Hi lovely ladies,
After 5 years TTC and IVF we finally welcomed our baby boy in to our lives 6 weeks ago.
Up until about 2 weeks ago we were struggling with the adjustments of parenthood like any others and getting used to our baby, his cues and his needs.
But in the last week and a half we’ve had to admit to ourselves that we have a difficult baby. Far from the lovely chilled one we had dreamed of after our emotional journey to become parents.
He has started crying and screaming as soon as he needs something, we see his cues and start to act on them and it’s just not quick enough (we’re taking 30 seconds) and major meltdown occurs.
He gets so stressed when feeding that he is screaming before the bottle is in his mouth, then won’t take it abs when he finally does, he gulps do quickly (while crying) that he pulls back full of gas, then projectile vomits. Then he’s hungry again and the process restarts. We’re combi feeding so when I breastfeed he is a bit calmer but still cries if I don’t get my boob out quick enough and pulls back during feeding so I literally have to hold him to the boob. I’ve been to the GP and he prescribed gaviscon for possible reflux but I’m not sure it’ll help.
I know this is about the time that he’s having a growth spurt and also a developmental change but we’re both tearing our hair out and don’t know what to do.
A lot of time time it’s impossible to soothe him and he just wails himself out.
He is worse with my husband than me, which is very upsetting for us both….
Has anyone been through this or have any advice? It’s horrendous.
Xxx
Sending lots of hugs being a mum is hard work! Dosent matter how wanted they are or the struggle you endeared. I had a 7 year struggle to have my nearly 3 year old daughter Francesca so I know that sometimes you feel guilty for finding it difficult feel bad for complaining it's hard 🙈😂 ( atm Francesca has speech delay been referred to SALT and is very likely autistic so needs assessment) and we had her sister Eliza 11 weeks ago today! I have found it very difficult going from 1 to 2 children under 3! I feel so overwhelmed at times and bad for feeling that way especially after we had Eliza after losing our second daughter So I hear you. I haven't got much useful advice- I put Francesca on baby probiotics and I swear it really eased her colic even now she's still on childrens probiotics as she has a delicate tummy. I have done the same with Eliza and it has made a huge difference- she used to scream a lot every evening and is much more relaxed now. Don't get me wrong Eliza still gets hysterical does exactly what you have described - usually when she's tired boarding on over tired. Such a nightmare. I find rocking her helps and lots of deep breaths!You are doing a wonderful job don't you forget that. It will get easier I promise you. Hang in there Xx
Thank you so much for your reply.
It’s so damn hard. You are literally superwoman dealing with 2!! I feel like I need to get a grip 🤦🏼♀️
And I’m sorry you’ve had such a struggle too.
It’s really interesting to hear that Eliza is similar with the screaming. It’s relentless. And I worry for what it’s doing emotionally to my husband - neither of us are really able to feel happy around him.
I will try the probiotics - thanks for the tips xxx
Thank you . Definitely not a superwomen , just a fellow mum that understands how hard it is! My husband felt really cut off from Francesca as as baby she just really wanted me, but now they are as close as anything. He also feels like that a bit with Eliza but knows it’s just a phase ❤️Tell your husband your son will want him more as he becomes a toddler. My husband is like a big kid in the soft play with Francesca! Don’t know who has more fun him or her! 😂 Babies do really just want mum especially as you are still breastfeeding- they aren’t silly they know mummy has milk on tap! Eliza is my third ( live- as Amelia was born asleep) baby and it’s still difficult! I have a grown up son and 2 daughters. The screaming is awful cuts right through you Eliza goes purple almost! You are doing well, it’s bloody not easy. It is the hardest but will be the most rewarding Job. The expectation vs reality of a baby especially after infertility are very different! I felt with Francesca I had no right to complain or thought people be like “ well you really wanted a baby!” I think when I was in the midst of infertility I would’ve wanted to slap someone like me having a moan when I was so desperate for a baby but reality is it is hard work and it’s ok to feel like that don’t feel guilty for it ( I know I did which is silly) Someone said to me having a baby after infertility is like putting a plaster over a deep wound and expecting it to just heal it’s not like that. It has taken me a longtime to come terms and be at peace with “the journey. “ Some people benefit from counselling I just came to terms eventually in my own way. Never underestimate the damage that “journey “ can do to a person/couple. If you need support never feel ashamed ( I did feel ashamed) Coming out of infertility and a having a baby isn’t easy cut yourself some slack ❤️Xx
Thanks Jess, it feels good to know others experience this too (although I wouldn’t wish it on anyone)…It’s a tough gig. He has just started smiling though which is a game changer for sure!
Xxx