Does anyone feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders?

I love my son so much, but I get so overwhelmed that I can't sleep which makes everything worse.

I am worried about going back to work and pumping and supplying enough milk and sleeping and just managing everything.

The anticipation of going back to work (and I know I am lucky bec I am working 3 days) a week is killing me.

My parents are watching Gavin 2 times a week and DH 1 time a week. It is perfect, right?

Why am I so stressed out all the time? This is manageable, right? I keep telling myself I have the best of both worlds.

There are times I miss my old life, which then I feel guilty about because I love Gavin so much.

Re: Does anyone feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders?

awwwwww mama

we all go through that

But yes you are VERY lucky to have family and your DH wanting your DS.

You will get your sleep soon

do you swaddle?

Re: Does anyone feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders?

Re: Does anyone feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders?

Re: Does anyone feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders?

I think we all feel that way in the beginning. You will get yourself a routine and Gavin and you will look back on these early days and think it wasn't so bad You're doing great and you have your DH and family to help!

Re: Does anyone feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders?

it's all part of being a new mom! It IS manageable and you CAN do it. Just take it one day at a time.....it'll work out.

Re: Does anyone feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders?

BFing is a lot of work! Don't stress the preparation, you will make it through

Re: Does anyone feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders?

Tara what you are feeling is so normal!!!

This little person throws your life completely into a tail spin. Your life is probably so different than you ever imagined being a parent could be, because of that and feeling overwhelmed doesn't mean there is anything wrong with you or your parenting, it's all normal.

You only had Gavin a short time ago. You are probably in a pretty good routine or at least comfortable in your day now. Now you are going back to work 3 days a week and that means things will change- that too is very overwhelming and as Mommies we have automatic guilt for not being there for every moment, it's normal. You are doing great don't worry

Re: Does anyone feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders?

just want to say that what you are feeling is so incredibly normal. especially in the beginning months. for me, even though i loved my DD more than life itself i would "miss" my old life b/c my new life with DD was so overwhelming and so full of responsibility that i couldn't wrap my head around it! as time goes on it just starts to fall into place and feel natural. give yourself some time. everything with work will be ok.-- an adjustment at first but that will fall into place too. in a few months he won't be so dependent on BM and will be on solid foods and won't be a tiny baby anymore. it is going to be ok!

edited to add that when DD was 3 months i went back to work p/t with my mom and DH watching DD-i was so nervous about it at first but it worked out great! found that i had the best of both worlds with mommyhood and work. i also BF'd and that worked out too even with going back p/t.

Message edited 5/25/2008 10:27:16 PM.

Re: Does anyone feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders?

Feeling overwhelmed is normal. I also EBF, and I went back to work (5 days a week) at a little over 3 months. Pumping is working out just fine and I was worried like you. Working and being a mom is definitely challenging and there are still days that I am really overwhelmed (DS is almost 6 months old). I wouldn't change anything in the world (except if I could be a SAHM), but I do miss having a moment to myself once in awhile.

Hang in there and know that we're always here if you need anything!!!!

Re: Does anyone feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders?

You will do just fine. It may be hard the first week or two, but you will get into a routine like you did before Gavin.

I am also scared about going back to work. Especially with BF. I am having trouble with pumping.

You are lucky to have family watching him. It will make it easier.

Re: Does anyone feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders?

I HIGHLY recommend that blanket (see my post - Ryan is sleeping!!!)

I'm sorry you're feeling this way but I'm sure you'll feel better once you get into the groove of your rountine. I think it's similar to the way we feel when we're at the end of our pregnancies - we anticipate the labor and then bringing home a newborn and what kind of parent we'll be - but somehow we figure it all out

Re: Does anyone feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders?

Thank you ladies, I am just so mad at myself for feeling this way.

I actually took a Benedrayl last night to help me sleep. I think it helped a bit, I was drowsy. I felt horrible taking one and guilty. They did give it to me in the hospital, so I know it is safe, but not ideal to do.

Being responsible for this little person just takes the breath out of me sometimes. I love him so much, but just get overwhelmed.

Message edited 5/26/2008 10:15:17 AM.

Re: Does anyone feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders?

OMG- you sound like me last summer. I went back to work (3 days a week) whe DD was about 10 weeks old. DH looked after her on the days I worked.

I was also EBF (but DD took bottles of BM once in awhile starting at about 3 weeks).

MAKE SURE you set aside the time to pump to replace your missed feedings. Also- start building up your freezer stash now.

It is TOTALLY doable. I am now working 4 days a week- and only JUST weaned DD off BM to formula/milk and she is 11 months.

I REMEMBER how overwhelmed I felt when I was just starting back to work. I thought DD would be sleeping through the night at that point- and she WASN'T (and didn't until almost 8.5 months!).

Guess what? You WILL figure out a routine that works for you. I swear that having a baby gives you superpowers and you are somehow able to function on snippets of sleep.

Good luck- we are all here to support you!!! It sounds lik

Re: Does anyone feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders?

Posted by Porrruss

OMG- you sound like me last summer. I went back to work (3 days a week) whe DD was about 10 weeks old. DH looked after her on the days I worked.

I was also EBF (but DD took bottles of BM once in awhile starting at about 3 weeks).

MAKE SURE you set aside the time to pump to replace your missed feedings. Also- start building up your freezer stash now.

It is TOTALLY doable. I am now working 4 days a week- and only JUST weaned DD off BM to formula/milk and she is 11 months.

I REMEMBER how overwhelmed I felt when I was just starting back to work. I thought DD would be sleeping through the night at that point- and she WASN'T (and didn't until almost 8.5 months!).

Guess what? You WILL figure out a routine that works for you. I swear that having a baby gives you superpowers and you are somehow able to function on snippets of sleep.

Good luck- we are all here to support you!!! It sounds lik

Re: Does anyone feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders?

I have nights where I have insomnia worrying about my kids and life in general. But I find there is an ebb and flow to it. Gratefully, there are times of mental peace too. I think it's normal. And you are a new Mom and sleep deprived, no doubt, even if you don't feel like it sometimes. It gets easier...I wish you peace.