Are you exhausted?

Twelve weeks ago I went from a mother of one to three. Since then, I am feeling more and more exhausted and run down. I feel like a complete zombie most days. The only break I have all day is sitting down to the computer and pumping at the same time. Do you feel exhausted/overwhelmed? How do you cope with it? I would like to get out more, but the hassle with getting three kids bundled up and out the door just isn't worth it! I know it will get better and there is light at the end of the tunnel, but when!!!
And to top it off, the twins will not sleep during the day. I have never seen babies stay awake this much.

 

I'm so sorry that you are feeling so overwhelmed! I remember feeling the same way when my twins were your twins age. And like you I didn't bother going out unless I had to. All I did was wear my pajamas all day, tend to the babies, and sometimes try and pump! Also, I remember wondering why our babies seemed so restless. They just never seemed to sleep well, EVER. They would cat nap some during the day, only for short periods, and they never slept more than 2.5 - 3 hours at night, and even when they slept they made weird grunting noises. I thought there was something wrong, but my pedi didn't seem concerned. I have since started reading Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child and the author basically says that starting around 6 weeks almost ALL babies develop some sleep issues, that can last a couple of months or so. And sure enough, a couple of months after that our boys started developing a more predictable sleep pattern.

I know its hard as hell and people who have never had twin babies really can't fully understand what it is like. Just try to get by as best you can, and don't beat yourself up for not cleaning, getting out, being super mom, etc. Things will ease up soon I promise!! :hug:

 

I totally agree with this. Do whatever you have to do to get through the day easier. If that means the house doesn't get cleaned for a week or so, oh well. I only have the twins and I can remember feeling so exhausted during those early months. I look back and wonder how I did it! My two were terrible nappers during the day and naps did not work out for us until they were 6 months old, so daytime was really frustrating and when they did nap (prior to 6 months) it did not feel like it was long enough for me to have time to mentally recharge. Maybe just pick one day a week where you will go out somewhere and not put pressure on yourself to go out daily. It will come around once you feel like you have gotten yourself and the kids on a pretty good schedule. :youcandoit: Momma!

 

I could have written your post word for word. The only difference is I have to get out of the house to pick up my dd from school. But to tell you the truth I feel beyond exhausted. I just keep reminding myself it will get easier, one day, right?! I have to admit I am very lucky since I have tons of help so I shouldn't complain. As for how I cope with it glass of wine every evening while washing the bottles is my highlight of the day Hang in there.

 

Yes, I am exhausted STILL. But I have found ways to cope. There are things I let slide and my DH will do them when he has a chance. Our house used to be picked up every night before we went to bed. Some nights, neither of us have the energy, so we just go to bed. You will find what works for you and then just stick with it. :hug:

 

Exhausted/overwhelmed doesn't seem strong enough of a description! Oh yeah, I'm right there with you. I usually keep my trap shut though because when I see how some of you ladies are tending to your twins PLUS one or two or more older children, I'm like, WOW. Just wow. So, big kudos! These two are our only children and we're whipped. We're 1300 miles from family so there's no one to step in for any respite. Heck, even if they did live close, they range in age from late 70s to late 80s w/ health issues so they wouldn't be much help anyway. I used to be organized and orderly in my house and in my head. I thought I was going to be supermom. All that flew out the window months ago. So, yeah, I think what we're feeling just goes with the territory of having infant twins to care for and all we can do is get by as best we can. :hug:

 

Our babes are starting to sleep really well at night now, they are both swaddled in their miracle blankets (a godsend!!!) and they sleep together in a bassinet next to our bed. We also have a fan on for white noise so that may help. I truly think that the swaddling helps them sleep so well. I BF during the day but the feed before bed is formula, I think this helps them feel fuller too and gives mommy a break from being a milk machine lol. Oh how I love taking my time feeding only one baby and staring into their eyes!

As for the rest of the day, it's spent juggling 3 kids under 18 months and I don't even get to brush my teeth many days (I shouldn't admit that I know!). I usually try to get out 1 or 2 days a week by myself but with the temps in the -40's this week I have been stuck here and I'm going insane. I know how much of a chore it is to get everyone ready but once you get out you may feel better. Or if you don't want to get dressed and ready to go per se just go to a drive thru for a coffee or some totally indulgent fast food.

