To have not known it would be this bloody hard?

[Stressedandupset]

I've got an 8 week old ds and I know I should be over the moon but I am sat here in tears. He's such a grumpy baby, unless he's feeding or sleeping he's crying. Which means I get hardly any eye contact, no smiles, no real interaction. It makes me so sad and feel like I've got no connection with him. He certainly doesn't seem to prefer me to anyone else. I am really trying to be smiley and enthusiastic and upbeat in the rare moments when he's in the mood but they are so few and far between. Everyone keeps saying 'when he smiles, that'll make it all worthwhile' but he just isn't doing that. Poor little mite, I just don't know why he's so unhappy all the time. I feel like such a fucking failure.

meh both my DS were the same, even with DS2 my SIL asked me why he cried all the time

its so hard OP, so so hard

alot of people feel same, hang on in there

and get out and get exercise, its helps xxxxx

YANBU you've got a difficult baby. Definitely investigate the possibility of acid reflux, you'll notice so many of those posting about difficult babies are citing reflux, my DD has it and it was absolute hell, at 8 weeks I felt like I was drowning. Also bear in mind that your hormones are going utterly loopy post birth so even with an easy baby (apparently they do exist) you still wouldn't be at your sanest right now anyway.

It will get easier I promise. The first six months of DDs life were the longest of my life but she's past one now and she's all smiles and giggles and just a joy to be with (except today because she's poorly so she's been a right grump!). In the meantime try to get some time away from him, take advantage of any willing granparents so you can get some extra sleep or get out of the house without him.

Honestly you are not letting your DS down. You are doing great and what you are feeling is completely normal. My dd went through an ill stage where she had cold after cold for weeks on end when she was a few months old. I literally thought she would never stop crying or being grumpy all the time and then one day she did and it was all alot better. I promise you, it will get better, the bit you are going through is no fun for any mum, some are just luckier that their babies don't get colicky. Thinking of you in the weeks ahead. You will get there, I'm sure of it.

just adding my supportive voice to the masses - I had a screaming baby too, settled down somewhere between three and four months and has since been the calmest, loveliest little boy ever - three years end of this month and while he can be challenging, by god he's the easiest toddler compared to his little friends, who were all those kind of babies that slept constantly for the first three months

Hang in there, it will get easier, trust your instincts, he's alive ergo you are doing a brilliant job

It is hard to believe, but your baby will grow up. There will be a time when they go to sleep by themselves, start smiling, playing and even talking. it may take a while but they will get there.

You will also know that they are the most perfect creation in the history of babies and that this little creature is the most beautiful person you have ever seen. And then all the sleepless nights, the crying,the rocking and the fretting will all be worth it a hundred times over.