I'm at breaking point, but so is my relationship.

I’m really struggling and need advice because I feel like my relationship is falling apart. I’m 9 weeks postpartum, and while I understand the baby is my main responsibility during the day since my partner works full-time (from home), I feel like I’m carrying most of the mental load—chores, cooking, shopping, and cleaning. I just can’t keep up. Our baby has been really unsettled and cries for hours leading to her being overtired. She either misses naps or feeds due to he crying. We’re investigating the cause, but nothing I do seems to help when I feel like she is in pain (we did take her to A+E over the weekend). Meanwhile, my partner’s desk is in the living room, so I’m mostly confined to the bedroom all day. I try to get out for walks or relax when she naps, but it all builds up. My partner still makes time for himself—he goes to the gym (when he can), has weekly band practice, and socialises with friends once or twice a month. He’s also preparing for a tour and recording sessions. I’ve told him I feel resentful because he’s able to keep living his life, while I feel like I’ve given everything to the baby and the house. I feel empty. Last night, I came back late from my parents so he could have a baby-free evening. He played games and did some laundry, which I thanked him for. But this morning, our baby wouldn’t settle, and I felt overwhelmed. When I saw the wet laundry he left in a heap, I just lost it. I ended up crying on the kitchen floor, and it all escalated when he criticised me for not calling the doctor on time (something we’d agreed I’d do). I told him to leave me alone at that point. I don’t know what to do. He really isn't a bad partner and he does treat me well, but it's just built up to us almost hating eachother. I feel like I’m breaking, and so is our relationship. Has anyone been through something similar? How do I cope with this?
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You need to get some scheduled me time too so its more fair. On weekends you should get a few hours for yourself. After work, he needs to immediatelly take over till bedtime so you can be alone for a couple of hours. I used to cook the dinner with my headphones in the kitchen so i wouldnt hear the crying while my husband would be with baby. Its still a chore but at least youre alone when you do it, so its a break from baby. Schedule in catch up with your friends twice a month and leave baby with him at home. Or go meet your friends midweek and take baby with you, time goes quicker when youre out and about and a good friend can take baby off your hands for a bit. You just have to prioritise yourself and demand this time for yourself. Best of luck!

Yes I've been through this, not really the crying baby, but a partner who doesn't help. My partner really doesn't help other than putting our toddler to sleep. Just don't do the chores or things that you feel you can't. He will have to pick up the slack. My partner also has an elaborate social life and I do not. As for the baby. I would join some Facebook groups. Are you breastfeeding? It is EXTREMELY common for babies to be sensitive to dairy, soy, caffeine, eggs and even gluten/wheat in breastmilk. If the baby is upset it is mostly one of these things. Join the dairy free breastfeeding group on Facebook. And start to eliminate these items one at a time over the course of a couple weeks, give 3 days between each one to see if her symptoms improve. I would start with dairy and then wheat. Once the baby is settled it will probably improve your relationship.

You also sound like you're in a relationship where your partner doesn't just 'assume' he needs to be told. So tell him your needs, I would start with telling him he needs to move his desk into a bedroom... so you can maintain your sanity...

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