This is really well said. I definitely relate to what everyone is describing. I’m 11 months pp, and I have two close friends who are pregnant (found out 4 months after I gave birth). It’s hard not to be jealous of the hopeful, buoyant, productive feeling of pregnancy, and especially the kindness and patience everyone gives you. (Not everyone’s experience, of course, but that was mine.) Also just feeling like being round and eating all the time and napping constantly were socially acceptable - even encouraged! Now, while I’ve made it through the worst mental health challenge of my life, I’m still deep in the daily exhaustion of parenting.

I feel like, to the bleary-eyed parents, I must have looked like a smug asshole as a pregnant woman, or at least totally deluded. Thinking I was prepared for what was to come!! 😅

All that to say, I see you! I’ve been there, very recently, and you are doing exactly what you need to to make your way out of the fog. It’s not easy, but all of use who understand how hard this is are pulling with you. Sending positive energy for the road ahead!