STRUGGLING 😭

No advice but you’re not alone. All I know is this will soon pass. We got this momma!

IT IS SO HARD! Turn on some music, let the sun shine in & put the baby in a safe spot in the bathroom to get ready a little for the day (brush teeth, wash face, etc). Have you spoken to someone about your PPD/PPA or thoughts about meds? I take meds and it has done WONDERS for my mental health! Nap trapped for all naps too and I downloaded NYT games to pass the time!

Girl I feel you. My husband is in the army and is going to be in the field on and off for the next two months so I'll be alone for 3-5 days at a time. I'm so scared.

It’s super challenging! If you have to care for baby alone most of the time, you will build the endurance to do it. Give yourself grace in the meantime. I hope your family is able to offer support! I’m hiring a nanny to come in for a few hours once per week to give me a break and that’s one of my ways to cope with doing childcare alone for weeks on end!

It is hard! My husband only had 10 days off work and then went back to 24 hour shifts. The more you take care of him alone, the more comfortable you’ll feel and the easier it gets! You figure out what works but it does take some trial and error. My husband washes bottles before he leaves so that helps a ton not having to worry about that but finding a spot-whether it’s a swing, bouncer or play mat where you can put baby while you get things done or do something for yourself even for 20 min helps!

You’ll soon get the hang of it. I’m on maternity leave and at home with my toddler and newborn. Some days are a struggle and other days are easier. Going for a walk is always helpful after the baby has had milk. She’ll quietly look around or nap in the stroller and my toddler rides his tricycle and burns off some energy. Baby wearing is also helpful for babies that don’t want to nap. If baby is super fussy a bath can help pull them out of their funk too. Try turning on some music you like and have a dance party. Baby loves the movement and it gets you out of the fight or flight mode.

You will definitely get the hang of it! It gets easier every day! My husband and I have opposite schedules, I work 6-2 every day and he works 3-10. We both care for baby by ourselves while the other is at work. It was a HUGE adjustment for him when I went back to work from maternity leave (he was only off 4 weeks). You’ll learn little things to do that occupy baby for a short amount of time so you can get a breather. I highly recommend the Fisher Price play mat if you don’t already have one, I set my LO down on there with the camera when I need to wash bottles, dishes, do laundry whatever and usually he entertains himself for a good bit! As far as the sleep regression goes - it will pass. We’ve had a few times where we’ve felt like he’s taken big steps backwards only to leap ahead after. You’re doing great and you will get through this!

It is hard! One time I was crying while my son was crying because I couldn’t figure out how to soothe him LOL. Then he just stopped and was ok. As long as we are there for them, love them unconditionally and are trying, we are doing good.

@Portia I hope so! I am starting to dread every moment that comes where I feel like I can’t do it and I have instant anxiety!!

@Alexis Idk how to do that! Put baby down and do things for myself because my son tends to cry and it gets to me! I have a therapist to help me with my PPD and anxiety and it’s helpful at the time but not later..so it’s quite hard to manage. No, I am not a huge believer in meds so I just didn’t bother with that. I am glad that it helps you!

@Marissa I am super scared!! How are you mentally preparing for it and are you getting extra support??

@Holly That’s a great idea to hire a nanny! I thought about hiring someone too because I’m going crazy just anticipating if I’m ever alone - Can I do it?

@Courtney Thanks Courtney! The idea of doing it alone gives me anxiety and I just don’t want to feel it so I told my husband that I can’t ever be alone with him ): I am an anxious person already so I don’t need to be more anxious!!

@Christine Thanks! I hope I will build the confidence to be alone with my son eventually. I think because he’s so young and needs so much care and attention that I get overwhelmed.

@Helana Thank you! I know that the sleep regression and temporary and it will pass! I do use an activity play gym play mat for him to occupy himself so I do feel good that I can do a few things while he’s entertaining himself

@Zauhra Thank you! It makes me feel good that I am not alone in all of this! I just don’t know how moms do it themselves. I admire then because I just cannot be alone ): It mentally messes me up!