Feeling overwhelmed?

Question

Baby is 3 weeks old... I worked til the day i was induced to have my daughter which was 6 days after my due date. I started working again 6 days after I had my daughter. I have a 3 yr. old and a 3 week old. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with work and the kids. I love my girls with my whole heart, but I feel as tho i am nothing but a mother and employee. Their dad is wonderful but i still clean the bottles, and make the bottles along with having the kids all day and night long except when i am at work. I do nothing alone. Is this normal? I dont feel depressed just overwhelmed. My job needs me because I am a manager at a bar. My kids need me of course and I dont mind that. My bf/kids dad needs me to be there for him... I am just feeling as tho i need a break for just 10 minutes where my life isnt revolving around someone else or my job... O cant even take a simple bubble bath without my 3 yr. old joining in. am i being selfish for feeling as tho i just need 10 minutes to myself a day?

Answer 1

Honey, by the sounds of it you are wearing yourself ragged and deserve a lot more than ten minutes downtime!! I am amazed that you are back working 6 days after giving birth, I was still in bed! Talk to your partner and explain how you are feeling. Do you have any friends or family that can come and help out. Do not be afraid to ask, you NEED it. You have a newborn who needs your care, but you need to look after yourself just as much as you a prime candidate for postpartum depression. DEMAND a break!!

Answer 2

You are not at all selfish. EVERYONE needs some "me time" every now and then.  And with your kids being so young, I'm pretty sure you do feel run down. I'm a parent, so I know. Why not find a baby sitter for one day or just a couple of hours (however much time you need) and use that time to unwind and relax. Maybe you can get some relatives  to watch the kids while you "escape". I'm a working mother as well. I usually take my "me time" when my kids are asleep so that I can pamper myself; whether it be a bubble bath, soaking my feet, or a nap.

Answer 3

I have two boys ages 8 and 3 and oh my oh my they make me crazy sometimes!! overwhelmed is an understatement!! I stay at home, so at least you  go to work to break away from the house for a few hours, i don't even get that!!! my husband works 5-7 days a week and I don't have anyone but my sister to help when it comes to needing a break. and i don't ask her much because i'd like to ask when i really need it!!

don't feel bad, you deserve a break, working, cooking, cleaning, waking up with the baby, along with diapers etc. is a very tiring job, I give u kudos for working and doing all this too! definitely take some time out for yourself, whatever it may be that can relax you, i like to take a hot bath and listen to music while my husband tends to the kids, we can't afford to go out and do stuff all the time, so i settle for less!! if you can splurge a little go for it!! your a working mom, 24/7 365 you deserve a break!! good luck!

Answer 4

Are you Super Woman???!!!!  I am guessing that you started working less than a wk after baby was born because you NEED to.  There is a reason most places give you maternity leave....it is so you have time to heal and rest.  OF COURSE you are feeling overwhelmed hon!!!  Your body is still trying to heal, you are go go go, you are being pulled in a thousand directions and all you want is a few minutes to rest.  Tell your bf that he NEEDS to pick up some of the slack.  If you don't get the rest you need, you will burn out, you will become depressed you will not be able to pull off being the super woman that you are!  Also...for Christmas I think you should ask for a cape, invisible jet and a well deserved vacation!!  Congrats on your baby!!

Answer 5

You're not being selfish at all. I dream of a day when I can pee once again, alone. You went back to work rather quickly, you might not have given yourself enough adjustment time. Going from one child to two is rough, especially when one is a 3 yr old. I stayed sane by driving the long way home from work. Taking bathes or showers alone after everyone was in bed. Paying someone once a month for 2 hours so I could just go somewhere alone. Hang in there, you are brave and capable and amazing.

Answer 6

I feel your pain. I feel exactly the same way. I seems to me that you and I are the only 2 people to understand this feeling of needing 10 darn minutes!!! I am a mother to a 6 yr old boy & 2 girls 3 & 4 yrs old whom I love dearly.  I work full time, attend college full time (including summer classes)  and am also a 24 hour home health aid to my grandmother who lives with us. My hubby does what he can, but it's never enough. As we speak, its 12:38 am here and I am trying to hurry and eat a BLT before one of the kids wake up and want some. I will be getting them up to use the bathroom for the last time tonight as soon as I am done, and I am sure somebody will stay awake to see what mommy is doing. If you ever need to vent or just wanna talk e-mail me, believe me I understand.

Answer 7

No of course thats not to much to ask for. I felt the same as you when I had my daughter she is my first. I had the baby blues pretty bad but it eventully past over took about a month. Let their dad know how you are feeling Im sure he would help  out and let you have some time to yourself good luck to you.