Ok, please go easy on me... I am a first-timer single mom with way more guilt than is natural. I know this. I just could use some reassurance.
I had to take my almost 4 week old to the doctor yesterday, and he cried 15 of the 20 minutes it took to get there, despite my best efforts to make sure he was fed and content before we left. I think it just got really hot. By the time we got there, he had stopped crying and was just looking around really sad and sort of lethargic. He fussed while we were in the waiting room so I nursed him, and until the dreaded heel prick, everything was fine. He fussed and cried a little bit a few times on the way to the store and then the way home, but seemed to wear himself out and fall asleep in the middle of it. I'm not going to pull over every time he makes a peep, but if we still have a ways to go, and he's full-on crying, I will pull over to nurse and snuggle just to hold him over until we get home - time permitting. But I'm wondering if this crying and then falling asleep from crying thing is technically crying it out?
Obviously, I have to do what I have to do, and while we're not on any real schedule at home, some things have to be scheduled. Like doctor appointments. I can't bend the rules of the world to keep him from crying. I get that. I probably sound like a crazy person right now, but I feel so guilty that he literally cried himself to sleep yesterday. If he had his way, he'd be in someone's arms 99% of the time. Babywearing makes my life a lot easier, but mama still has to shower some time, so there are times he has to fuss for a bit and I can't be right there. I just feel like I'm doing it wrong.
Re: Did my 4 week old CIO?
No. CIO is a form of sleep training where you intentionally leave LO to cry hoping to "teach" them to self soothe. Unfortunately, sometimes your LO will cry and there's nothing you can do despite your best efforts (like in the car, or when you need a q
DS: 11/1/2010 DD: 8/9/2012 #3: 4/2019
Breastfeeding Counselor with Breastfeeding USA
Babywearing Guide ** Newborn Carriers
Cloth Diaper Guide
Safe Bed Sharing Info
Definitely agree with PPs.
Also, in my own experience, setting up a CD of relaxing tunes and playing them while we were nursing, cuddling or rocking made car trips more bearable. She would calm down and settle more quickly when hearing those song
Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste,
It all revolves around you.