Crying most days - is this normal?

[Annabellemary]

I have a 15 day old daughter and some days am finding it really hard to cope emotionally. I think it is partly due to tiredness although sometimes if you add up the hours of snatched sleep that I have I haven't done too bad. I'm not sure what I cry about, just a feeling that I can't cope even though I think i'm coping well, but I can't stop. I don't think it is post natal depression I think I am perhaps overwhelmed by everything and also scared that dd is alright as she has colic and sometimes cries really hard. Is this normal emotional behaviour?

Poor you, its still really early days yet. I remember that I cried an awful lot in the first 3 or 4 weeks after having dd. Its such a time of adjustment, you are exhausted and the reality of the responsibility of a new baby can really hit you, not to mention how trying a colicky baby can be. Being scared for your baby is also completely normal. I used to wake at night in complete panic, thinking she was under the duvet when I had put her safely back in her cot.

Do you know any other new mums in your area? I joined an NCT postnatal group and it helped loads, just realising that I wasn't the only one going through this.

It is overwhelming isn't it? Two weeks ago your life changed forever and you are still coming to terms with it. I think what you describe sounds normal but if you are concerned, you might want to mention it to someone - is your midwife still around or do you have a nice health visitor? Do you have support at home at all?

I remember very well that anxious feeling that I might miss some sign that something is terribly wrong. I also remember feeling like a complete amateur. But you know your dd better than anyone (yes, really!). Cuddle her, love her, observe her, RELAX with her and hopefully the fear of "missing something" will begin to recede as you gain confidence in caring for her. Be kind to yourself. Good luck.

This is absolutely normal. I remember getting a wrong number when I tried to call my Mum, when DS1 was c. 2 weeks and the lovely lady I called could hear baby crying and offered to come round, I was so upset!

Only advice I can offer is you must get out of the house everyday. Try local church for mother and baby groups. Salvation Army is good in our area. Health visitor will have details of local groups too. Don't be afraid of going on your own. I met all my bestfriends this way.

Be reassured this does last for ever. 1st 6 weeks are the worst and by 10 weeks things start improving rapidly.