Two Day Old

This sounds exactly like our first, you’re not alone. Firstly, this is completely normal (albeit nobody tells you in advance!). Best general advice is to accept the new normal and really lean into the positives, it isn’t forever and it’s because you’re their safe space.

Now practically, obviously this isn’t workable 24/7. If he hates his next to me cot, research how to safely cosleep or even chest sleep. Don’t fall asleep with baby on you in a chair etc that’s far more dangerous and likely when exhausted. Join UK Co-Sleepers on Facebook for advice.

If he’s still uncomfortable it could be something like silent reflux which can have many causes, including tension (a cranial osteopath might help), tongue tie (you’d need a tongue tie practitioner to assess), cows milk protein allergy/intolerance (if EBF cutting milk is an easy win but it will take a while to take affect/leave your system).

FYI ours was a CMPA and I cut milk/got prescription formula as we combi fed and she improved.

Also you need help. Do you have any family/friends nearby who can come over during the day to hold baby whilst you try and sleep for an hour or two? I know when I was so deliriously tired I hallucinated that I heard the screaming whilst I was in the shower and it became a huge trigger. I couldn’t be away from baby but knowing he’s safe whilst you sleep nearby will help ♥️

This is normal I found day 2-5 hardest and then it begins to settle hormones wise too

My little girl cluster fed for 2/3 nights solid to bring my milk in. She was like a different child first 3 days then once my milk came in she was settled and started feeding and sleeping more independently. If nothing else is wrong and like you say all he wants in the boob he could just be intensely cluster feeding? I hope it settles for you soon x

Night two was the same for me! I was in hospital and in the end the nurses had to take her so I get rest my eyes! The next morning I cried and cried and cried as I felt horrendous that I couldn’t settle her and I was so sleep deprived I left them rake her for hours and half in the end so I could have a sleep!! It did settle but they said it’s very common night 1 to be amazing and night 2 to be like that. Xxx

Madeline’s advice is great. We also had a cmpa and silent reflux baby the first time round and it was the most difficult time of my life BUT it does get better!

Day 2-3 however are always rough as baby is constantly cluster feeding & they want to be attached to you. I found my little girl was SO upset on day 2 until my milk came in day 3/4 and then she settled a lot more.

Try to split the night where you can. Me and and my partner did 10-2, 2-6 for the first two weeks to allow for a block of sleep (I’m combi feeding though so this allowed for this and realise it wouldn’t be as easy if you weren’t).

Be kind to yourself, nap in the day where you can if he’ll settle on your partner/ family and remember to eat/ drink. It sounds silly but you have to look after yourself first… remember babies sometimes cry when all their needs are met so it’s ok to leave them somewhere safe for a few minutes to meet your own.

Thanks everyone! Feeling better this morning. Not much sleep but spirits are high💙

I had exactly the same! Olive is 6 days now but she did the same thing to me, I was so worried but it’s all normal! It’s something to do with our smell, but she got over it as she has started cluster feed in that night.