To ask how you dealt with the post baby blues

[Bells3032]

Baby is a week old today after being born at 34 weeks. Clean bill of health and we are already home. Its all hit me tonight. When we were in the hospital I just got through it. Now I am home all the anxiety is hitting me. I am worried I'm not feeding her enough, that she's too sleepy, that she's too hot or too cold, that cos she's so small she's gonna die of sids. I don't know whether to swaddle her, blankets or no covers.

I feel like I've been handed this baby and I have no idea how to take care of it. I am terrfied for her all the time.

Any advice in how to deal with these emotions. I know they will pass eventually but I need to sleep in the meantime!

Oh this is so totally normal and I remember the utter fear you are feeling so well. The Lullaby Trust has great advice on what to do for bedtime, I also used the gro thermometer and clothes guide to know what to put baby in.

A gro thermometer will keep you right easily with room temperature.

Do you use gro bag type sleeping bags, they'll have temperature recommendations on them.

Cellular blankets ate good for a bit of warmth but breathable through.

I tried a ready made swaddle (a gro bag newborn swaddle), child appeared to hate it so never used it again but they're all different.

None of the gro bags are suitable for a baby under 5lbs unfortunately. Following all the advice by the lullhby Trust. Just anxious doing it all wrong

We also have the thermometer but doesn't appear to turn on. I'm so annoyed

I'd get a contact less thermometer if you haven't got one.

V handy for temperature check without disturbing baby if you're anxious.

@Bells3032

None of the gro bags are suitable for a baby under 5lbs unfortunately. Following all the advice by the lullhby Trust. Just anxious doing it all wrong

Ah yes, I remember this now, sorry.

I did have a swaddle by gro bag that was for newborns but it didnt have much warmth.

The blanket thing is supposed to ve "feet to foot" (baby's feet to foot of cot, blankets tucked in firmly to right height so not above chest of baby.

But I vastly prefer cellular (thick and with big holes) so you dont have to worry about breathing if they were to get loose.

(They could be layered).

We tried to do a cellur blanket to her chest. Tucked it in tight and she kicked it off. Tried to swaddle using a muslin but she pulled her arms out so thjnk I did it wrong

It's worse when you're not sleeping but try to keep it all simple. Baby having arms out from swaddle is fine. Swaddle with the arms in but if baby prefers arms out they will do it. A light blanket over the swaddle is fine. You can get the gro eggs on ebay cheaper than new.

Offer baby one breast / appropriate amount. Put over shoulder and burp. Newborns sleep loads for about 3 months.

Hi OP. Have you got a phone number for the hospital? Maybe give them a ring and ask for some advice about things - they might send someone out to you to give you some support. I was in exactly the same position (although my baby wasn't prem) 7.5 weeks ago and didn't ask for help soon enough. I really wish I had as it took a long time for me to get to where I am now. Sending love and positive vibes...it's going to be okay!