Feeling like a bad mum

I’m 4.5 weeks postpartum, after an elective c section. My husband went back to work this week doing long days and is now working all weekend doing 12 hr days. I’m home with my newborn and 2.5yr old by myself. I honestly do not have the capacity to do anything but sit in front of the tv all weekend. I’m exhausted, sore and with the baby cluster feeding I really don’t get a break. My toddler goes to daycare 5 days a week so I know he is more then happy to have a chill weekend, but I can’t help feeling guilty that I’m not going out or doing fun things with him.

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Life isn’t a party every day. It’s healthy for your toddler to experience the full spectrum & see you caring for the sibling, and yourself as well as them. Doesn’t make it easy of course!! You’re doing great, chin up mama ☺️

You have just given birth a C section is major surgery and it's not something to rush and be doing the cleaning if you have the funds you could get a cleaner in to do some light housework to help or even some family to help out but resting is really what you need to be prioritising especially with breastfeeding and getting enough sleep drinking water and trying to eat enough calories your looking after a 4 week old that is enough

You’re not a bad mum at all! Firstly you are recovering from major surgery and birth whichever way it happens is a major trauma to the body. Secondly you are breastfeeding a newborn which is hard work and a wonderful thing you are doing for your baby. It is draining just doing that, not to mention when they are cluster feeding. Plus I’m sure you’re not getting tonnes of sleep with a newborn! You don’t have to be doing fun things with your kids every week. Time spent with your kids counts more to them than the quality of what you are doing. Having a weekend taking it a bit easier (keeping in mind you are basically working more than a full time job caring for a new born anyway even without leaving the house) is what you need for your health of body and mind. You can’t be a good parent to either of your children if you don’t have that so take the weekend as easy as you can, and try to enjoy snuggles with your little ones and don’t feel guilty. You’re doing an amazing job!

It's just a season of life, it'll pass and you'll find your energy back and do more with your toddler. Right now you need to take care of yourself so you can care for your newborn and for your toddler. Don't be too hard on yourself, this is a pretty tough time in the parenting journey.

So I struggled when I was pregnant with my second. I had a 2 and a half year old and was feeling super nauseous and probably mildly depressed in my first trimester. My husband works FIFO 3 weeks away at a time. We watched a lot of TV. I found I was less angry and irritable when I let go and it was probably better mentally for both me and my poor toddler. You'll get through it. You're doing so much. Don't be too hard on yourself ❤️

You’re doing the best you can in very hard circumstances ❤️ your toddler will be totally fine, and you’re not going to feel like this forever.