When does infant stuff get easier

I have a 3 week old and for the most part he is a good baby, but i've had a few rough days..days were DS doesn't want to sleep unless he is being held, days were i didn't get to comb my hair, shower or even wash my face! My husband works a lot, so i already feel like a single mom...I'm not majorily depressed, but i have my moments. I can't take the baby out yet, so i'm trapped in the house most of the time...after a while it starts to get to you...I love my DS, but sometimes i miss my freedom too.
Does anyone have any words of inspiration to make me feel better?

Re: When does infant stuff get easier

it gets so much better.

can you put the baby in the stroller and just go for a walk?

that broke up my days in the beginning. I did not go into stores, just walked, the air was good for both of us.

Re: When does infant stuff get easier

its normal to feel this way... i would suggest getting out a little, a walk in the stroller would do you good.

Re: When does infant stuff get easier

It's totally normal, I think we've all been there. It got truly better for me about 6 weeks when she started sleeping through the night & her witching hour stopped & about then she had her first smile too....hang in there....do try to get out even for a few minutes.

Re: When does infant stuff get easier

Don't worry it will get better. I would definitely take the baby for a walk outside. The fresh air will be good for you and the baby.

Re: When does infant stuff get easier

my DD is 6 weeks old and I could have written your post myself about 3 weeks ago, maybe even 2 ;) In fact I probably wrote something very similar. I'll tell you what others told me, IT DOES GET EASIER! I know it's hard to believe but pretty soon you will feel a little more relaxed and things will go a little smoother. Sure, there will still be difficult days and nights, but it becomes much more manageable. I still have my moments, as every day is a new adventure and presents new challenges but I feel a little more capable of handling them . It will be okay !

Re: When does infant stuff get easier

I remember those days all too well. And it was winter which made it even worse.
i agree with PP- get outside-even if it is just for a walk, to go to Target, whatever. And try to shower every day- bring the bouncer/swing/ or whatever into the bathroom if you have to. That helped me- even if some days I didn't have time to wash my hair.

In a few more weeks things will get easier..

Re: When does infant stuff get easier

It does get easier...eventually. My advice would be to at least shower, get dressed, put makeup on, etc every day. That alone made me feel human every day. Then go for walks or visit family, etc. Also, I tried to cook dinner every night, to at least be doing something productive...or work on the baby book, organize his closet, clean. Productive things during his naptime always made me feel 100x better.

It will get easier!!!!!!

Message edited 6/21/2008 10:55:06 AM.

Re: When does infant stuff get easier

In a few more weeks you and the baby will work yourselves into somewhat of a routine. It can be really tough those first few Weeks even months.

By 6 Weeks you will notice things calming down. By 10 Weeks you'll be feeling more like your old self.

Re: When does infant stuff get easier

First, we have all been there and it does get easier.

I can remember being on leave and DS crying and I am wallking holding him tears streaming down my face. I called my DH one day at work to tell him not to be late because if he was I couldnt guarantee that DS wouldnt have been giving to the neighbor to raise! I would sing songs to him I made up and the chorus would me "yes mommy is going insane, all this crying is making me crazy. If only you loved mommy enough to stop crying before I lose my mind!" (oh and DS was a pretty easy baby by most standards - but he hated to nap for about 3 weeks from 3-6 wks old)

Second, go out! it will make you feel better, even if its a walk around the block or a trip to BRU. I felt like a more confident and happy mommy when I started venturing out with my little one!

Re: When does infant stuff get easier

I took DD out for walks around the neighborhood even that young. Just cover up the stroller with netting to keep curious neighbors away. I still don't lift the netting to show anyone. They were short walks in the beginning, but moreso b/c I had a section I was recovering from. Just dont take the baby to the stores. Do you have a friend or family member that can take baby off your hands even for just a few hours? It's a huge adjustment getting used to the demands of a newborn, recovering from childbirth and learning to get along on far less sleep. Yet, life goes on and there's still stuff to get done and DH's who have to go back to work. I was in the same boat as you - DH didn't even have vaca time to take as this is a new job for him. He helps me on the weekends, but during the week it's really hard. He does do her last feeding of the night (around 9pm) and I go to bed when he's doing that, then I get up when she wakes up for feedings as I'm still on maternity leave.

When the going gets rough though and you are alone... put the baby down... crying or not. Call someone or just take a moment to count to 50. It can get very grading on the nerves when they are inconsolable and even as much as we love them, it's hard not to think "why won't you shut up" or "why am I not able to make you happy". That's when it's time to take a time out. As long as you put the baby somewhere safe such as in the crib, there's nothing wrong with letting them cry for a few minutes... I feel it's safer than being with an overstressed mom who's alone. I've been there.

I felt your pain overall though... in fact I think it was at 3 weeks where she cried most of a Friday night and most of the following Saturday - finally I called the Pediatrician and they suggested taking her to the hospital to be safe. Nothing was wrong, just gas. Maybe make sure it's not gas. I didn't notice if you were BFing or FFing, but DD was mostly on Formula at that point and pretty gassy - we changed the bottles a few times and she's better with that issue now. We use the playtex air vent one's. Hang in there...

Message edited 6/21/2008 11:48:13 AM.

Re: When does infant stuff get easier

when they're 18

Re: When does infant stuff get easier

It gets better. I can tell you right around where you are with you DC right now I was flipping out with my DD. It's hard. You can take your DC for a walk. I understand not wanting to go "out" but you can go for a walk so you at least leave the house a little KWIM?

As for the single mom thing I definitely know that feeling too. Stinks but the love and attachment is so great.

Re: When does infant stuff get easier

As others have said...yes it does get easier. And to be honesti HATED hearing that. Because everyday i waited and waited for it to get easier, well it seemed like FOREVER!!!

I HATED hearing.."oh wait till the 3 mos mark" then you will see such a difference.

But looking back, each day did get a little easier.

Actually it always felt like i would be going 2 steps forward and fell back 5. And this went on for a while. IMO this is just you and your DC getting to know each other. You learning all about your DC. I think we all have to go through this to get to the point where we are now. And not for nothing we are ALL still in that pattern. Waiting for something to get easier. Feedings, walkings, SLEEPING, talking, learning etc etc...

So as much as it def does get easier it is all hard. We just learn to deal with it better each day.

I used to look at my DS as a little alien. For me the first 3 mos were hard (pooping, gas, acid reflux issues). I didn't want to leave the house either. Then one day i woke up and i had a SON. A son with this wonderful personality and all of this love. The feeling is just UNBELIEVABLE!

So as much as i hated hearing it back then, i am going to say it to you. WAIT IT OUT. You are going to be amazed!

Message edited 6/21/2008 6:02:47 PM.