Mum's time lapse video shows EXACTLY why we're exhausted
Ever want to laugh when a person without kids says they're tired? Yeah, we do too.
We can go to bed before the evening news is even over but we'll still be zombies before the morning coffee kicks in.
Mum-of- three and blogger Melanie Darnell, knows exactly what we're talking about. And she's proven it, with an exhausting time-lapse of an average night.
We're yawning just looking at her!
In bed by 10 pm, she's woken up at 11.20 to feed the baby, we can't even count how many times she gets kicked!
In her accompanying post, she explains that the night time consists of two goals.
"Parenting doesn't end when the sun goes down. I want to parent at night the same way I parent during the day. You have two nighttime parenting goals (1) get sufficient rest yourself and (2) meet the nutritional and emotional needs of your child."
As she acknowledges, it's not an easy balance to achieve.
"It’s a tough balance. Realising that the last sweet hours of restful darkness are almost over. The 4am wake-up call is especially excruciating. Still, we haul ourselves out of bed, and with bleary eyes pull our babies in close."
And even though the exhaustion might seem like it's never-ending, this time is also very important for babies.
"In those quiet, dark hours, the lack of distraction can actually quite calming and refreshing. Baby’s needs tend to be simple: to be held and fed. Mothers are experts at both of those things, and the ability to so completely meet the needs of our amazing baby is profoundly satisfying."
Not only that but instead of feeling alone, Darnell takes comfort in knowing that there are mums all over the world doing the exact same thing.
"During these moments let’s think of all of the other parents that are up with their babies at the very same middle-of-the night moment and take comfort in the thought of each of us cradling our babies in the dark of our homes, together in shared experience. Rather than feeling isolated and exhausted, we can feel connected to the other tired mothers that are also awake."
Although each night might seem like an eternity, this time doesn't last forever.
"So, to all of the tired mothers out there, breathe in and breathe out. These days are intense but short lived. Both you and baby will be sleeping more soundly before long. For now, cuddle your babies, nurse them and love them no matter what time the clock says. The baby you rock tonight someday may have the opportunity to be gazing at the stars while holding a sweet baby of her own. She will be thinking of, and appreciating, you."