It is beyond hard so let what needs to fall by the wayside, as long as the babes are taken care of it's all good! I hope things start to fall into place a bit for you soon!

 

I hear you! It is so hard, when the babies don't sleep during the day, or taking only cat naps. It will get better! Sometimes it takes a little longer for some kids, but I can tell you from experience, your kids will catch up on that sleep when they are older.

 

I have good days and bad days. I'm very fortunate that hubby is home to help - and mom is a phone call away. Getting my oldest to school today was a challenge and picking her up - I don't even want to think about it yet. And to top it off I'm coming down with a cold.

However, for me, getting dressed, putting on make-up and getting out some days makes me feel more human. It may take us a while to get out the door - and we may only be out for an hour - but, I get to see other people and who doesn't love to gush over babies.

Fitting in pumping more than once or twice a day? If you figure out how to do that between feeding, changing and soothing the babies, tending to your older one, feeding yourself and taking care of other things - let me know!!

 

Heck ya!!!!!! Unfortunately I cannot stop myself from cleaning the house instead of napping If my house is in disorder is stresses me out beyond belief. My husband just shakes his head when I say "no I didn't nap today". I am lucky that he relieves me in the evening for a few hours to sleep or I would be a zombie. I'm not sure I could handle the twins and another child too. So I really want to enjoy every minute of this.
:babyflips:

 

I think it's funny that i use to hear all babies do is sleep? What? Are you kidding me! Who the hell came up with that!

I just stay focused on right now. One step at a time. To look beyond that is just to overwhelming. People would tell me to nap when they napped.... UM? Hmm... Like you, I have more then just the twins. There is no napping! There is laundry and dishes! LOL! Something that helped me a LOT was working out. There were times in the beginning that I might have only gotten 5 or 10 minutes in, but it made a HUGE difference in my energy. I would put the babies in the bouncy and they would watch me.

This passes faster then you think!

 

Yep - I went from two to four kids - ranging from newborn to age four - fun! And I don't even like kids all that much - ha! Living in my pigsty of a house with my 11,000 children makes me CRAZY many days - it seems I get a little more behind every day ... Here are some things I've done to cope:

1. I've decided I like taking my crew out. Is it a whipping and a half? Yes. But I live in south Texas, so there's not too much bundling up - just a zillion car seats. We go to the play area at the mall some days. Or Chick-Fil-A. Of course I have to hose my two big kids down with hand sanitizer, but they are entertained for quite a while and they are not leaving a path of destruction around our house.

2. On days that my house is a wreck anyway, we have a friend (and her mommy - the friend/mommy combo varies) over for a playdate at lunch. Nothing fancy - think Lunchables or Spaghetti-Os. My two-year-old will follow the "big" girls everywhere and leave me to chat with the mommy. And the other mommy always feels sorry for me and is MORE than happy to feed a baby a bottle, hold a baby, etc. while we chat. I don't even care how many toys are on the floor on those days.

3. A glass of wine. I feel like I mention wine quite a bit on here - and how these twins may send me straight to the Betty - but seriously, one healthy glass of wine during the witching hour works wonders.

4. Babysitting. I was babysitter-shy with my first baby - we lived close to my parents so I didn't have to go that route. A few thousand children later and I adore just about any babysitter. Just kidding - I really don't let just anyone stay with my kids. Frankly, there aren't very many who are willing to stay with all four of my little darlings (due to their age, not their demeanor). We have found a GREAT babysitter at our church who is young, has a college degree and loves my kids - it's the perfect combination! I want to bottle her up and keep her just as she is - no finding a "real" job, no finding a boyfriend or getting married foolishness - if she could just stay with me until my kids are in junior high or so, that would be perfect. Seriously, though - find someone you trust to take care of your babies and get out of the house sans kids.

 

Yep what she said. I cleaned the top of my stove today for the first time in....well probably since the babies were born! :FIFblush: It's totally down towards the bottom of my "to-do" list, and anyone who complains can kiss mine! I have 4 kids, my house never stays picked up/cleaned up anymore, and there are always toys to trip on everywhere! :lol: