I had to book myself into a local hotel and take myself away from it all for a Saturday night, so I could rest up. Best thing I ever did. Just basically read books, gave myself a manicure, ate not so healthy stuff and went to sleep at 4pm, because I was so worn out at the time.

Get DH and the mums to team up to look after your children while you go and have some down time.

Just tell DH that you need help. Proclaim Sunday's as your sleep in day and lock the bedroom door. DH is a big boy, he can look after the kids. Even if you just lie in bed and read a book/magazine at least you are resting. When you are in there, relaxing just remember that a responsible adult is looking after your kids and they are more than capable of doing it and ignore the noise.

Organise the troops and tell them that you are going to have some down time. Just get out of the house, book into a cheap motel (or a child free friend's house) and do something for yourself.

You aren't being a bad mother, you are being a responsible one by taking care of yourself first.