https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Apr 2026 06:53:49 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514659 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 21:05:05 +0000 seabsher 1514659@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I rarely got anything done. I thought I was doing a good job, until someone made similar remarks to me. Our LO didn't sleep through the night for what seemed like ever...definitely longer than typical. It was funny when other people would tell me that I needed to get him to sleep through the night. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514655 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 20:59:06 +0000 CupQuakeWalk 1514655@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At your son's age? I didn't get anything done. If I left the house that day: it was a frikkin treat. I felt on TOP OF THE WOOOOORLD!!!<br /> Seriously, in those first 3m, if I showered, loaded the dishwasher and made a "meal" (short, not too complicated meal), then I was very accomplished. Even those tasks required being very quick and efficient and using lots of distractions for baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514651 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 20:54:16 +0000 Silva 1514651@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Danizaur: I just wanted to say that for at least the first 6 weeks of my daughters life she nursed for 50 minutes at a time. She slowly became more efficient, but if he's been gaining weight/ making enough diapers just keep feeding him when he asks, and it will get better!<br /> Kellymom was the best resource whenever I got worried about breastfeeding. I remember she'd have these marathon (like 3 hours long) nursing sessions and she'd beat my breast and pull off and cry and I was sure I didn't have enough milk. But I read everything on kellymom, and it turns out it's totally normal and how they build up your supply.</p> <p>Find a carrier that works for you, and lower your expectations. I watched t.v., at take out or sandwiches, and went for very slow walks for the first 2 months. That was it. I didn't even grocery shop without help. Newborns are demanding!<br /> Hang in there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514649 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 20:54:00 +0000 Kemma 1514649@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Danizaur: four months was a rough period for us too, my girl started teething and went on strike! Some kids are just destined to be frequent feeders so don't be alarmed if he isn't stretching out his nursing sessions. Is he having plenty of wet and dirty nappies and gaining weight? Is he happy for the most part?</p> <p>As for getting stuff done, I coped better by having a weekly schedule and aiming to get out every other day. I had a different chore to do each day (laundry, vacuuming, groceries etc) which made life much more manageable, I even had a routine for doing stuff during nap time (first nap was having a shower, making the bed and other housework, nap two was for me to relax and chill out and nap three was for starting dinner and having a tidy up)!</p> <p>Hang in there, Mama - you're doing great!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514645 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 20:49:09 +0000 artsyfartsy 1514645@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Applesandbananas: I'll look into it! If this is a growth spurt it would save my sanity. I feel like no matter what I do he just doesn't get full and is so fussy. Makes me sad that I can't help him! He's been through growth spurts though and it's been a bit different. </p> <p>Thanks everyone for the advice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514567 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 19:37:49 +0000 catlady 1514567@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It gets better! And soon you won't even remember. My LO isn't even 6 months yet and she is so easy these days. The newborn stage is so so tough but it really does fly by (I know it doesn't feel that way when you are in it though). You are not supposed to "get things done", you are doing the most important thing by taking care of your baby. Hugs! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514553 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 19:28:52 +0000 avivoca 1514553@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Danizaur: Hyla didn't like the bouncer until very recently, and really took to the swing around six weeks. A lot of the time, I didn't get a thing done during the day. Baby wearing did help some, especially when walking the dog. Now we babywear a lot more and she can entertain herself. </p> <p>Hugs mama. It gets better. Cut yourself some slack. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514517 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 19:01:31 +0000 Applesandbananas 1514517@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Danizaur: have you heard of the wonder weeks? It's available as an app and it goes by gestational age. It's always been spot on for my LO. It described developmental "leaps" that babies go through. It was a sanity-saver, though it didn't really help me get much done lol. It was just nice to know why he was going nuts! I think there's also a 4 week growth spurt, but I'm not for certain. </p> <p>What he's doing sounds like normal (frustrating!) newborn behavior. When my LO was sleepy at the breast but not getting a full meal in, I'd wipe his face with a cool washcloth, switch sides, change his diaper (like you've been doing)or even just passing him off for a few minutes would get him awake enough to finish eating. </p> <p>Hang in there, it gets better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514496 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 18:55:32 +0000 artsyfartsy 1514496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Applesandbananas: he was a month old/4 weeks yesterday! He doesn't like the bouncer or the swing too much. :/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514495 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 18:50:25 +0000 Applesandbananas 1514495@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Danizaur: hugs mama. </p> <p>How old is your LO? There's a growth spurt around 6 weeks that is BRUTAL. </p> <p>I was never very good at baby wearing. I'm really short and I always felt like LO was down by my knees. I had a rock n play though and I took it from room to room. He would watch me do dishes or mop or whatever from the rock n play too. Maybe give it a shot? Or the swing? </p> <p>I'll echo PPs too, you're not supposed to be getting a bunch of housework done on mat leave. You've just grown an entire human being, birthed him, and you're his sole source of nourishment. THAT is a lot of work!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514466 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 18:21:54 +0000 artsyfartsy 1514466@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kemma: not sure yet. He pulls off a lot or falls asleep and takes a long time to finish. I'm not sure half the time if he's really done eating or not. We change his diaper when he stops eating and that gets him back into gear for a while then he pulls off a lot or gets lazy again. </p> <p>I feel so doubtful that I'm feeding him enough...since he asks to eat again so soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514363 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 17:02:37 +0000 Running Elley 1514363@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@matador84: I feel the exact same way. It seemed impossible with LO #1 but with #2 it all seems to get done and it's probably because it has to! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514362 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 17:00:15 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 1514362@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't have a mat leave per se (SAHM), but it was 4 months before I felt competent leaving the house, and honestly it didn't get 'easy' until he was around 9 months. This is not said to discourage you, but just try your best not to compare yourself to the people who seem 'together.' You will get there I promise! And if you don't....that's ok! Eventually baby will be taking naps and you'll have some energy/drive back, etc. I think we see people on good days and assume all their days are like that, but in reality....I'd have like, two weeks of doing nothing and one day of being active, and that was our reality! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514350 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 16:46:15 +0000 matador84 1514350@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It was impossible with my 1st. I can remember not eating all day because he wouldn't let me put him down for a second. I don't know if dd is just easier or I have the hang of things now. I put her in the swing, I cook, etc., mainly because I HAVE to in order to take care of DS. Don't be afraid to let him cry for a little bit so you can shower or make a meal. With DS it was like he would break if I let him cry. It gets easier and better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514345 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 16:38:22 +0000 Mrs. Twine 1514345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd say first, have some gentle expectations for yourself. You are a new mom. Heck, even second, third, and more-time moms are not immune to the energy and productivity vacuum that is the newborn. It's okay to not get much "done" because you are doing things. Hard things. Things that might be considered torture were they being inflicted upon you by anyone but your baby. ;) By all means figure out ways to make the things you need to do easier (like grocery shopping, or cooking, or showering), but it's okay for things to change some to accomodate this life change. Before Lorelei was born I typically spent an hour+ cooking our main meal of the day and often did really fancy things. After Lorelei was born, Mr. T encouraged me to make friends with our crockpot and invest in some cookbooks that focused on 30 minute meals and the like, because it just wasn't realistic anymore. I adore babywearing, like many of the other posters. It allowed me to do all the things I needed to do. I could shower, could eat a meal, could nurse while grocery shopping with no one the wiser... it's fabulous. You'll get into the swing of things, and in the meantime just remember that you are in good company. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514292 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:43:55 +0000 Greentea 1514292@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Don't listen to snarky comments from people- I think people have baby amnesia and forget what it is like. A baby is all consuming and that's how it should be! ;) it is such a short time in our lives. I got nothing done in the early days of colic babyland.</p> <p>We had family visiting from oot when dd was a couple months old and it was a nightmare. They wanted to go out to eat every.meal. wtf? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514275 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:35:52 +0000 MoonMoon 1514275@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Don't put that kind of pressure on yourself-getting a chance to sleep is necessary and rare! And feeding issues are still getting sorted.</p> <p>I'll never forget when my LO was a couple of months old and we had to go meet friends, and the baby kept having insane blowouts, one after another! After the third or fourth diaper and outfit change, I was so frazzled I had my husband call and cancel our get-together. Those early weeks are crazy! