Leaving newborns with grandparents overnight

[theroux21]

Hey,
I’m a first time mum and my baby is 6 weeks old. He is currently combi fed but mainly breastfed throughout the day (he has a major appetite and breastfeeding alone isn’t enough). I had quite a traumatic birth and still haven’t fully recovered and have been struggling physically and emotionally since. We’re also in the middle of a very stressful move - moving during a pandemic isn’t as easy as you’d think😅.

My mother has offered to have him overnight. They have a lovely bond already. She is a social worker and had her own baby not too long ago, and so trust her wholeheartedly with my baby. He would be with her for a max of 15 hours (6pm-9am). We live in the same village too (5 min drive) so not too far away just in case we need to get to her quickly. I feel really guilty even considering it but am also seriously desperate for a little bit of rest.

But is it too soon to leave him overnight? Is it likely to effect our bond? Is it unfair to put both him and my mum through an overnight stay? This wouldn’t be a recurring thing - just a one off to try and help feel a bit more normal.

Seriously do not know what to do!! Any opinions welcome :)

we are in a support bubble as she is in a single household - we won’t be breaking any lockdown rules

We didn't do this but I would have done it if I could have!

Our went at 8 weeks for a night and was ok. Actually far easier than now (8m) where he’s attached to me as main caregiver.

Not if you want to continue breastfeeding no, cluster feeding at this time is really important, especially in the evening. If you want a break, do it in the daytime.

@Megan2018

Not if you want to continue breastfeeding no, cluster feeding at this time is really important, especially in the evening. If you want a break, do it in the daytime.

I was going to say the same thing, breastfeeding overnight is really important for milk supply.

6 weeks is also early days for establishing milk supply so I'd be wary of being apart for too long, you'll end up with really sore/full boobs too

It's up to you but I could t have done it. I couldn't leave mine to pop the shops at that age. Mine are 7 and 5 now and have only slept away once or twice.

4th baby here! One night won't affect your milk supply. Just express a couple of times. Get some sleep and enjoy the rest. Your mental health is massively important too. Don't be a martyr, ignore the opinion of others and if it feels right for you, do it! Of course you'll miss baby but you'll feel 100% refreshed.

Do it! My step mum always looked after my first and part of me hated it and felt sad I couldn’t always do it but I had an awful pregnancy and near fatal delivery so needed to recover. She was amazing with him. All these years later they’re still super close.

Mum guilt never goes away no matter what you do and you probably still won’t get any rest the night your baby stays there because you might find it difficult to switch off without baby. It’s really important for you to recover and be healthy. A happy and healthy mummy means a happy and healthy baby too.

Yes do it. Enjoy the special time they get together.