Feeling like I’m sinking

[cookiemonster18]

Hi
Not sure im in the right thread!!
My LO is 6.5 months and I feel like I’m struggling to cope and right now not really enjoying being a parent which I know sounds awful.
My DS never seems happy, in fact I’m pretty sure the only time he’s not crying is when he’s asleep or in the stroller. Hes bottle fed every four hours and I’m trying BLW he’s taken very little food so far and has around 2/3 naps a day. He’s started waking up in the night around 1am (he’s still in our room) for his dummy and then goes straight back to sleep within seconds ?? This continues till about 5am when he wakes for a feed as the use of the dummy no longer pacified him so I don’t think it’s hunger.
He has two bottom teeth through so I don’t know if it’s teething but I suppose I don’t understand if it’s teething why the dummy helps straight away?
I have a drs appointment tomorrow to rule out anything else and would feel terrible if he’s just poorly. He seems a bit off in the day too.
I feel like I’m failing as a mother as nothing I do really helps and I’m so exhausted and ill so everything is on top of me. Sorry for the rant!

I was going to suggest making a gp appointment but can see you're going tomorrow- that's a good start!

It's okay to not love being a parent all the time. I have a nearly 12mo and I have many days where I'm counting down the hours till bedtime!

If he's showing signs of teething, use nurofen/calpol especially at bedtime to help him settle.

Does he enjoy going out in the car? Sometimes when mine is really grumpy I just strap him in and we go for a drive for an hour.

Do you have help and support? Dp around? I don't have family so it can be really difficult, but I do have good support from my dp (although he's at work a lot)

Try and find some free baby groups, it can be easy to isolate yourself in fear that your baby will cry in public, but don't worry. You may end up meeting a friend, getting some support from other parents who know how hard it is. And it makes the day go quicker!!

Being a parent is so hard, I love it but my god it drains me sometimes.

You are not failing in any way! Babies are very hard work and it can be relentless. Also other parents can make you feel bad by telling you how great their babies are at sleeping, eating etc. It's not always true.

He is still very little but just know that this is a phase that he and you will pass through onto the next phase. Each phase has challenges and rewards but they do not last forever.

If you are feeling a bit down please talk to the gp about your feelings too.

Please know though that you are doing a great job. My DD1 was a nightmare baby but she is the most fantastic 19yr old now. Others will come on with practical advice but I wanted to reach out as I know that feeling of despair. It will get easier!!

Thanks so much for your words of encouragement. Usually I can just about cope but add that all to being ill and I was struggling!
The Dr I saw today believes little man has colic which I personally don’t think is the case considering he exhibits none of the signs and isn’t he a bit old to be diagnosed? Anyway trying with some infacol so we shall see!!!

Glad you have got something to try with him. You could also put a pillow under the cot mattress so he is slightly raised up when sleeping. That helped my daughter with her colic. Good luck. X