How did you deal?

Don't get me wrong... I'm totally and completely smitten with Alex and absolutely adore her But, I'm having serious trouble adapting from working in the adult world to spending 100% of my time at home with Alex... I feel like I'm going stir crazy, and because of my c-section I'm on strict home duty until Saturday. It's making me sad and mopey... and it doesn't help that DH is working like a maniac and not getting home until 6ish, 7ish Did anyone else get this right after giving birth and how did you deal with it?

Re: How did you deal?

Absolutely and not to scare you but a year later I still have days where I feel angry at the world. It just really takes some time and adjusting to one day your life not being your own anymore and now you are on call 24 hours a day. For the most part my DH's life has not been totally uprooted...he still gets up, goes to the gym, heads off to work and then home after work. Me, on the other hand, my life is 100% different. There are no more lunch breaks, gossip by the water cooler or a guarenteed shower everyday! While I wouldn't change it for anything, being able to be home with Jack as as SAHM, it is by far the most challenging job ever. And I don't mean the constant diapers or peaches on the wall, I mean the mental and emotional work that goes into it. You just need to make time for yourself, even if it is 15 minutes in the tub with a glass of wine. You'd be amazed at how that can rejuvenate you and help you feel like you have a little bit of your old self back.

Re: How did you deal?

I am a little bit worried about feeling the same way when DH goes back to work tomorrow. I plan to try to have friends over, luckily most of my friends are SAHMs and I have lots of shows taped to catch up on. I have been away from work for 7 weeks already and still don't miss it! I don't think I ever will.

Re: How did you deal?

hang in there ...i went from working 2 jobs to none. I am home 24/7 and to make matters worse FH works 3 jobs so he is not around alot! I have my days trust me...but i know in the end it will be worth it! I do miss adult conversation!!!

Re: How did you deal?

OMG I remember it so well and could have written EXACTLY what you posted. I had some people around me at the time that didn't understand it at all and were not supportive AT ALL! But I can tell you it does get better. Make sure that you have a strong support system! Talk to other new Mommies. It is very reassurring to know that you are not the only one going through this, not the only one that is alone and that you don't have to be a dynamo and do it all, ask for help!

Vent whenever you need to and if you need a shoulder feel free to FM me

Re: How did you deal?

Tivo, DVDs, Message Boards and Mothers Groups... my Prescription for sanity despite my husband's 60+ hour work weeks.

I have to admit though, it took four months for me to get into a groove where I finally started to feel happy more often than not. I was sooo overwhelmed in the beginning!

Re: How did you deal?

I also could have written your post myself. The first week I was home I cried every single day - part of it was hormonal and the other part was the reality that my life is forever changed...and there is no more running to the grocery store or showering in peace (on days that I can shower)

BUT 2 weeks later I feel much better....I am trying to get out of the house a little - get back to some of my normalcy at home - doing what I can do.

The other thing is - get some sleep when you can - being tired always makes things worse!!!

Re: How did you deal?

Thanks ladies... it helps to know I'm not the only one, it almost made me feel like such a horrible mommy! I am going back to work in about 10 weeks so I guess things will get back to normal somewhat, and until then, I'll do whatever I can to maintain my sanity!

Re: How did you deal?

You are NOT a bad mommy it is so normal. Your whole life just changed and the person you were before is not who you are now. It's scary that one day you are you and the next day you are someone's mommy it is completely overwhelming and scary. Yes you have 9 months to think about it but when it hits you on the day that they are born it can hit you like a ton of bricks.

Re: How did you deal?

I agree with all of the above posts- I TIVO, still hit the gym (I leave her with someone for two hours in the morning- my MIL), am trying to do the date night thing (we just did it for the first time on Sat- it felt REALLY good). I also am taking her already to mommy and me stuff like yoga, quick lunches at Cosis, and meeting up with other moms. This morning, I actually took her to Target and she was awesome while I bought a few quick things. Basically, I have her out of the house a lot and have carved up me time everyday. This way, I could be a better mother to her IMO.

Re: How did you deal?

the first week home I cried alot, but that was it...I felt great afterwards (until I got mastitis)...so there is hope