Mumsnet Talk

I was wondering how you manage on a daily basis with you LO? Mine is so hard, it changes every day I can't get out the door easily with her she just screams the second I put her coat on and then cries in her pram for ages until I start walking but soon as I stop she screams, she wants my constant attention 24/7 and if I don't give her it oh lord sh*t hits the fan!!! I'm exhausted and just can't get into a routine with her I do it on my own and have done since she was born I've had one night out wouldn't call it a night out went for a meal, but I'm in 24/7 I'm up from 5am till 10 maybe later at night I'm exhausted and just want someone to say Ellie you look exhausted go have a few hours i will watch her for you but nope nothing!! How can I get her into a routine where I just don't feel so worn out and feel like crying and screaming all the time! She's 22 weeks! I love her so much but I'm exhausted and just wish someone would help me or just watch her for a few hours while I sleep :'( don't want to go out getting drunk or what not just want to sleep !!!!!

At five months things should be getting a little easier but
Talk to your health visitor.
Ask people for help, they can't mind read. List all the people you could ask
Family friends sure start volunteers etc.
are you going out to mum and baby groups ?

Oh I do ask I get the response welcome to parenthood! I do try and get out as much as possible but it's so hard as she just plays up! I'm always tired and never want to go out because of how tired I am

First things first if there is no one to help you have you looked into homestart or asked your health visitor is their are any charities who do visits? They won't look after the baby while you sleep but they will give you someone to talk to for an hour while you get things done or while you sit down for a brew. A visitor is a great excuse to sit down for a few minutes without feeling you 'should' be doing something else.

Routine wise I would suggest that you sit down for a few minutes next time baby is asleep and try and write down the things you know happen in a day. What time she gets up, what time she naps, what time she eats, things like that. If you can't remember then carry a pen and a piece of paper in your pocket for a few days and note things down as they happen. I think you will find that there are some things that always happen at certain times of the day and that's where you need to start.

Once you can see the pattern you can then fit other things in around them.

Could you buy a pile of microwave dinners and for a week take cooking out of your day? there would be very little cooking time and very little washing up which would free you up slightly to get more rest. with more rest things will become clearer.

If I could come and play with your baby while you slept I know that would be the best thing I could do for you but I can't so this is the best advice I can give instead.

You are doing amazingly well to look after her all by yourself, try not to forget that

Can u explain more? We could try and address the crying. Bf/ff? Reflux? Colic? Are you weaning yet? Does she sleep? How long? What are you doing to settle her?
Does she cry more in pram/car seat? When is she happiest? Lots of q's I know but trying to get an idea of what's going on xx