J.M.
Wow S.,
Thank you for your honesty. You probably feel all alone and that you're the only one going through this. Let me just say that this is quite normal to be overwhelmed as a new mommy. I PROMISE, it will get better. :) I think most of us can relate to being "mentally,emotionally, and physically drained." I know I certainly was at the end of my rope too. It took my son and I 15 weeks to get breastfeeding down and he didn't sleep through the night until he was one year old. (Don't be discouraged). I think the hardest part of being a new mom is to not get wrapped up in expectations or comparisons of what "should be", especially when other moms say what their kids are doing. Each child is different. The reality is that babies don't generally sleep on our schedule
(or through the night); it takes a long time to adjust to each other. (Adults don't sleep through the night either; we just don't remember waking up). Here are some ideas that may help:
1) Ask someone for help--you may feel like you have to do this all on your own; but if you need someone to watch your cranky baby a few hours so you can sleep, do it. We all need help; this is the time to ask for it!
2) I highly recommend watching "The Happiest Baby"--it's a video on helping fussy babies rest and I wished I'd had it with my first child (It made life much easier with number 2,) I also recommend "wearing" your baby. I suggest Moby Wrap. Go to mobywrap.com or mobywear.com (I can't remember which) This really helps a baby rest when they're close to your heart. I was able to take naps too with the baby in my wrap next to me.
3) Find a pediatric chiropractor; a lot of babies go through some sort of trauma in birth and this can them a lot of issues, from neck and back pain to locked jaws to digestive issues. They don't need a ton of "work". (My chiro used her pinky fingers to adjust my 2nd child); but it makes a HUGE difference in their development and comfort level.
4) Since you had a c-section, you've probably had to be on pain meds. It is very likely that your son may have gotten addicted to the meds and may be having withdrawls. (This happened to a friend of mine). Some women's breastmilk metabolizes faster and some babies get more drugs than you suspect. Find some red raspberry leaf (bulk section of your local health food store) and make tea out of it. GUZZLE this down everyday. (I drank a good gallon everyday. My friend who also had a c-section said this helped her immensely.) It's a blood cleanser and will help get toxins, meds, and hormones flushed out of your system and the baby's and help manage your post-partem depression.
Don't forget to take care of yourself. Get fresh air or a manicure and don't be too hard on yourself. Babies are both a blessing and a ton of work. You can do it! This is just a season and "this too shall pass."
Peace and Grace to you S..
J.