to worry i won't cope with baby/sleep?

[jumpertu]

My partner left me when dc was 6 weeks. My first baby and I’ve had to learn everything alone, he’s not seen her since and she’s now 5 months. I have found life incredibly difficult and sad. Dc has always been ok sleep wise (apart from two hourly wake ups at the start) and has recently started to sleep midnight to 7am. I genuinely believe it’s the only thing that’s keeping me coping. I found the two hourly wake ups very hard but had DP with me then.

I am constantly reading and hearing about sleep regressions, etc and I just don’t know how I will cope. I’m already doing everything alone all day which exhausts me. When they start teething wil I be awake all night? Any tips from how to manage?

If you’ve got past 4 months and baby is doing a 7 hour stretch then I think it’s quite unlikely they’re suddenly going to become a shit sleeper.

Teething- if they’re bothered by it ,and not all are, then give them nurofen (calpol is fine too but nurofen is better because it lasts 8 hours so should get them through the night) and it doesn’t last forever. Ditto illness, give them whatever medicine is appropriate and remember it’s temporary. Keep a well stocked medicine cupboard so nothing catches you unawares at midnight would be my advice.

It sounds like you are doing really well so far.

Try not to get hung up on something that might not happen- neither of my sons had any sort of sleep regression, and I'm sure they were not too unusual.

It must be both hard and lonely having to look after your baby completely on your own.
If you haven't done it yet, I suggest you try to find some stay and play sessions that you can take her along to. Even if your DD is not quite old enough to get much out of it yet, they can be a godsend, especially for first time mums. It's a combination of adult company, and also the chance to compare and discuss any little baby problems they are having (and usually discover that its not unusual) and to generally feel less lonely or isolated with baby.