In the initial months with my neurodivergent baby, I experienced firsthand how parenting challenges and changes can leave you running on empty. The nights stretched into an endless sequence of waking phases—sometimes I was up every half hour. On top of that came cluster feeding, with hours-long nursing sessions uninterrupted. I still vividly recall those exhausting moments, enviously watching other mothers who seemed to enjoy relaxing in cafés while I could only dream of such luxury. Like many parents facing parenting challenges and changes, I felt overwhelmed and isolated.
When the nights finally improved a bit—I was "only" waking up every hour—I felt relieved: Surely now everything would get easier. But just as I adapted to the new rhythm, the next challenge arose. The baby grew heavier yet still wanted to be carried all day instead of lying in the stroller or crib.
Do you know this feeling? Just when you've overcome one hurdle, the next one emerges. The sleep issues resolve, but then the eating drama begins. The food refusal ends, only to be replaced by the first tantrums. And when you think everything is finally running smoothly—bam!—the next developmental phase arrives.