More then just tired
I got 2 hours sleep last night, I got into bed at 10pm after folding 3 days worth of laundry for 2 children in cloth nappies, as soon as my head hit the pillow I heard cough, cough, spew. I jumped out of bed and over to the cot, picking up DS and putting him next to me in bed. Willing him to sleep I attempted to boob him into oblivion. 5 hours later, he finally fell asleep as I rocked him in the rocking chair.
Sometime between 3 and 5, DD cried out from her room looking for her Billy. I found him wedged between the bed and the wall and handed him to her. She fell asleep. At 6 I could hear her stirring. At 7 she was awake and ready to go.
Today I am beyond tired, and this happens often. I’m sleep deprived.
Ask any mother and she’ll be able to tell you that at one point or another she ran on such a little amount of sleep that she thought never possible. How did I do this before children? How did I go out with friends all night only to turn in to work the next day and function?
It’s okay to verbalize feelings of not being able to cope, in fact I think it’s healthier to get it out then to bottle it up. You say it, you seek help, you move on. Feel like crying? Do it! Mums have tantrums some times, but direct your anger and frustration towards a stress ball, a punching bag, stomping your feet, or an activity like running or some other form of exercise. I know that sometimes it’s easier said then done, but please don’t take your frustration out on your children. If need be, just walk away.
Ask for help, from your partner, a loved one or a friend. Call someone or ask them over.
If it’s something more then a bad day, don’t be afraid to say so! There’s no need to suffer in silence, children need mothers not martyrs. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad mother or not loving your children enough.
Don’t forget that sleep deprivation is a form of torture, the housework can wait, rest and nurture yourself.
Find information about postnatal depression here - http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=94
