Anyone feel overwhelmed once baby was born? Need some advice.

Mishy626 Posted: Oct 07, 2004 06:18 PM

Anyone feel overwhelmed once baby was born? Need some advice.

My son is 2 weeks old now and happily he is home now (was in the NICU) and we love him to death. At the same time, I am finding myself completely overwhelmed. At first I was breastfeeding/bottle feeding due to his stay in the NICU and he had gained 4 ounces in the first week. Then I switched to all breastfeeding and he lost 2 ounces so my doctor said I should be supplementing. He said 'on demand' but I'm really not sure what that means. Any suggestions?

I don't know if Matthew is colicky or not... it seems he is hungry all the time, because he is for the most part crying. He eats about every 3 hours or so, sometimes more, sometimes less.

I'm not even sure why I'm posting this, because I feel I'm rambling about too many things. Is it normal for a baby to just cry and eat.... he sometimes has an hour of 'contentment' but other than that, it seems he is quite fussy. I don't know how I will go back to work and continue with the upkeep of the apartment, etc. At night he is up every 2 to 3 hours.... which makes us quite tired. Is this normal?

Am I normal for feeling overwhelmed? I feel horrible that I feel this way... any help, words of wisdom, advice for breastfeeding/supplementing will be greatly appreciated. THanks.

kptoys Posted: Oct 07, 2004 06:37 PM

Re: Anyone feel overwhelmed once baby was born? Need some advice.

It is completly normal to feel overwhelmed with a newborn!!!!

You should be breastfeeding both sides and if he still seems hungry after you are empty then try some formula. IMO you should not just offer formula when you think he is hungry. You need to build up your supply.

Breastfed babies get hungrier quicker than formula fed babies do. In the beginning Emma would eat every 1-3 hours. Does he quiet down after a feeding?

Dont worry about work or your housework now. You need to relax and get used to each other.

Yes, being up that much at night is completly normal and very hard on someone who is used to unintrupted sleep. I hate to say it but that may take a while to get adjusted to.

Matt'sbride Posted: Oct 08, 2004 09:09 AM

Re: Anyone feel overwhelmed once baby was born? Need some advice.

My sister felt the same way! She said no one told you they were gonna cut off the painkillers when you left the hospital and that you would feel like hell and be up all of the time with a newborn! I really don't have any advice since I haven't been through it myself but to tell you that all of my friends and cousins have felt totally overwhelmed - it's completely normal!

brideinapril Posted: Oct 08, 2004 09:48 AM

Re: Anyone feel overwhelmed once baby was born? Need some advice.

Of course its normal to feel overwhelmed!! Your tired!!! My son was the same way - I don't think he slept for the first 9 months of his life!!! Its all an adjustment - but what your going through is totally normal.

Victoria Posted: Oct 08, 2004 10:03 AM

Re: Anyone feel overwhelmed once baby was born? Need some advice.

I just typed a really long book to you, but my dd leaned on the keyboard and it disappeared. Here is the short version:

Your feeling are normal right now. If you still have the blues at your 6 wk. p appt, mention it to the dr. Feeding on demand means let him eat every time he is hungry instead of feeding on a schedule. This is an important part of building a milk supply. If you supplement, be sure to let him eat completely off each breast first. Then offer a bottle. After 6 weeks it all gets much easier. Call an LC if you need help building your supply.

MSCJLK Posted: Oct 08, 2004 10:11 AM

Re: Anyone feel overwhelmed once baby was born? Need some advice.

First take a deep breath... it is completly normal. Jillian was up every two houes when she was first home. I wuld listen to the Dr and keep supplmenting Breatfeeding with formula... On damand mean that you feed the baby when he cries and do not wake home up to feed him... this is the best advice i got DO NOT WAKE A SLEEPING BABY!!!!!!!! I have a friend who con is the worst sleeper becasue she used to wake him up to feed him.. I have a 8-10 hour sleeper and she lets me know whne she is hungry....Also try pumping to increase your supply. Just take a deep breath... It does get easier.. and during the day try to sleep when he sleeps.. two hours here and there really help...Also if you have any family around ask them to come over and give him a bottle so you can get some sleep.....Good luck and hope you have a better week

wino2 Posted: Oct 10, 2004 11:21 AM

Re: Anyone feel overwhelmed once baby was born? Need some advice.

first second demand feeding is when baby is hungry feeding from cues smacking lips putting hand in mouth rooting for breast... It is normal for babies to cry and eat every 2-3 hours sometimes more frequently... and feedings are time from start to start so it goes quickly.. Make sure you are sleeping when he does as sleep makes things look so much better... Ask for help b/c you need it.. make sure you are eating and drinking... I would also call peditrician is crying persists constantly could be the formula or gas... .. Keep us updated hangin there we are here for you