Tummy problems and straining

I have a six week old baby and am a first time mum who is formula feeding. He has always struggled a little with straining when pushing but lately this has intensified and we have just had a window of around 44 hours where he didn't go for a poo and was visibly struggling when trying to push. I am following guidance and doing bicycle legs and tummy rubs, we have also had two sessions of craniosacrial therapy. He sent dehydrated and still taking feeds. I have spoken to doctors and healthcare visitors but feel a little dismissed and am continuously told its just normal. I suppose I am looking for some reassurance that 1) it is normal and 2) even if it is, it's okay to be worried and see if anyone has any other advice.

in our community

Found out I’m pregnant

Hello, I’ve been wanting a sibling for my daughter I just found out I’m 4 weeks pregnant. It’s kind of crazy! I’m having a lot of emotions i can’t stop crying for some reason and my anxiety is through the roof

For those with a good birth experience, do you feel like you arent allowed to talk about your birth story with moms who have had bad experiences?

Was once told it was bragging, and another time told i was invalidating other moms experiences, so I havent talked about it much since. It was a good birth, but still agonizingly painful, i still almost had an emergency c section, and a whole person shot out of me which is insane no matter what but Ive feel like im not allowed to talk about it without upsetting another mom or invalidating her trauma, which i never want to do.

Newborn wake windows

My baby boy is 8 weeks old and only seems to have a proper wake window between 6pm- 8pm (ish). He wakes up other times however briefly for 15mins or so. How often and what time of day does your newborn wake and be more alert?

Breastfeeding

This post is a a note to self somewhat lol. Breastfeeding has been one of the most beautiful, challenging and rewarding parts of motherhood. It’s not been easy, but is of the greatest privileges of my life.
When it gets hard I've been reminded of how amazing Allah's creation truly is. Scientifically, breast milk is perfectly designed to nourish and protect a baby, providing antibodies and comfort in a way that is remarkable. Islam also honours breastfeeding, with Allah mentioning in the Qur'an that mothers may breastfeed their children for up to two complete years if they wish to complete.
Every drop matters, keep up guys 💕

Prayer/ Dua - Allahumma barik lana fihi wa zidna minhu
"O Allah, bless us in it and increase us from it."

To whom comes across this, may Allah bless your efforts, accept your sacrifices, and place blessing in the love you pour.
Alhamdulillah, always. 🤍

Returning to work

My little boy is 8.5 months old and I’m already worried and dreading my return to work in October and leaving him. He starts nursery in September and I hate the thought of this too!

I have a 3 year old and remember feeling similar then too, but she was 14 months when she started nursery.

Anyone else in the same boat?

Breastfed to Formula - Combi or Fixed?

I breastfed my first baby for the first 3 months and I loved every second of it, but i had my second a week ago and at first it was okay and i was happy with it, 11 days later and I genuinely just don’t feel like I can do it anymore and want to switch to formula fed.

I did consider pumping and using breast milk still and not formula but it’s so time consuming, I want what’s best for my baby but I also feel so exhausted mentally and physically trying to keep up with it.

I also have considered combi feeding but I don’t know how I would do that and what it would like like, whether it’s 1/2 and 1/2 in a bottle, or breast at night and formula during the day,

i never did both at the same time so I have no idea what to do or whether it is just easier to switch primarily to formula and leave breastfeeding behind

i just want these sore boobs and the feeling of her on my breast to go away because i dread it every time

Any help, advice or similar stories 🙏