When it comes to the realities of motherhood, seasoned moms have plenty of advice to share. They’ll tell you how your body will change—hips widen, breasts sag, and your face will bear the marks of sleepless nights. You’ll be deprived of genuine rest for what feels like an eternity, and finances will be tight as diapers, sports gear, and school supplies drain your wallet. And don’t even think about going anywhere easily until those toddler years are behind you.
But did anyone ever mention the feeling of being “touched out”? I was completely unprepared for this aspect of motherhood. After having three kids in quick succession, it felt like I was never alone. Someone was either inside me, nursing from me, or climbing all over me every minute of every day for six long years. Now that they’re older, I still find myself touched out some days, feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands from the moment I wake up until the last child is tucked in. Some nights, I simply lack the energy to cuddle at bedtime.
Our confessional is filled with voices from mothers who share these sentiments. You’ll read stories from new moms, those with toddlers, breastfeeding mothers, and even parents navigating the challenges of quarantine. And let’s not forget about those partners who come seeking affection just when we need some solitude the most.
“Breastfeeding twins. My toddler is super clingy. My husband wants intimacy. I’m utterly drained and touched out. Please, just don’t touch me.”
“Five months old, teething and nursing every half hour. I’m so touched out!!! I just want a glass of wine and a moment to myself.”
“Breastfeeding is exhausting. My 10-week-old screams whenever we try to offer a bottle. And I’ve got a 2.5-year-old on my hands too. I need a break!”
“After having my baby, my husband keeps asking for intimacy. I tell him I’m too drained from nursing, but he just waits a little while to ask again. I’m too tired to be annoyed.”
“Breastfeeding can leave you feeling touched out in ways you never expected. With cluster feeding or multiples, you’re never alone.”
“My patience is thin, and though my daughter is 4, I feel like I should be teaching her things. But I’m so worn out. I just want some peace.”
“I have three kids who want to be on top of me ALL. THE. TIME, and a husband who thrives on physical affection. I’m completely touched out!”
“Every morning by 9 am, I’m exhausted and touched out after my child runs to tell me he needs to use the bathroom—right past the bathroom!”
“I’ve started telling my kids when I’m touched out. They need to understand that I’m a person too, with my own boundaries.”
Even as these little ones grow into toddlers and preschoolers, they still cling to us, needing us for everything from meals to emotional support. And despite managing all of that, they still want physical contact every moment they’re awake (or even asleep).
“I cried today because my kids wouldn’t leave me alone. Motherhood can be relentless.”
“Stepping outside to check the mail is my only reprieve from the kids. As a stay-at-home mom, I’m just so touched out and burnt out. No one takes my struggles seriously.”
“Last night, I silently cried next to my 3-year-old while she fell asleep. I felt so touched out. This morning, I couldn’t even change my pad without being interrupted.”
“Feeling truly touched out with zero minutes for myself can break anyone. If you find yourself angry or in tears, we understand.”
“How does anyone find time for intimacy after having a baby? Once my son is asleep, I need to shower, catch up on work, or simply take a break. I can’t relax enough to be intimate anymore!”
“When my husband tries to get close, it makes my skin crawl and I feel a surge of anger. I just want to escape somewhere alone for a week.”
“I wish I could trade places with my husband for a day so he could understand the exhausting, ‘touched out’ state I’m in. It’s not him; it’s just how drained I feel.”
“I joke about my period lasting two weeks every month, but honestly, I love it because it means my husband leaves me alone. Sorry, but I’m so touched out that I’d rather not have sex.”
So yes, when our partners hint at intimacy or try to sneak in a kiss, we snap. Because, seriously, can we just have a moment without anyone touching us? It seems that feeling touched out is a common experience for many mothers, especially those stuck at home with little ones who constantly demand affection. We don’t need more physical contact from our partners; we crave a day to ourselves to recharge, whether that means hiding away to read, binge-watch our favorite shows, or just enjoy some quiet time. After we reclaim a bit of our personal space, maybe then we’ll be in the mood for intimacy.
For more insights on this topic, you might find our other blog post on consumer advocacy helpful. If you’re exploring the possibilities of starting a family, check out this authority on artificial insemination for couples, which can guide you through your journey. Additionally, for those seeking medical advice, this resource from ACOG on treating infertility is invaluable.
Search Queries:
- What does it mean to feel touched out as a mom?
- How can moms find personal space?
- Tips for reconnecting with your partner after kids.
- How to communicate needs as a parent.
- Strategies for managing overwhelming physical affection from kids.
In summary, the overwhelming physical demands of motherhood can leave many mothers feeling “touched out.” With constant needs from children, it’s essential for moms to find moments of solitude and communicate their boundaries to regain their sense of self. Recognizing this shared experience can help mothers feel less isolated in their struggles.
Leave a Reply