I'm 25 weeks into my 3rd pregnancy, and I'm having a hard time feeling like I'm being a bad mom to my other 2 kids. This pregnancy has been rough...lots of joint pain and exhaustion, makes it hard for me to be up and about a lot. I try to get the kids out doing something atleast once a day...whether we just play outside or go to the childrens' museum or library or McDonalds playland. But for most of the day, the television is on, the computer is on, and the kids just lie around whining that they are bored/hungry/etc. (they are 2 and 5). I read to them, and they have lots of toys, but it's just been a long Utah winter and they are SO tired of playing inside. I'm just scared it's going to be a long summer because I simply flat-out don't have the energy to be engaging them every hour of the day. My almost-5 yr old is in preschool, but that ends in 2 weeks.
Have any of you felt this way? I keep telling myself that I am a great mom and I know I do TONS for my children. It's just been a long 5 months of watching them lie around and beg to go places....but Mommy just doesn't have the energy! It's hard! Daddy is great with them when he's home, but he is usually at work during the day.
I guess more than anything, I just need some encouragement that I'm doing okay and that this is temporary!! Thanks!
Do you have any family or friends locally that could help you out? Or a part-time daycare situation? Some places do 1/2 days - if you can afford it, that might give them some fun social time and you some time to rest. Good luck and feel better!
Just remember that this is a very temporary situation. Please don't beat yourself up. It's easy to be pregnant and get depressed. I'd suggest a therapist - someone to talk to - a female who will get it.
Just remember, summer is almost here (UT is awesome in summer) and you will be out and about with a newborn before you know it.
Take the rest you need and don't feel guilty at all. You are creating life - it's not easy :)
I think what you're feeling is so normal - you have 2 small kids and are quite pregnant! Give yourself a break and just do what you can. The kids will be fine, it sounds like you do a lot for them. In the next few weeks hopefully you can at least take them to the playground and let them burn off some energy. Also I'd invest in a pregnancy workout DVD if you don't have one...more exercise (appropriate for pregnancy) can actually give you more energy, even though it feels like you can't do one more thing in your day.
Hang in there, you're doing great.
You are doing a great job! Hang in there; just remember that you are not being lazy or a bad mommy, you are pregnant and doing the best you can considering the craziness that your body is going through. It is just temporary, and kids are really adaptable, especially at that age. As long as you just keep doing the best you can, that's all you can expect out of yourself. Do as much stuff with them as you can without tiring yourself out too much, nap when they are napping (even your five-year-old can use some quiet time in the afternoon) and try to pick activities that don't require too much energy. I always read lots of books to the kids, even when I'm tired, because it's something that is good for them and doesn't require too much energy.
Also, remember that it's good for kids to try and engage themselves; sometimes it's when you let them figure things out for themselves that their imaginations really take off. I know you probably still need to supervise your 2-year-old, but you don't need to always engage them all the time; let them have lots of free play. Just remember, it's temporary, and things will be better soon. You can do it! And congratulations on your new baby! :-)
Ask for help. This is the time to honor friends and family who are always asking ""How can I help?", Ir "Let me know if you ever need anything." I also agree hiring someone to come maybe 3 times a week to take the girls to the park so you can take a nap.. Wouldn't that be glorious.
Also Abby is also on the right track. Find some sort of physical exercise and do it with your daughters. They will love it.
Look for a DVD or go on line and find some different things to do. Turn on some music and go for it.
Even going on "I spy" Walks with the girls can at least get you all outside.
Just do what you can. They will forget, I was in the hospital in and out my whole pregnancy last (3rd one) very very sick with a really tiring illness. My little on is now a year old and I don't think anyone remembers those days except for me! Keep trucking along and really it seams like forever but it will end!!
I feel like that almost daily. My twins are 2.5 and I'm 30 weeks with baby #3. I feel like I can't play with them or take them places like I could before. My husband works evenings, so I'm solo at night. I was able to take the to the YMCA, but even that is too energy draining. I just remind myself that I love them to death and I still read and interact with them. They know how much I love them, and that's what counts!
Sounds like you are doing a good job to me!
Here in Ohio it is rain, rain, rain. After cold, cold, cold. ;)
I'd say we get out of the house once a week-and I'm not pregnant.
It is temporary. Don't beat yourself up, Mama! :)
