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FTM - feel so stressed about baby sleep

5 replies

Irelanda · 17/11/2024 21:57

Hi there,

I’m a slightly overwhelmed FTM to a 10 week old who actually sleeps relatively well - she has started doing between 4-6 hour first stretches usually followed by a feed and then another 3-4 hour stretch.

Her daytime naps are usually only about 30 min in a carrycot, with a dummy (we don’t used the dummy at night).

So this feels (to me) not bad and yet I still feel this constant level of stress about her next nap during the day, whether she’ll go down for it, whether she’ll sleep for long enough. I’m constantly clock watching for wake windows and when/where I’ll be able to put her down. It can be quite relentless throughout the day especially with such short naps.

Then at night I’m worried about if we are feeding her to sleep too often (she goes down pretty easily if she’s been fed) is there a regression coming etc etc

basically I feel like my life has become ruled by her sleep, even though she’s actually sleeping quite well. I think I’m slightly nervous as my sisters little one is approaching 18 months and wakes constantly through the night still, and I’m stressed at that happening with mine - I’m not sure I’d cope as well as my lovely sister does!

any wise words or perspective would be appreciated, I know I probably just need to relax but easier said then done!----

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Irelanda · 17/11/2024 22:05

I should add, I know this all sounds so OTT, I really thought I’d be this lovely relaxed mum, but I just feel so overwhelmed with it all!

OP posts:
bakewellbride · 17/11/2024 22:08

Just give it time and you will relax and find your feet. I was very anxious when my eldest was a young baby. I worried about everything and tracked and logged every breastfeed with minute by minute precision e.g left side 3:29pm - 3:52 pm.

Now I've got a toddler and a 6 year old and am a completely mum. My youngest accidentally ate a biscuit for her first ever food and I don't own a bath thermometer!

Katherina198819 · 17/11/2024 22:27

Luckily, your baby is a good sleeper - both of mine also only woke up once for feeding from 7 weeks, and from 12 weeks, they slept through the night.
I was never stressed about the daysleep or feeding - they slept amazing during the night, and they grew well and healthy; so I assumed I was doing something right.

There is no point worrying about what will happen later, as every baby is different.
While my dd was twething between 9 and 11 months, she woke up nearly every hour (went back to normal from 12 months). My 5 months old is sleeping through, and I'm just enjoying it while it lasts. Who knows, he might also have a difficult teething period, or it will he something else.

The beauty of the newborns and babies that they will sleep when theyare tired. So try to relax, I never keep an eye on the wake window with my baby (not easy to look for it when my toddler is running around) but he let's me know when he needs a nap (Either screams or just falls asleep).
The toddlers on the other hand, they fight naps like crazy! So it's not the time to stress about it yet, just enjoy the sleep!

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napody · 17/11/2024 22:31

Totally normal to be overwhelmed. Don't add to the pressure on yourself by thinking you should be relaxed and chilled!

YourGreenBear · 17/11/2024 22:54

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