My baby girl was born last Monday (Sept. 14), and I love her to pieces but I'm struggling to cope with everything. My mom was supposed to come stay with me the first week but she keeps flaking on me and postponing. I'm a FTM and am just feeling incredibly overwhelmed. I've only been out of the house once since the baby was born. Tried going on a short walk around the neighborhood and felt so stressed out the entire time - everything was so loud and bright. Is this normal? Is it normal to want to cry all the time?
I'm just so disappointed that my mother hasn't stepped up to help me. I feel like things are never going to get better... I'm sad and lonely.
Any advice?
Thanks xo
Re: Feeling so alone.. need support and love
I'm just trying to do everything in little trips here and there. Good luck and relax!
Good luck!
Talking to our pediatrician was what helped me the most -- I just made a long list of every question I had (from reflux to taking him out in public) and she was very patient and made me feel so much better. I'm sure your OB would also be super helpful, esp if you think it might be more than the baby blues.
It sucks your mom isn't stepping up, but you are awesome and capable! You can do this, even though it is scary AF. The nurses when I was at the hospital told me its important to remember that our babies are stronger than they seem. So I also try to remind myself that as well.
I agree with pp ... do what you can for yourself when baby is sleeping. Nap ... take a shower ... go for a walk with baby in the stroller! Feel human again. And a tip: Don't overwhelm yourself with too many visitors right away. We've had visitors or appointments every single day except two since our baby was born. It was exhausting trying to keep the house clean, trying to look presentable, trying to work around baby's feeding schedule, etc., just to have visitors. My husband didn't get it because he welcomed the social interaction, but for me it was so inconvenient! Some days I just want to stay in my PJs, and it's impossible to develop any sort of routine when you're constantly having people stop over. When my husband goes back to work next week, I'm taking a week off from people and visitors and just hanging with baby and dog!