DS is only 3 weeks old and I am feeling overwhelmed!!

My ds is 3 weeks old. He was just diagnosed yesterday with a milk/protein allergy. He has been on Simliac Alimentum for 2 days now but only seems a little better. He is not sleeping at night and I am so exhausted. Last night I was up holding him till 4 am and was fighting to stay awake. I was just sitting there crying. I do not know what to do to make him feel better and am so mentally and physically exhausted! I guess i thought once on new formula he would feel better. It is strange b/c he seems to be able to sleep during day and stomach does not seem to bother him as much. Tonight I am going to try letting him sleep in the boppy chair. Sorry for the vent I just do not know what to do and feel like I am not going to be a good mom!!!

Re: DS is only 3 weeks old and I am feeling overwhelmed!!

I am sorry you are going through this. I dont have any advice just some

Is it the allergy issue that is causing him to be so fussy? Or colic?

Re: DS is only 3 weeks old and I am feeling overwhelmed!!

hugs to you! i think the first few weeks are without a doubt the HARDEST time! for me it was the worst both times. i promise you it will get better and easier....and you are not a bad mom!! it is tough! you are doing a great job! hang in there! you will see a difference in a few weeks!!

Re: DS is only 3 weeks old and I am feeling overwhelmed!!

Posted by ME75

hugs to you! i think the first few weeks are without a doubt the HARDEST time! for me it was the worst both times. i promise you it will get better and easier....and you are not a bad mom!! it is tough! you are doing a great job! hang in there! you will see a difference in a few weeks!!

Re: DS is only 3 weeks old and I am feeling overwhelmed!!

I've sent you a FM

Re: DS is only 3 weeks old and I am feeling overwhelmed!!

Hang in there it does get better. I thought the first 2 months were the hardest especially with 3 of them I wanted to shoot myself...by the 3 month things were so much better. Just try to get some rest whenever you can.

Re: DS is only 3 weeks old and I am feeling overwhelmed!!

The first month is the worst, but please don't let him sleep in the boppy! DS fell asleep in it and his head slipped down and he couldn't breathe for a second--I was right there and grabbed him, but it can be very dangerous!

ETA: Boppy swing is fine, I was talking about boppy pillow!

Message edited 12/12/2009 9:50:07 PM.

Re: DS is only 3 weeks old and I am feeling overwhelmed!!

I feel for you. The first few weeks are SO HARD. I remember being so tired, all I wanted to do was sleep or cry - and DD didn't have any allergies, so I can't imagine how much harder it is for you!

It really does get better, I promise. Let him sleep where he'll sleep. My DD slept in the boppy swing for the first 5 weeks of her life - it was our life saver.

Hang in there - we're all here if you need support.

Re: DS is only 3 weeks old and I am feeling overwhelmed!!

Alimentum still has dairy in it. He may not be able to handle it. My son couldn't and was put on amino acid formula and did great-he is now on soy milk at 1.

Re: DS is only 3 weeks old and I am feeling overwhelmed!!

We went through this with my son. He ended up on Neocate and it helped but he still doesn't sleep well.
We swaddled him and he slept in the boppy pillow next to me or on his tummy if he wasn't swaddled. Ideal...no but it was the only thing that worked.

Re: DS is only 3 weeks old and I am feeling overwhelmed!!

you are going to be just FINE and so will your son!!! we are here for you!

i didn't have the chance to read the other responses, but many (if not all) babies come 'out' and have their days & nights confused. They are used to all the movement in your tummy during the day and it LULLED him to sleep (with all the rocking)....and at night - when you were still - he was awake & likely at 'play' in your tummy!

make sure you are differentiating the day & night. During the day - turn the TV loud (not blasting - but keep it on and a touch louder than normal)....keep every light on (if you don't have any natural light)... try to get him in the sun for at least 5 - 15 minutes a day (this can help set their internal clock - it helped Emma within 2-3 days).

at night - turn the tv OFF or keep it low, NO lights...keep everything dramatic....meaning nighttime - whisper...(for now)..etc.

he will eventually come around and things will get better!

give the new formula a chance to work - i was told it can take up to a week for things to 'improve' on a new formula!

most importantly - realize you are only human...do you have help? Can DH take care of the baby while you catch a nap? Do you have anyone you can call to give you even an hour's rest?

i know it may seem hard - but sleep when the baby does. Right now you are so run down - you NEED to sleep and recharge your batteries!!! Sleep deprivation is horrid (i've been there)....so every little cat nap is priceless!

please, fm me if you need anything and if i can help in any way... we've ALL been there!!!