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Original poster

Does anyone actually enjoy the newborn stage?

106 replies

LucyJones · 30/09/2006 18:56

It's my second time round and I thought I'd cope better second time round. But 2 weeks in and I'm hating it just as much as the first time. I can't seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel - the constant feeding, winding, sleep deprivation, trying to settle etc. I think the newborn stage is like living my worst nightmare - so people hate interviews, flying etc, this is what I hate! Sorry to whinge but does any one else feel the same? Does anyone actually enjoy this bit?

OP posts:
Frizbe · 30/09/2006 21:14

I hated it with dd1, I was sooo tired and bored respectivly, going from demanding day job, to feeding machine I really hated it, I was sooo up for going straight back to work but when we got to 5mths it all changed
With dd2, totally different story, I've loved it from start to finish, very happy baby tho, so maybe that has something to do with it?

fuzzywuzzy · 30/09/2006 21:14

I enjoyed it BUT my husband did the winding, changing, singing I bf and slept and cuddled, and occasionaly bathed. Dh was of the opnion I had been very brave and I needed sleep and tlc (I wasn't going to argue).

fuzzywuzzy · 30/09/2006 21:15

bathed dd...obviously I personally bathed a bit more than occasionaly!!!

morningpaper · 30/09/2006 21:15

I've had two colicky non-sleeping babies

That probably contributes

MrsApronstrings · 30/09/2006 21:17

yes I love it! could you take them away at about 6 months and bring them back when they're 3?

BarefootJasnem · 30/09/2006 21:18

I loved it two out of the three times I've been there (the other being a very unhappy baby who was very difficult to enjoy), but I am aware that whatever stage I am at with my children, I find myself thinking it's the perfect age.
I don't really like kids much, so it came as a big surprise to me that I could enjoy them so much when they are mine!

morningpaper · 30/09/2006 21:18

Aww MrsApronStrings but that's the BEST bit!!

(psssst you can have mine next time for the first six months)

Mercy · 30/09/2006 21:18

I found the first 6 weeks really hard going (partly I think because I was over 37 when I had my first, so physically it was hard and also I'd had so much time of it just being me or me& dh)

Much easier after that but things got really hard when no 2 came along. Still can't see the wood for the trees tbh, even though as a newborn ds seemed easier.

I don't know, it could be rose-coloured spectacles and all that but I think it gets harder the older they get (but I am still going through toddler phase)

foxinsocks · 30/09/2006 21:19

ooh I so sympathise

in fact, I will never have another child because I don't think I could manage the first year again. If you could hand me my own child at age 1, I'd take it but I couldn't do the baby bit again.

I too had colicky, pukey, allergic, asthmatic, eczema covered screaming babies and could never go there again!

kittywits · 30/09/2006 21:24

It's interesting the way everyone likes different stages. For me the worst of the worst (so far, I have no teenagers yet ) is 2-3, absolutely draining and not very rewarding.

tortoiseshell · 30/09/2006 21:28

I just love the newborn phase. I hate the stress of getting feeding established, but love cuddling a little newborn, and the fantastic smell they have! I've enjoyed it with all 3 of mine, and am even getting broody again, even though ds2 is only 5 months (will definitely leave it a while though before contemplating any more). Just can't imagine not having that newborn phase again!

Troutpout · 30/09/2006 21:32

i like other peoples newborn stage...just not my own...in fact can bearly remember either of my 2 at that stage.

magnolia1 · 30/09/2006 21:34

I love the 1st year, Dh prefers the from 1+. I love them again at 3 until about 5 and thats it!!!!

hazelnuts · 30/09/2006 21:34

I did like like the new born stage with my DSs. I think it was because I had to do everything and look after xp1 too! I was always tired. Yet with DD and xp2 it was great. I got to spend time with DD that I never got with my 2 DSs as babies. I also love the stage where they just start to talk, put words together, little convo`s. DD will soon be at that stage. We have words just need puting together

hunkermunker · 30/09/2006 21:40

I love the newborn bit. The bit I find the very hardest is weaning because twice now it's coincided with me going back to work. DS2 is older than DS1 was - he was almost bang on 6m when I went back to work two shifts a week and I found it really threw me.

I found 1-2 pretty tough with DS1, but that was because I was pg with DS2 and quite ill. 2-3 is brilliant though ( to read your post Kittywits) - I'm really enjoying DS1 dashing up to me to tell me something he's discovered with his whole face alight. I love the way he has mad ideas about things and is learning new things all the time. DS2 just makes me laugh atm - he grins with his whole face and is a really friendly, happy baby.

2plus2plus1 · 30/09/2006 21:43

Hate it at the time - miss it when its gone.

juuule · 30/09/2006 21:53

I love the newborn stage. From the moment they have been put in my arms. The little heads with the special newborn smell. Little fingers, toes. That questing mouth. The way they just fit in the crook of your arm. Such a short but intense stage. It really does pass so quick and then you are on to the next exciting,interesting and at times frustrating stage.

kittywits · 30/09/2006 22:29

Hunkermunker, what I hate about 2-3 are the awful tantrums and the contrariness. For me it's like living with an explosion waiting to happen, or should I say an explosion that frquently happens!! There are many aspects which I find sweet and endearing, but the constant battering I get..... Maybe it's just MY kids !

Enid · 30/09/2006 22:38

omg

the newborn phase is sooooooooooooo fab

and it is just a phase it goes so fast

make the most of it (not helpful I know)

hunkermunker · 30/09/2006 22:40

DS1 doesn't do much of that, KW - he has his moments, but not that often. So I guess I'd feel the same way as you if he did!

moondog · 30/09/2006 22:41

Oh I didn't-not at all.
Found the just sitting and being with them hard (am sooooo not that type)
Ds was a dream compared to dd but I only really started enjoying every minute of being with older one after about 21/2.

kittywits · 30/09/2006 22:44

Hunkermunker I am very of you !!!

Twopinkoneblue · 30/09/2006 22:52

I love the newborn stage. ds3 5 months old now.
Sad that it's all over.
Weaning now. I hate it!

TooTicky · 30/09/2006 22:56

STOP IT Juule, you will make me broody again... I have 4 already

2shoes · 30/09/2006 22:57

toddler stage is best
the little chubby legs
and hands are so cute
newborns are bbboooooooooooooorrrrrrriiiiiiiing

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