Energy Level and Mom

Well I'm a working mom of 2, a 15 month old and 3 1/2 year old. I am up at 6am, work from 8-5, and go to the gym 3 times a week. By 9am, both my husband and I are ready for bed. I eat very healthy most of the time and I am still tired by 9pm. I think taking on a part time job, may just make you more tired, however would be good if you are wanting socialization with adults. Having young children means always being on the move, working means everything else has to fit into the weekend or the little bit of time at night, and then there's spending time with the kids and husband. Oh yeah, and we all need to sleep. Good luck on finding a solution, I would love to hear one as well.

Dear A.,
When I went to the dr after my first child because I was SO tired, and slept more than her, the dr looked at anemia; that was not it, and said not to worry. This continued on through the 3rd child. The dr did glucose testing, hormones, thyroid, and anything else she could think of, but then declared me healthy, even though I slept 9 hours at night, and took a 2 hour nap each day. I had no energy to clean the house.
I went to a chiropractic-nutritionist, and found out I had chronic fatigue, probably from the infertility drugs, surgery, pitosin, etc. Today I am doing great! I take supplements and eat a gluten free dairy free diet, sleep 7-8 hours a night, raise my three teens and run a business.
During the time I was so tired I worked part time to give me a schedule and get out of the house, and I did well at work, but had no energy for home then.

I suggest you see your doctor. Ask to be tested for chronic fatigue along with any other testing. If you don't get results you feel are correct, you could see an alternative doctor. Your baby needs you, and you will feel better if you find out what's going on.

Hi A.,
Vitamins will surely help you some :)
Why don't you post here and see how many stay at home moms are around your are that you can get together with and without the kids maybe once a week or every two weeks? You guys can do things together with the kids, specially now that summer is coming and get a little adult interaction in the meanwhile. But if you want a part time job, that might work with other sahm as well. You guys can take turns baby sitting while the other one works a couple of hours a day, etc.
Best wishes.

Sometimes we as moms' feel that we need to be with them 24/7. This can also make you tired just watching them, they have so much energy and on the go constantly. Of course you need your rest to. Its great that you are getting out to the gym but you say that you don't always eat healthy. I think this is the problem. Start taking vitamins not just your One A Day. You should be taking Vitamin B12 for your blood, V-C,V-D, as well Ecchaneshia (not sure of spelling) gives you vitality. However with this last one you only take it every other week for 7days. Make sure out of all the Vitamins mentioned that you are getting at least 1500mg tablets. Not so with the last one. It will take some time for these vitamins to kick in but I'm sure that once they do you will feel much better. Its not necessary unless you feel that you want a P/T job, however it is necessary for you to have what I call "me time". Even if you have a sitter you don't always have to go to the gym, visit a friend, go for coffee/tea. Being around a friend will energize you as well. Spend as much time as you can with your young one, they grow up so fast and before you know it she will be independent. Good luck Mom!!

Try taking B12...you can get it from any vitamin/health food store. It really works wonders. Also you may want to have your thyroid levels tested. If yo aren't maying enough thyroid hormone you will feel more tired than others. If you feel that your tiredness isn't normal for being a SAHM with a 1 year old call your dr!

Good Luck

Oh yeah Im usually in bed by 9. My day starts about 6 AM and by 9 Im wiped and that is with one baby ...not sure if the part time job will help you with energy I work 2 days a week and at the end of the 2 days Im exhausted and a little crabby. I will also add that I never have been much of a night person. Healthy eating would probably help with a little exercise but Im not one to talk my eating habbits arent the best exercise I do get as long as its nice enough to be outside.

you'll probably still exhausted even with a part-time job. nutrition is one factor, but the quality of your sleep is important too. i can eat healthy all i want, but i'm still going to be exhausted. my tests are all normal. i just have sleep apnea and narcolepsy, and i gotta say it's not so lovely to feel tired like that all the time. talk to the dr.

LOL! Years ago there was a study with football players that followed two year olds around all day and did everything they did. the big strong football players couldn't do it. They collapsed with exhaustion before the end of the day.

I think there is a certain amount of normalcy in your exhaustion. Being a Mom is hard work. Nutrition could certainly help you feel more energetic, but if you are active you will still feel tired at the end of the day. If you would like some suggestions for supplements, protein shakes, etc... then let me know. I am a Shaklee Independent Distributor and I swear by my products.

You are a SAHM with only a one year old. You should have much more
energy. Wait until she is walking. Are you happy in your life? Get out
in the fresh air with her and I bit you will have more energy. Not sure
if a pt job would help. Maybe it would if you are not content being a bull
time mother.

Hello A.,

Make sure you're taking enough vitamin D. next time you get blood work done, have the doctor check your vitamin D and your b-12 levels. Also make sure you take enough magnesium (not magnesium oxide because we only absorb 5% of that), omega 3-6-9 complex, more fruits and veggies and plenty of water. A little CoQ10 wouldn't hurt either. Good luck! ~C.~

I have 2 kids and am exhausted! But I've been drinking more water and trying to take a little power nap when the kids nap during the day. You should try to rest when she does. I know it's easier said than done when there's housework to be done, but if you take a nap with her, then you're more energized to get things done after she goes to bed at night...or do something fun! :)
Lynsey

Are you KIDDING??! Of course!!!! LOL, yes, you probably would feel more energized with a part-time job - in hindsight I think I wouldn't have been so exhausted when my kids were little if I'd gotten away more.

Not recommending it necessarily, I'm just sayin'.

Don't be so hard on yourself! I too have a 12 month old and I find that I am more exhausted on the weekends taking care of her than I am during the week when I work full-time (I am also preggers again too so I would like to blame that...but I bet I'd be just as tired if I weren't). The only advice I can give is that I find when I am eating better, and not as much sugar or high glycemic foods, I do feel a little better. And you're right, the part time job might actually help a little. Good luck. It'll get better (I tell myself that all the time!)