- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Parenting after a Loss
When will the "overwhelmed" feeling go away?
We got home on Sunday night ... Duncan is jaundiced and has to be in a phototherapy bed constantly when he's not eating. My nipples are killing me, I'm exhausted, and I am scared and overwhelmed and anxious.
I love our baby and am so happy he's here, but at the same time I am ... everything else all at once.
Any advice welcome. 
(
This discussion has been closed.
Re: When will the "overwhelmed" feeling go away?
The first 2 weeks or so were the worst. It seemed to get even that much easier after 6 weeks & by 3 months I felt like a pro! Hang in there, sweetie!
Do we get to see pics???
Ditto! It's like it changes in stages, and those were mine too.
We went through the exact same thing with an extra stay in the hospital thrown in. I did the nipple shields, the tube/formula/nipple contraption, tried pumping... ACK, it was a mess and VERY stressful.
And then coming hmome and still having to keep DD on the biliblanket was not fun. What I will tell you is that once your DS is able to be off the lights and you can hold him whenever you want without having to worry about getting him back on the light asap, and you can dress him in something other than a diaper and those heartbreaking heel sticks are behind you, it will feel less overwhelming.
You are dealing with a baby who needs some extra care on top of having a newborn at home now-- that is A LOT to handle! Take it one day at a time and set small goals. I kept my eye on 3 weeks, then 6 weeks... now I'm onto 3 months and 6 months! You will see huge changes at these points.
I'm always here if you need any help with jaundice questions. How is his level today???
It will get better! We had to use the photo therapy bed as well and I just had to keep reminding myself that it is better than having to be at the hospital! Get yourself some lanolin...it will help your breasts immensely and if you can, get someone to come over so you can get a nap.
Remember that you are healing too and that your hormones are all over the place. It is ok to cry if that makes you feel better (it always worked for me ;-)) Just take it one feeding at a time and you will get there!
I would say it took me a couple of weeks to start to feel comfortable with Ethan and our new life. But I still had good and bad days on and off for awhile. Accept any help that is offered, get as much rest as you can - you can't be a good mommy if you aren't taking care of yourself.
It does get easier, I promise...just take it day by day.
Congrats!
A
take each day at a time. each day will get easier. don't be afraid to ask your doc for some assistance if needed to get you "over the hump" Zoloft or Prozac can do wonders even if it is only short term. there is nothing worse than walking around exhausted not feeling like yourself anymore. good luck
When they are 30 years old. :-D
In all seriousness, I felt the same exact way as you, for about 3 weeks. After that, it really got better..I stopped feeling like I was going to accidentally kill them or on purpose, myself. I remember feeling so depressed and anxious!
One piece of advice. Well, two actually. The first is..if your nipples hurt, SEE A LC. It is NOT supposed to hurt and if it does, you have a bad latch. I learned this the hard way..so get help now!
Second: if anyone offers you help, for God's sake take it! Do not be a martyr. People want to help...let them. Get some sleep wherever you can, and take care of YOU. You are no good to anyone if you aren't whole and rested (as much as you can be).
Peace and sympathy to you my dear..it will get better, I promise!