Seth has had a really nasty cold the past couple of days, and he was really ill this morning so I took him to the health visitor drop in clinic. He was all floppy, really clingy to me and squealing when he was crying and I was really worried about him.

Last night I didn't sleep a wink because of his breathing, I was so scared, and Matt was sleeping in the next room, so I was trying to cope on my own.

anyway this morning we went to the HV and she told me that theres nothing wrong with him and babies sometimes get snotty after they're born because they're getting used to dust in the air or something.

She weighed him, and I was trying to get him dressed but he was wriggling and I was really struggling, plus she was watching me which made me nervous. She pushed her way inj and said 'Look, this is how you do it' and proceeded to dress my baby. She said to me 'Are you struggling with him?' and I explained I was tired and usually Im fine with him. So she suggested my MIL take him today to let me catch up on my sleep.

I feel ridiculous. He's only 4 weeks old, Ive only missed a couple of nights sleep and Im a nervous wreck, I just can't cope with him today. I feel like the worst mother in the world, and she probably thinks that too. I couldn't even dress him when we were there. I just feel completely useless. Anyone would think Im the first woman in the world to have a baby, I just can't work out why its just me whos struggling.

My mood has been up and down the last few days as well, Ive been really horrible to Matt. Im suprised he's still here.

Please tell me someone else feels like this!

xxx

Aww hun dont be silly, sleeps so important especially when your running around after your little one all day long. Colds are horrible, did the doc give you saline drops, they do really work. I'm like this 24/7 with lily, last night she woke 4 times from 1-6!!! then she was up at 6 crying till about 11 on and off when she eventually went off after a lot of coaxing.

Me and OH have said we just have to take each day as it comes and in time it gets so much better.

But the worrying what people think does get better believe me, you carried your baby for nine months and you know best. tell the HV to poke her nose where its not wanted, my Hv is awful too so up her own ass!

Thanks hun She suggested saline drops too, we're going to try to get some this afternoon. I feel so guilty for sending him off with MIL - I should be able to look after him on my own

xxx

dont be silly hun, youre a great mum. sometimes HVs can be so insensitive and too nosey.. they suggest 'PND' with almost no evidence and generally make you feel worse!

i agree with trying to catch up on your sleep, you need some YOU time... you deserve it!

You're not the only one struggling, trust me.

Caitlyn has had a cold since a few days old. I've only been able to sleep at night a couple of times. Most of the time I'm sleeping a few hours in the day if someone else can watch her and I must admit it's getting too much and I do need to make myself sleep at night.

I totally understand, and I'm sure it will get easier for us. I hope he feels better soon, and you're not alone in this atall!

Linzi, your BF right? Try cutting down on your dairy intake. A stuffy and fussy baby is one good sign of a temporary intolerance babies have with the protiens in dairy that spill over into our milk. THIS IS NOT LACTOSE INTOLERANCE which has to do with how a body uses the SUGARS in dairy... again this has to do with the protiens in dairy.

I am going to do this, as Sharlotte is starting to act a little goofy and I think this might be the reason.

Start by removing obvious dairy. It sounds like it's a mild aversion and will probably clear up if you try this. Obvious dairy is milk, cheese, cottage cheese, icecream etc. Also remove chocolate as dairy is the main component. It'll take 10 days to 3 weeks for the dairy protiens to clear your system, but I would think that you could notice a good difference within a week, especially if his aversion is very mild. Those babies with much more strong reactions, mama's will have to read lables and remove all milk products from their diet.

A woman can usually start eating dairy again at 6 to 9 months, and by 12 months baby can be introduced to dairy directly too with no unusual side effects.

A nice side effect for mama is mucho weight loss! Just remember to eat your dark green veggies for the calcium you need.

Also for that snotty nose, dribble a drop or two of breastmilk into his nostrils. The antibodies in your milk will help attack any bacteria that's causing the sniffles.

I feel the same way some days. Especially yesterday as I have developed a bit of mastitis and felt like total crap. My DH did his best to take Bren and let me rest, but it is hard when you are BFing.

Don't feel bad about letting your MIL take the baby, it will give you a chance to get some sleep, and you will feel better for it afterwards.

you're not alone hun, being a new mum is hard

I get down sometimes when i haven't had enough sleep, i end up in tears. Your not a bad mam it's normal to feel low & tired.

I also feel nervous dressing and un dressing Kieran infront of the MW and i already have a 4 year old lol.

So don't worry your doing a great job

Thanks girls, it means a lot. I felt like a right bitch after I typed all that. How can I possibly feel like I can't handle my own son?!

I haven't managed to get any sleep yet, but my OH is home now so he can take over for a bit.

Marg - Ill try avoiding dairy, thanks

xxx