I am exhausted all the time. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a new mom or because there’s been a lot of chaos in my life lately. Life has felt like a constant juggling act. I’m always looking for ways to improve my energy levels—they are low, like my iPhone battery running at 75% of its capacity. My little one is 10 months old now, and every day feels like a mix of love, chaos, and exhaustion.
Of course, there’s the fun side effect of this new lifestyle: hair loss. Yes, ladies and gents, my hair seems to have a mind of its own these days. I joke that I’m basically a walking “before” picture for a shampoo commercial. But jokes aside, it’s a reminder that my body is still adjusting, and I really should see a doctor to make sure everything’s okay.
One of the biggest challenges has been finding a rhythm that works for both me and my baby while also allowing me to feel productive and efficient in what I do. If I don’t manage to get things done, I don’t feel like myself—it’s not just about surviving the day; it’s about doing something meaningful.
Morning routines are a whole adventure in themselves. Getting my little one ready involves more steps than a military operation: changing, dressing, feeding, and ensuring they’re happy enough not to burst into tears mid-step. I would love to be a pro at multitasking—but clearly, I’m not there yet.
Hopefully, we managed to find a really good childminder. Finding reliable childcare was another big challenge. In France, to return to work, we needed a place in a nursery or a childminder, but in Nantes, getting a spot is extremely difficult. Most openings are in September, or a few in January, so starting in March made it even harder. We applied to many nurseries, and all of them refused. Many families here face the same struggle.
While we were waiting, knowing the chances were slim, we decided to look for a nanny instead. We contacted 70 nannies, and only two responded and agreed to meet us. Luckily, the first one who was available and whom we met was amazing—we fell in love immediately and decided she would take care of our son during my work hours. That was a huge relief, allowing me to focus on my productivity while knowing my baby was in great hands.
I’ve been asking myself what I can do to feel more energetic—drink more coffee? Go to bed earlier? I’m starting to feel a bit desperate. One thing I know I need to do is make an effort to reduce scrolling on social media. Honestly, it can be a game-changer. Those extra few minutes of brain space allow me to focus, plan, and feel more in control of my day.
Even with the exhaustion, the mess, and the surprises, I’ve decided to make an effort and try to find my balance. Some days are better than others, but I’ve learned to celebrate the small victories: an hour to myself, a smooth morning routine, or even just surviving a day. Productivity and efficiency aren’t about perfection—they’re about making the most of the time I have and feeling proud of what I accomplish, however small it may seem.
Being a new mom is tough, but it’s also full of little moments that make it all worthwhile. And with a bit of planning, humor, and caffeine, life can be both manageable and joyful—even if my hair has other ideas.
