To wonder if anyone enjoys the newborn phase?

[raininginbaltimore]

It is so relentless. I have hit a bit of a wall. I feel like a fat, sweaty mess. DD is 3 weeks old. I should have remembered this from ds.

I feel trapped in a cycle of feeding, holding washing bottles, sterilising etc. By the time I finish feeding her (it can take over an hour) and start preparing it is time to start again. I can't bloody do anything without ds needing a toilet or dd being feeling. Bottle feeding sucks s. It s a huge faff and I wish I didn't have to.

She cries when put down. I have a sling, but can't use it all time, like to shower or sleep!

I can't predict her feeds, so I am awake now as she wnt sleep and will want feeding again soon I think

I know, I know this too shall pass. But do people really enjoy this stage?

I quite enjoyed it but then I only had one. DC2 is on the way and DS will be 2 and a bit when he/she arrives so I'm sure this time around will be a different kettle of fish!

I enjoyed how portable and easy DS was - he just slept or smiled, and I could go anywhere with him, sit and have coffee, watch tv, go on the internet, just basically suit myself. I find him harder going now that he's a very active toddler who knows his own mind! And I'm sure the newborn phase will be much harder when I can't just veg on the couch endlessly feeding and reading/MNing. The sleep deprivation was very hard, but I was so bloody thankful not to be pregnant any more that that really made up for it!

I personally love it.I have a 16 week old and could easily have another right now
if I had the money.Going to wait a few years though.

I second kitcat on the 'only waking once' idea! I feel much better with just the one waking!!!
Toddler wakes up at 6.30 (baby is still asleep!) so DS1 jumps into my bed for a morning cuddle and a book and we wait until the baby wakes before getting up. DS1 gets very excited when baby wakes and baby smiles instantly at the sight of his brother.
Perfect start to the day!
I get an extra half hour in bed! wonderful

There is no pressure to have a routine. I have never done routine. But you can't keep a toddler in the house for weeks on end. In fact a couple of hours and ds starts climbing the furniture and jumping and generally playing up. He needs to go outside every day.

I would happily sit on sofa all day, but that isn't possible.

I know it will get better in time. I just thought this time I might get a chilled out baby that slept etc.

You're at a tough stage OP but keep remembering that it does get much easier. I think it gets easier at six weeks and then much easier at three months.

Hang in there - it feels never ending right now but you'll soon be through it and by Christmas things will feel infinitely better.

I did not enjoy the newborn stage at all but it is just a stage and soon your baby will be a cheeky little person with their own personality. The work you are putting in now will produce fabulous rewards!!

I didn't enjoy it half as much as when they got older. I think many people feel the same so it's nothing to feel guilty about. Newborns aren't chatty and responsive like toddlers and most of the time it's just eat, sleep, poo.

Oh it is truly, truly dreadful, and even worse when smiling strangers tell you sentimentally to 'enjoy it while it lasts'. The good thing is that it doesn't last.