the baby is bigger and growing and is different every week. Once I realized this I was so happy to just spend time with mine because that’s a day you will never get back. I’m alone with baby almost all day too. Get a baby swing so you can take a shower then keep enjoying your time together!
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  • purple_coropurple_coro member
    This is what u should do take it easy, by the time babys sleep is better you can start adding things like cooking or cleaning up or taking shower es I didnt start all that until 8 wks but took on babies feeds overnight by 6wks I'm sahm and husband starts for work at 5am 
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  • purple_coropurple_coro member
    Also, I slowly started using the bouncer with camera on her in the morning to eat restroom then later again to lunch etc
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  • knottie931f9b1b4628eeffknottie931f9b1b4628eeff member
    Im a FTM and my baby is 2.5 weeks. She has been wanting to eat every 1-2 hours so I totally get it. I also feel like I’m always just breastfeeding and barely have time to get other things done. As long as you can find some time to shower and do the bare minimum things you need to I wouldn’t worry about it. It will get better over time! 
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