Fatigue

No doubt about it, being a mom really wears you out. It is EXHAUSTING. I've fondly referred to my daughter as an emotional terrorist on days when she's been extra fussy. I put all my love and energy into taking care of her and there are some days where it seems to get me no where because she's overtired too or just plain wants momma. She knows me as well as I know her and, thus, knows how to get momma to do exactly what she wants. There have been times when I've had to go to the bathroom with her on my lap or take a shower with her in my arms because otherwise she would cry the entire time. I know it would be okay to let her cry, but hearing her sad sounds and seeing the look on her precious little face is just too heartbreaking. I would rather take on the extra work and keep my baby happy. I especially find myself worn out because I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Epstein Barr), which basically just means that my immune system isn't what it used to be and I need more sleep than the average person to be up to par. Since our daughter sleeps with us though, I take care of her even while I sleep--waking up to switch her over to my other side (she sleeps with her head on my arm like a pillow cuddled up next to me) or if she thrashes in her sleep. Even as worn down and tired as I am, I still find myself refusing help at times because "I'm the momma."

One of the hardest things to do as a mother is relinquish control. We are the mom and we want to have our baby taken care of OUR way. That being said, I have learned that if you are fortunate enough to have a significant other that is willing to help you care for your baby, let them. I am one of the lucky ones. I'm breastfeeding so there are some things that only I can do, but my husband helps out as much as he can. My favorite way he helps is on the weekends when he's home from work. He takes care of her in the morning so I can get some much needed rest, only bringing her in to me when she's hungry. It may not be a lot of extra sleep, but it's enough to refresh my spirits.

My point is that sometimes as mothers we make more work for ourselves than necessary by wanting to keep control. The first several months after my daughter was born I ran on nothing but momentum and brain cells. It may not be like it used to where "it takes a village to raise a child", but the mother can still have help. She just needs to learn to ask for it.