Single parent 8 month baby

[Smillar2020]

DH and I split up just as lockdown set in. He is an alcoholic. I am still on maternity leave. My DS is 8 months old and mostly a very good content baby. I feel like I’m doing the bare minimum with him - feed, change, put in jumperoo or on play mat, sleep. I feel so alone just me and him all day every day and can’t bring myself to do anything other than the above. He is happy watching tv and I’m ashamed to say it but I just leave him there for a couple of hours before bedtime and I sit on my phone. I love him but I just wish someone could help me once in a blue moon or give him another face to look at. I feel wracked with guilt just even saying this.

We do go for walks in the pram I meant to add

Don't feel bad, we all need time to switch off sometimes, and it's hard on your own (I've been on my own since day one).

It gets easier. Actually that's a lie, it doesn't really get easier but it does get different. As long as your baby is happy and healthy a little bit of downtime (for both of you) is fine.

You're meeting all his basic needs. You're going through something quite stressful during a really stressful time. Do what you need to get through. As long a baby is happy he won't even remember this period in his life. Don't be hard on yourself.

Agree with @Babyfg , it's hard work being a mum and you are doing an amazing job with everything that is going on at the moment x

You are doing an amazing job. Your baby will be happy if you are happy. Don't be hard on yourself. Life with a baby is tough. Do what you need to survive.

Thank you all 💐 I just feel overwhelmed with guilt for wishing the days away when I should be savouring every waking second with my beautiful baby. He is such a gem and never demands my attention which I think is what makes me feel a lot worse about not spending time with him. I just don’t know what to do with him. I considered some online baby classes as we were going to some before lockdown. Most of them are charging full price even though they are now online and I really can’t afford it. Plus he would probably sleep through them.

I spent about 3 years hoping the days would hurry up and be over so it was bedtime. I want unhappy and adored my baby but they are long long days and such hard work. I think it’s pretty standard for Mums to be dying for the kids to finally go to bed 😂

I have huge respect for any single parents during lockdown, must be so difficult without any adult company to break the day up.

Try not to be hard on yourself. Your baby sounds very happy and content, so well done!

As an alternative to paid online classes, we’ve found the online Bookbug sessions by the Scottish Book Trust good (lots of songs with actions etc), and also worth checking out The Baby Club on BBC iplayer (bit like a baby sensory class).