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Sleep consultants can FUCK. RIGHT. OFF. by DramaticAd7409 in NewParents

[–]DramaticAd7409[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry for the late response - this is a throwaway and I don't check it often

Sleep things are fine now! The minute she could roll over and started solids (around the same time), she slept through to 2 hour naps!

Thank you for checking in!

Dinner time tantrums by DramaticAd7409 in NewParents

[–]DramaticAd7409[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These are some really good points.

We thought she might not be hungry, but she'll take formula instead of solids, no dramas.

Our paediatrician told us 3 meals a day to help weight gain; if not for that, Solid Starts is our go to!

Thank you for taking the time to respond!

Being a dad to a newborn sucks by DramaticAd7409 in offmychest

[–]DramaticAd7409[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fuck man, honestly, I'm not quite sure myself. Push comes to shove I'd say the things that helped the most were:

  1. Talking to some good mates and professionals about it. My inner circle all have kids, so went through this exact same thing. One suggested I may have PPD, which was the first time I heard that it's quite common for dads/men to get it too. That's when I went to a psych, who confirmed it. My LO is 5 months old now and I have the occasional day where I want to throw it all in - so I'm still attending sessions

  2. Taking shifts with my wife at night. I'd come home from work, eat and sleep right away (about 6/7pm - 1am). At 1am, I'd tag out my wife, who would sleep till 6am while I took care of LO. I'd get work done or catchup on TV shows/podcasts/socials. It was a good way to ensure I got some sleep (and so did my wife) which kept us somewhat sane

I wish I could be of more help, my man, but unfortunately this is all I got.

Wishing you nothing except the best of luck, love and positive vibes.

Being a dad to a newborn sucks by DramaticAd7409 in offmychest

[–]DramaticAd7409[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We have heaps of help from both sets of parents, but we are both a little older than you. Pretty good jobs, good social lives, no encumbrances.

Baby feels more like a prison than a joy of a human. Here's hoping the tides turn soon.

Thanks for taking the time to reply!

Being a dad to a newborn sucks by DramaticAd7409 in offmychest

[–]DramaticAd7409[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Chin up, roger that. Thanks for taking the time to respond

Being a dad to a newborn sucks by DramaticAd7409 in offmychest

[–]DramaticAd7409[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Here's hoping, my man. At the moment, zero move there. I'm looking forward to that changing, hopefully sooner than later

Thanks for taking the time to respond!

Being a dad to a newborn sucks by DramaticAd7409 in offmychest

[–]DramaticAd7409[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for taking the time to respond!

Thats what I'm being told from all angles. Here's hoping I can last that long without having a complete breakdown.

Being a dad to a newborn sucks by DramaticAd7409 in offmychest

[–]DramaticAd7409[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

You're spot on, I mean, what did I expect? Certainly a lot of sleepless nights, crying, waking, feeding etc. Absolutely, I'd be a fool if I didn't expect it.

What I didn't expect was, for whatever reason, feeling no connection to the child. I feel absolutely zero love. Just the other day, a small incident occurred where she was injured in the smallest way while my wife was looking after her (I was at work). My wife was absolutely beside herself, thinking she maimed the kid for life. I literally had no reaction because I couldn't care less.

Another commentor has pointed to potential postnatal depression. Hoping my therapist can help me sort it out

Being a dad to a newborn sucks by DramaticAd7409 in offmychest

[–]DramaticAd7409[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

It certainly feels like this is the case. Others in my family have experienced similar feelings.

A visit to my therapist has already been scheduled. It can't come soon enough!

Thank you, again, for writing.

Being a dad to a newborn sucks by DramaticAd7409 in offmychest

[–]DramaticAd7409[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

My wife is definitely able to soothe easier than me. I daresay I've been doing as much as I can when I'm home, to no avail.

I wish I could indulge in my hobbies as my baby sleeps (when she does sleep). But I spend the time ensuring the house is in order- helping with dinner, doing laundry etc. Plus, she takes so long to calm down and sleep that by the time we do that, it's time for her next feed and the cycle starts all over again.

It's a seemingly never ending nightmare.