i was in exactly your position nearly five years ago, to the day. I'm still single and every day I still wake up feeling glad that I left my horrible husband. It has been hard, don't get me wrong, but never as hard as living with him was. I did exactly the right thing for my daughter who is growing up confident, kind, clever and funny, which she wouldn't have done if we'd stayed together.
We have been skint and homeless, lost friends and family left right and centre but I can honestly say I am happier than I've ever been because my daughter makes me feel contented and confident beyond measure.
I was terrified when I left, I could not see how it could possibly be done but it really can. In practical terms, it's not that different. In emotional terms, you can be as lonely in a relationship as out of one.
Me and dd have been all over the place together, by ourselves. I've got a new career, she is into everything and really gorgeous.
Look after yourself and make use of all that's out there to help you: health visitor, gp, counselling if you need it, homestart, sure start if it still exists anywhere, gingerbread, lone parent advisor at the job centre if you want to work, scoopaid if you're in sheffield. Above all, try to live in the moment. You are a precious new mummy with a gorgeous son and you can still love him and enjoy his life even though this is hard and heartbreaking at the same time.
On my worst days I used to lie in bed not daring to open my eyes because it was so awful but I only had to hear dd cry or mumble or something and it was like I came back to life.
My practical tip would be to take lots of photos so that you can remember everything, it's easy to get lost in the stress of it all. And also remember, single parents are heroes x