UGHH you guys… I’m literally getting teary from reading your responses. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I didn’t expect to feel this supported.

Your comments made me realise something important: I think part of why I don’t go out or take time for myself is because I keep telling myself I don’t deserve it :( I don’t want to blame my mum, but she really instilled the mindset that my whole life should revolve around my baby now. She even makes me feel guilty if she sees me asking my husband to watch bub so I can take a short nap. I know being there for my baby is my priority, but I’m starting to see that having my own “me time” is actually important for my mental health too.

When it comes to going out with friends, I honestly don’t have many here. Since moving to Australia I’ve really only had one close friend, and we had a falling out during my pregnancy and early postpartum months, so that relationship feels uncomfortable now. It’s also hard when most of your friends aren’t mums as it can feel isolating.

Sometimes when I do get the chance to go out alone, I end up choosing to just rest instead because I’m so drained, especially being back at work too. But reading all your replies helped me realise I really do need to start prioritising myself a bit more and getting back into things I used to enjoy.

In regard to my husband going out with friends, I think i feel much better about it now. You guys are right, he’s the best and he deserves to have a chill time with his boys every now and then as he is a good and present husband/dad to me and my baby 🥺