Why NOW

I honestly don’t even know where to start, but I need to get this off my chest. 😔

Since giving birth, I’ve been in GO MODE. My daughter has been my main priority from day one, and no matter how tired I am, I get up and make sure she’s fed, changed, comforted, and taken care of. Being a single mom and living alone means there’s no automatic shift change, no one to tap in when I’m exhausted. It’s just me, and I do what needs to be done because my baby depends on me.

But yesterday and today, something feels different. The sleep deprivation is catching up to me HARD. I’m at the point where I can barely keep my eyes open, and honestly, it’s starting to scare me. Not because I don’t want to take care of my daughter, but because I want to make sure I’m always able to care for her safely. The last thing I ever want is for my exhaustion to put her at risk.

I think I’ve been so focused on surviving, adjusting to motherhood, and making sure she has everything she needs that I haven’t fully acknowledged how exhausted I am myself.

And the reality is, I can’t just clock out. I don’t have someone here around the clock to take over while I sleep. I’m trying to figure out how to manage this before I completely burn myself out, because my daughter deserves a healthy, present, and safe mama, and I deserve to be okay, too.

Single moms, especially those doing this without a consistent support system, how do you manage when the exhaustion finally catches up to you? What resources, routines, or support have actually helped you? I’m not looking for judgment. I’m genuinely asking for advice because right now, I need some help. ❤️‍🩹

Read more on Peanut

The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of Peanut.

Learn more about our guidelines.

Add a comment

Is there a friend that can come sit with you even in your living room and let you rest for a little while? Or do some self care? Or just whatever you need? Even a couple hours will have you feeling much better! It’s crazy how much a mother can do on such little sleep. I’m so sorry you’re going through this alone!! 🫂

I'd look for programs and resources local to you. I live in Utah and we have a family support center that will watch your child 3 hours a week Atleast and you could grocery shop or nap no questions asked. There might be something out there in your area that could help.
I have 3 kids and their dad doesn't live at home and I have an 11 week old and I can relate to the no one to tap you out part it is so hard. Also look up postpartum support international they have online mom support groups if you need support from other moms.

Hi 👋 you are lucky in the NYC where there’s many people who need this support. I know being a single mom is rough and it’ is super important not to run yourself dry. If you can’t afford help but have Medicaid insurance your insurance company will pay for you to have a doula even for postpartum and give you so many days and hours for support. The doula would be there with you and that’s a good time to rest, replenish and reset.

in our community

31 weeks- waters?

Had a really weird experience this morning! Had sex and about an hour later went for a wee- had gone for a wee before sex too but then 5 mins later a gush of clear water liquid came out of me down my legs, over my hands. Not a trickle but not a puddle. Anyone else had this?

We went to MAU and cervix is closed and it wasn’t discharge so we’ve been sent home and told to monitor and monitor symptoms. Baby’s not engaged and moving lots.

Just feel like we need more answers than that?

36 weeks on Friday

Is anyone else feeling sick again more?

Placenta Praevia

Hi, it's just been confirmed that I have placenta praevia (the placenta is covering the opening of the cervix) which, if it doesn't resolve on its own, means an elective c-section. Does anyone know how early they might perform a c-section for this? Trying to plan my mat leave!

Midwife involvement question

I am 15 weeks now, and I have only met my midwife once for the intake appointment. She was lovely, but I haven’t been able to get in touch with her and my 12 week and 20 week scan have been scheduled in another hospital.

Wondering if this is normal and how others have gone about getting information/advice from their midwives between appointments.

Should parents be able to choose the order of their details on their child's birth certificate?

This is a UK poll whereby the father’s details are listed first. Where no father is named, those boxes remain empty. Where both parents named identify as female, the non-birthing parent goes first and the birthing parent second. This is according to The Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953.

Is this normal

My 3 month old kicked me in the incision/scar spot so obviously low impact but it hurt like hell and since then I have noticed when I press around the area it hurts. My husband thinks I need to go to the doctor's but is this level of contact/touch pain/tenderness normal at this stage ?