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514236 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:07:05 +0000 winniebee 1514236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It gets easier as they get older especially when they are on 2 naps! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514229 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:00:40 +0000 Kemma 1514229@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Danizaur: you mentioned bf'ing issues, is there anything the Bees could help with? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514216 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:50:42 +0000 birdofafeather 1514216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Be kind to yourself! He's so young and you're not supposed to be getting things done! Sounds like you're doing a lot as it is. This reminded me of an article I read a bit ago. Hope it helps!</p> <p><a href="http://www.bigcitymoms.com/blog/archive/2014/01/new-mamas-get-nothing-done-and-other-untruths.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bigcitymoms.com/blog/archive/2014/01/new-mamas-get-nothing-done-and-other-untruths.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514202 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:42:07 +0000 regberadaisy 1514202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have no idea! The worst part is when DH is home with her he can get stuff done. Lol</p> <p>Now that she's older it's better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514186 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:29:28 +0000 MamaJ 1514186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>nothing got done. when DH got home I would have him watch DS so I could shower or clean up a bit. He was usually happy to do so since he hadn't seen him all day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514170 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:22:11 +0000 Smurfette 1514170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't get anything done while on maternity leave. R wanted to be held all the time. And would not sleep unless held. So I couldn't even be productive. </p> <p>The Ktan was my lifesaver!!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514169 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:22:04 +0000 DillonLion 1514169@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didnt at all when LO was an infant. If DH wanted clean clothes or dishes, he did them himself. He knew better than to give me a hard time about chores! I would have ripped his head off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514165 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:19:39 +0000 blackbird 1514165@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Baby wear. Some days I got stuff done, some days I got nothing done until DH came home. It happens, cut yourself some slack! Babies are needy. The end.</p> <p>also at that age, mine loved mobiles and mirrors and I could set her down with those while I put her laundry away and stuff </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514159 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:15:09 +0000 sarahbs 1514159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This post makes me feel a lot better. My son is 5.5 weeks and we just got out of the house today at 1 - it took forever! Most days I don't get dressed until noon or so...I usually end up looking at the clock at 3 pm wondering where the day has gone! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514131 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 13:54:44 +0000 MrsTiz 1514131@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At his age? You don't! You have to chose sleep or getting things ready. Ovbiously, sleep is the winner so don't feel bad! It gets easier! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514125 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 13:51:50 +0000 honeybear 1514125@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'll third baby wearing. My doula taught me how to put the Moby on and put LO in at 2 weeks pp, and my life changed instantly for the better! I won't say life immediately got easy, because it didn't, but having my hands free really did make things easier. </p> <p>Also, I didn't get anything significant done in the newborn phase beyond keeping my son fed. I think that's okay! Maternity leave, however short, is not a holiday, it's a recognition that taking care of a young baby is a more than full time occupation. If I managed to shower, eat three meals, and take a short nap, it was an amazingly successful day (in hindsight--I felt bad about it at the time). It gets a lot easier as time goes on! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514122 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 13:50:58 +0000 immabeetoo 1514122@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Danizaur: be kind to yourself mama! I got nothing done and just survived until he was 3 months. (And growth spurts are normal! Don't assume something is wrong when he Wants to nurse more frequently). Around month 2 I was sobbing at the drop of a hat and formulated a plan with DH to get some me time an share responsibilities better. If I were you, I'd see I you have a local baby wearing group and have someone bring carriers to you to try! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/moms-how-do-you-get-anything-done#post-1514112 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 13:48:57 +0000 Ra 1514112@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, sweetie! Your LO is still so young! It's still hard to get things done 9 months in; it was impossible to get things done when he was itty bitty. You just learn to let things go and appreciate the little victories when you actually do a load of dishes or make it out of the house on time. It gets easier as they get older but I still consider my day a win if I brush my teeth and keep the baby alive! :heart: </p>