Help! Other moms of young babies.

I have a 6 month old who refuses to fall asleep before 10 or 11 pm at night and I have to be up for work at 4:30 am so I am also quite exhausted and feel unorganized. I have been trying to focus on eating right even if I am too tired to work out. I've been trying to keep grab and go healthy snacks on hand as well to try and make it "easier" for me.

My babies aren't baby-sized anymore (5 and 6 now) but I clearly remember those days. I may catch some grief for this, but the only thing that saved my life was nursing and co-sleeping. I had a bassinet that hooked onto the edge of the bed. They both slept better too beside me than in another room. I had a full time job, was in college full time, and also trying to turn my life around on my own both physically and mentally. Cosleeping saved my sanity.

I did the cry it out method with my two oldest around 6 months. We co-slept for the first 3 months then the next 3 months I transitioned them to their crib but I would nurse them until the fell asleep. I know this is not for everyone though. I would sing to them and read them a story and then laid them down with a lullaby machine. I had to walk to a part of the house where I couldn't hear them and after 10 minutes if they were still crying I would go in quietly and pat them for a couple minutes and then leave just as quietly as I came in. It took my oldest about a week and the second about 3 weeks to get in the habit. With my youngest he pretty much did co-sleeping until he was 2 so I didn't do the cry it out method because of possible emotional trauma since he was older. When I transitioned him to his own room we did our usual bedtime routine and then I would lay with him until he fell asleep. Every couple of days I would move a little further away from him until eventually I stood at the door until he fell asleep. After about 2 months he was able to fall asleep without me being in there. It's still a process since it's only been about 4 months since he turned two but it does get better I promise. Coffee gets me through the day and also kills a lot of stress cravings for me. I also allow calories for treats if I am craving something just so I don't feel deprived.

Don't feel too bad about it. Especially if you are at least maintaining. I find that when I am exhausted I feel hungrier because my body needs energy and is confused. food= energy and sleep=energy. Can you have a neighbor come over so you can do a 15-20 min walk or run by yourself? Don't feel bad asking for and taking help, especially for short periods of time.