Pregnancy

[Marlina]

I’m currently working full time, 15 weeks pregnant and with my husband working out of town most days I’m taking care of our 16 months old by myself. I’m feeling very tired and exhausted most days. Any advice on reclaiming balance and energy in your day?

[cooking_mom]

I can 100% sympathize with your post, Marlina. I too felt super exhausted and overwhelmed well into my 2nd trimester and now again as I near 36 weeks.Top that with a husband who travels and a toddler - that's a lot for you to deal with. My daughter is 4 so a little more self-sufficient and my husband is home daily by 4:30. But it's always a juggling act - and physically exhausting - when you are trying to be everything to everyone and do it all.

The best advice I can give is to let go of trying to do it all. Figure out what is 100% necessity at the moment and concentrate on doing only what you need. During your work day, try to take a short walk to rejuvenate or find a quiet space to rest or relax for 15 minutes during the day. Do you have family nearby? Can you ask a family, neighbor or friend to come over one night a week to engage with your toddler? Or even get a babysitter or mother's helper for an hour or two so you can make dinner or rest your feet for a few. You can take an evening stroll with your toddler - fresh air is always a nice way to add energy.

It's also a good time to stick to routines especially around bed time. Get your toddler in bed at the same time and then go put your feet up and do something relaxing for yourself - read a book, watch a fave show, drink tea, go to bed, etc. It does get easier in your 2nd trimester but maybe some of these things can continue so you can also enjoy the renewed energy that comes with that period of your pregnancy.

[Marlina]

Thank You for the really good advice, this past weekend I actually had my 14 year old god daughter stay the weekend to babysit my daughter which helped me get some things done around the house and take a breather. My mom is also in town this week helping me out, so that really helps as well!

[cooking_mom]

Glad you found some support and are hanging in there. As my due date approaches now I am starting to stress out about all I still need to get done. I need to take my own advice and ask for some help.

[theteachermom]

So glad I'm not alone feeling totally wiped out some days...I'm 3 weeks away from my due date, but already feeling large and low and ready to go! I also have a 3yro and 1.5yo. I recently stopped teaching in June but I remember what it was to be nauseous, tired, working full time and then coming home to do the whole evening/bedtime routine with my two little ones, mostly on my own as my hubby worked really late hours at the time... Yipes!! 

Though I'm still struggling some days to keep that bone-weary feeling at bay, scheduling in me-time definately helps. I try to avoid the temptation of "catching up on chores" during nap time, and I try to take a nap myself. I also have 15/30 minute quiet time for the kids in the evening when they play independently (for the most part) with their busy baskets. Gives me a chance to put my feet up, disengage for a bit, and store up some energy before the dinner time/bathtime routine.

I definately agree with cooking_mom, fresh air really helps to rejevenate me. Also good energy boosting snacks-- my favs: 1. peanut butter & apple, 2. banana, strawberries& yogurt,  3. raisins, choc. chips and peanuts and almonds, and 4. pretzels & humus or a slice of cheese.

And definately asking for help!... which I'm not so good at myself either... but sometimes we just have to know it's okay not to be supermom and to cut back. Thankfully I'm not teaching this school year and my hubby cut back his schedule so he's home more often to help now. Hope your mom and goddaughter can continue to pitch in when you need it!