SAHMs of 1+, how do you keep up the energy?

I'm just barely 6 weeks pregnant and a SAHM to my 23 month old DD. I feel like such a bad mom. I have nausea all day long and am soooo tired and have trouble finding the motivation and energy to entertain her. It's been really difficult to play with her all day long, take her out to the park, come home and keep the apartment clean and then cook dinner at night. I'm so exhausted and all I want to do is sleep. She's definitely gotten a larger dose of TV these past two weeks and I feel terrible I'm not the same mom I used to be. I'm hoping this fatigue and nausea will pass with my second tri.

Re: SAHMs of 1+, how do you keep up the energy?

Honestly you just muster on and realize that its temporary.

I was pregnant and DS was 3. I said to a friend I am never having another because I hate the mom I was to DS #1 during this pregnancy. It really hit me hard, the naseau lasted until 17 weeks, the exhaustion never lifted etc.

But DS is fine, he has no lasting effects from my pregnancy now that DS #2 is here.

My advice is to plan playdates, I found that having playdates actually made it easier as he had a playmate so I didnt feel bad not playing with him all the time and it allowed me to sit on the couch and chit chat with a friend as well.

GL!

Re: SAHMs of 1+, how do you keep up the energy?

My first three months DD was glued to the TV I felt awful but I could barely lift my head!!!! DD learned a lot in those 3 mos LOL!!! YOu'll get through it!!!! Now that I'm nearing the end I'm losing stamina again

Re: SAHMs of 1+, how do you keep up the energy?

I felt like the worst mommy ever until I was about 15 weeks. thats when the energy returned and the nausea pretty much went away. Hang in there until the 2nd tri...it will get better! even now at 30 weeks, I dont have AS much energy as before becoming pregnant but nowhere near as bad as the first tri.

Re: SAHMs of 1+, how do you keep up the energy?

My only advice would be to nap when she naps...force yourself! Forget the laundry, or making dinner, etc...just lay down and nap.

I am 23 weeks, and still try to nap if DS is napping...it is tough...but it is only temporary as was mentioned.

Feel Good!!

Re: SAHMs of 1+, how do you keep up the energy?

1st trimester was tough but you will definitely feel better in the second, then at the end it gets tough again. Nap when she does, do what you can and don't beat yourself up about what doesn't get done!

Hang in there!

Message edited 5/20/2011 9:03:03 AM.

Re: SAHMs of 1+, how do you keep up the energy?

The first trimester with DD2 was a nightmare. I was throwing up all day every day until about 12-13wks. DD1 would just constantly want to play and wanted me to pick her up.
During that time she watched a lot of tv and most of the time (when i wasnt in the bathroom) i just layed on the living room floor while she played around me.
When i started to feel better I had a TON of energy and we were always out and about!

Re: SAHMs of 1+, how do you keep up the energy?

what energy? lol, there is none and yet you still have to make it thru the day somehow

Re: SAHMs of 1+, how do you keep up the energy?

Thanks ladies, this makes me feel better. Part of the problem is that I've just weaned DD and do far she hasn't figured out how to nap without being nursed, so naps are nonexistent right now. Hoping for some relief in the second tri. Til then, I guess some extra TV isn't the worst thing in the world.

Re: SAHMs of 1+, how do you keep up the energy?

100% agree with the pp's. Am I the mommy I was before I got pg, nope, but my daughter is just fine. We snuggle a lot more, watch more tv, and she is getting more daddy and grandma time. I could feel bad about it or I can accept it and move on. My DD doesn't seem to care and I look at this as a special time for us because when Barley gets here it won't be just her and I anymore. I am hoping with nicer weather and the 2nd tri coming soon we can get out more and do more.

Re: SAHMs of 1+, how do you keep up the energy?

I am 29 wks pregnant with #2, I try to keep DS #1 (20months old) busy, we go to Gymboree and I found a park where he can play in a safe area with me near by but not on right on top of him. It is tough, but it did get a lot better in my second trimester. I feel terrible sometimes with how much tv is on or how much I enjoy when I can get a few minutes on the couch while he plays with his toys...but he is happy! I don't clean up toys until he goes to bed!

Re: SAHMs of 1+, how do you keep up the energy?

I'm bumping this because this is exactly what I was crying about today... Have the same symptoms and I'm feeling like such a bad mommy. Can't even get myself to go food shopping and keep giving my 14 month old pizza and baby food that I had left over for the last two days. Finally had to send my dh to the store for dinner tonight.

Re: SAHMs of 1+, how do you keep up the energy?

I'm so glad you posted this. I'm 6wks too with an 18 month old DS. He has been watching a lot of t.v. because I'm physically exhausted, body aches and nauseous. I keep saying to him "mommy will make it up to you." I'm trying to nap when he does but for some reason since I found out I was preggo DS has been giving me trouble with his naps.

Re: SAHMs of 1+, how do you keep up the energy?

The beginning (1st trimester) is hard because of the exhaustion, I found that I had to crash on the couch while DS napped even though there was so much to do in the house, I couldn't function. You will regain the energy in 2nd tri and I would suggest signing up DC for a class (like a Mommy&me) or library classes, I did both and I found that a) it helped me get out of the house and get myself organized, b) it passed the time and I got to socialize a little to get my mind of the pregnancy symptoms. You'll manage, and yes, I vowed I would never use the TV, well I caved and let DS watch a show every now and than just so I can sit on the couch w/him.