u/burgerzandburpeez

FTM here. LO is 5 weeks old. I’m on mat leave and my husband just went back to work a few days ago. I’m starting to think about moving my body again/working out gently and doing things like getting a haircut, manicure, etc. to feel like myself again. Only thing is, I feel bad leaving my husband at home alone with our LO. He’s an amazing and supportive husband and father with enough patience and grit for the both of us. There’s nothing to suggests he can’t handle it but I still feel bad??? I don’t want to overwhelm him since his work is demanding (more so mentally, not physically) so he’s already got a lot on his plate there.

I guess I’m just wondering what your evening routine is like at home when your spouse gets home from work. How are responsibilities shared?

Slowly weaned LO to formula. Started with .5oz, then 1oz, now we’re at 1.5oz. The rest is pumped BM for her total of 3.5oz.

LO was sleeping through the night (4-6 hr stretches) and taking her usual 3 hour naps during the day then suddenly stopped. Never naps and wakes up crying. She seems uncomfortable—squirming and super restless but not endless inconsolable crying. She’s also pooping A LOT and very very audibly. She’s much hungrier than usual too. Is this normal? Could she be having a reaction to the formula? Any insight is appreciated.

LO is 5 weeks old today and my PPA seems to be getting worse. I started 25mg of Zoloft about 9 days ago and honestly, I feel worse on it compared to before but I’m trying to stick it out.

We don’t have a village but my husband is so supportive and we have an overnight doula occasionally that I’m very grateful for. But I’m still anxious when she’s here and I feel guilty for utilizing that service (mom guilt).

I feel like I’m drowning and no matter the help we occasionally get from the doula or family that lives far away, I still feel like I’m suffocating. LO wakes up often and fights daytime naps SO HARD. She refuses to be put down in her bassinet. When she cries, I sometimes feel a visceral reaction. I love her and would never ever hurt her, but my racing thoughts won’t turn off about what I’m doing wrong, how long will she cry for, all I want to do is sleep, etc.

Anyway, I guess my question is… when does it get easier and when can I expect to actually sleep through the night somewhat regularly again? 😖

Pumping is killing me slowly so I decided to make the switch. I know lots of people continue their regular feedings with BM then introduce one single feeding of formula a day for a few days then gradually increase. I’ve actually been doing 3oz BM + .5 oz formula for her total amount of 3.5oz for the past 2 days every other feeding. She’s almost 5 weeks old.

She’s a bit fussier than usual so I’m not sure if it’s the formula or not, though I’m sure it is. We’re using enfamil neuro pro RTF. I’m also concerned because I’ve been hand expressing to relieve pressure which is helping to dry up my supply somewhat quickly but that also means I won’t have much BM for her outside of my small freezer stash. Is this a good plan? What do you recommend? Help!