Being a new mum.

[h2jo]

Please tell me it gets better!! Parenthood is hard! Not that I expected it to be easy, but I think no words could prepare me for raising a child. Any selfishness in me is being completely sucked out and it hurts. 3 hours sleep last night and just when I got a moment to rest my head today William woke 45 mins later wanting a feed. It was my fault that I only got 3 hours sleep last night, but the broken sleep patterns are still a killer. I'm used to 8-9 hours sleep a night, but now its 3 hours sleep wake for an hour, 3 hours sleep and then its day time.
I guess I just needed some encouragement to know it gets better. Today has been such a struggle not to get angry at little William. I know its not his fault, but lack of sleep starts to really press your frustration buttons. Day by day I am starting to enjoy my little baby, but I guess its been hard not having that instant 'love' bond. I've had to get to know William just like any other person and allow the love to grow. So many things have surprised me about being a parent.

[Jeanne D]

hi h2jo!
I promise you it will get better. Parenthood is a big adjustment, but well worth it.

Your baby will start sleeping for longer periods of time eventually. I know it seems as though you'll never get a normal night's sleep again, but you will.

My youngest son was colicky which made it difficult at times, but he outgrew that and we settled into a routine.

There will come a day when you won't be able to picture your life without that child. I promise you, it does get much better. My "babies" are 26 and 21, and I miss those days.

You have a lot to look forward to in the years to come. It seems like they'll never grow up, but they do and a lot faster than you can imagine.

One suggestion, see if someone (relative, hubby, or friend) can give you some time to yourself on occasion. You need to get out and do something enjoyable and have some fun. Another suggestion would be to have someone watch William for a few hours so you can get some sleep. It makes a difference and helps to cope with the stress of being a new mom.

God bless you all.
Jeanne :hug:

[Saved7]

Please tell me it gets better!! Parenthood is hard! Not that I expected it to be easy, but I think no words could prepare me for raising a child. Any selfishness in me is being completely sucked out and it hurts. 3 hours sleep last night and just when I got a moment to rest my head today William woke 45 mins later wanting a feed. It was my fault that I only got 3 hours sleep last night, but the broken sleep patterns are still a killer. I'm used to 8-9 hours sleep a night, but now its 3 hours sleep wake for an hour, 3 hours sleep and then its day time.
I guess I just needed some encouragement to know it gets better. Today has been such a struggle not to get angry at little William. I know its not his fault, but lack of sleep starts to really press your frustration buttons. Day by day I am starting to enjoy my little baby, but I guess its been hard not having that instant 'love' bond. I've had to get to know William just like any other person and allow the love to grow. So many things have surprised me about being a parent.

I definately get's easier....:cool: well, actually, you just adjust and that's the part that makes it easier. Truth be told, it stays difficult and complicated, with each age there comes a new challenge, and as soon as you overcome that, here comes another.
Yes, selfishness will be painfully cut out of you....but you find yourself loving the child so much that you can't help but grow and thank God for it. The love you find yourself feeling for this little person is wonderful and the rewards are greater than you can imagine. Like that day you come home from a hard day and feeling unloved and under appreciated and your little one notices your feeling down...and they walk up to you and wrap their tiny little arms around you and say; "it's ok mommy":hug: That tiny little heart has so much love for you and at the right time they show it.:saint:
hint...it's always the right time.;)

[cnw]

Hey Jo, if you are getting frusterated easily...you know weird easy, don't forget that there is a post pardum depression that is really real. Sometimes that is a sign.

I am so sorry you aren't getting sleep. Try to take naps during the day until you both get into a routine. Also It sounds like your mum can help out. ask her to watch Will till you sleep a bit.
Praying for you dear one.

[karenoka27]

It really does get easier. What you are going through now is normal. I just talked my daughter through this time for the second time! When you are going through it,it seems like there is no end and then suddenly,he's sleeping all night.
Being a parent will always bring new challenges. There may even be days when you think "boy, not sleeping was the easy part!"
Praying for you and glad that you know we are here!

[sunsetssplendor]

Please tell me it gets better!! Parenthood is hard! Not that I expected it to be easy, but I think no words could prepare me for raising a child. Any selfishness in me is being completely sucked out and it hurts. 3 hours sleep last night and just when I got a moment to rest my head today William woke 45 mins later wanting a feed. It was my fault that I only got 3 hours sleep last night, but the broken sleep patterns are still a killer. I'm used to 8-9 hours sleep a night, but now its 3 hours sleep wake for an hour, 3 hours sleep and then its day time.
I guess I just needed some encouragement to know it gets better. Today has been such a struggle not to get angry at little William. I know its not his fault, but lack of sleep starts to really press your frustration buttons. Day by day I am starting to enjoy my little baby, but I guess its been hard not having that instant 'love' bond. I've had to get to know William just like any other person and allow the love to grow. So many things have surprised me about being a parent.

Yes, it gets better in the meantime take a nap whenever he goes down.*hugs*

[flybaby]

Yes, it will get better. My new baby is now 12 weeks old and she is sleeping much better now.

I would say the first 6-8 weeks are the hardest, but then you'll get into a routine, he'll start sleeping longer and things will begin to look up.

[h2jo]

Thanks for your encouragement :) he is four weeks now. Day by day I am falling in love with the little fella and I'm actually starting to enjoy snuggling with him at his midnight feeds. Its just the lack of sleep that absolutely kills me! I've always been so routinal and made sure I got 8-9 hours sleep every night.. routine has flown out the window. The house is a mess and I'm exhausted, but hey I guess its all worth it.