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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

I'm Tearing My Hair Out!! - 6wk Old

7 replies

clarexbump · 12/06/2006 18:16

Please help!!

In the last week to ten days, my 6 week old dd's daytime behaviour has completely changed.

This morning for example, after a good night, she was due a feed around lunch time (I'm breastfeeding). She woke for that feed - and i have just this minute got her off to sleep again! :( I seem to be resigned to the sofa. She doesn't seem to be able to go more than 15 mins after a feed without becoming fretful and rooting around again. And if she does fall asleep in my arms, i cant get her down without her waking. Half the time i don't think she's actually feeding but even if i don't think she's rooting for food, i can never settle her and feel guilty denying her my breast.

I know growth spurts happen around 6 weeks - but surely they dont last more than a few days?! I also know the hot weather probably doesn't help. She can go 4 hours during the night so i know its not my milk supply. I know i smell delicious, but not getting even 5 mins to myself in a 6 hour period seems ridiculous! I'm terrified to venture out of the house and the last thing i want to do is become resentful and give up breastfeeding.

Anyone else had/having the same problem - and/or any suggestions on what i can do? :)

Thanks!

OP posts:

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hunkermunker · 12/06/2006 18:19

It's hot, it's a growth spurt, it will pass, you're doing brilliantly, keep up the good work and enjoy her before she's running around - it's hotter looking after a toddler in this weather [knackered]

Seriously - hang in there - it's just about to get easier, I promise x x x

(Oh, and it helps to remember that babies are odd little buggers too )

WigWamBam · 12/06/2006 18:27

It's hot so she's probably grumpy, uncomfortable and thirsty - you drink more when it's hot, babies can too. Plus you're probably right about the growth spurt - many babies have one at 6 weeks.

The first few weeks with a newborn are something I wouldn't wish on anyone; they can be tiring, soul-destroying, hard work and you sometimes can't see an end to it all ... but as Hunker said, things will get better soon.

You're doing brilliantly - just keep in your mind that this will pass.

financiallyembarrassed · 13/06/2006 14:20

Poor you... it is such a trial at the beginning when you and she are both getting used to each other. I was chained to the sofa this time last year with my own DD but it does get better! Keep feeding her, keep eating and drinking yourself and keep telling yourself it will pass. Have you met anyone in RL with a similar aged baby? They will probably be going through the same thing.

When my DD was tiny, I used to lie her on the floor under her gym with some soothing music going. She would frequently cry, but if she was well fed and not with a wet nappy, I figured it was better all round if my sanity was preserved by a quick shower / wee / trip to the kitchen to put the kettle on etc. I also used a sling to help her to settle whilst I did things. Appreciate that in this weather that may not be the best idea though !

You are doing a fab job and it does get easier. Take care.

SoupDragon · 13/06/2006 14:24

Try feeding her lying down and sneaking off. It's the only way I can get BabyDragon to take a nap.

Other than that, as the others have said, it's hot, she's having a growth spurt and babies are unpredictable :) you're doing great.

fairyjay · 13/06/2006 15:08

It does get easier (in some ways ).

intergalacticwalrus · 13/06/2006 17:36

Another here to say "this too shall pass" and all that.

before you know it, she'll be drwing on your walls with wax crayons.

As for coping methods, I found oodles of chocolate and crap DVDs and trashy books got me through the day. I also found going for a drive gave me some time to get my head together, as well as making sure DS had a bloody good sleep. Going for a walk in the buggy also helps, and it will give both of you some well needed frsh air. I used to find that DS slept better at night if he got a few lungfuls of fresh air in the day too. Failing all tht, is there somewhere shady and cool in the garden you can sit to feed her. A change of scenery can often help break up the sheer drudgery of having a tiny baby.

IOf it's any consolation, I think you are over the worst bit. The first 6 weeks are bloody awful, but it does get better, I promise. It sounds like you are doing a grand job!

Martini · 13/06/2006 21:22

I agree with going for a walk. I know its hard as you think that babe will want to feed again within 2 seconds of leaving the house but strangely I found with both my two that they didn't and just nodded off.

And if she does want to feed - well its great weather for alfresco breastfeeding.

A note of caution - don't think you can sneakily wheel her back home when she has nodded off and have cup of coffee/ large gin - she will wake up as soon as pram crosses threshold.

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