"Spirited" or "high needs" babies...group?

[mrs.t]

Hi everyone,

I have posted here about my 5 mo DS who falls into the spirited or high needs category, and a few of you have expressed that you have similar LO's. I just wanted to see if anyone is interested in starting a high needs baby group. I don't really know how groups work on mdc, but I see that there are threads in this 'life with a babe" forum that are specifically for babies born in certain months. Maybe we can just start our own thread? I think the support would be really helpful, I know I need it sometimes, and I thought it would be helpful to new mamas. Just reply here if you are interested, and if there is a more appropriate place for this group on mdc, let me know.

[braidmama]

Love this idea! And I love "spirited" way more than "high needs."

[1stTimeMama4-4-10]

Sign me up.

[mrs.t]

Great!!! Ok, I guess if I get a few more replies I'll just start a thread for us in this forum.

[Hannah32]

I'd describe Sam as "spirited." I don't think I have it quite tough enough to merit the "high need" label, but Sam is bored easily and wants constant and different types of stimulation. He's very interested in the world. But he *hates* the lie-down stroller and he won't take a paci. Mom can only take so many miles in the sling.

[mrs.t]

I would describe DS as spirited as well. He's pretty happy most of the time, but he gets super frustrated when he can't do things and he needs CONSTANT stimulation. I was using the word "intense" since he was born.

[LeaPea]

I'm interested!!

[MissNo]

Yes and YES!

[candelaria80]

Originally Posted by Hannah32

I'd describe Sam as "spirited." I don't think I have it quite tough enough to merit the "high need" label, but Sam is bored easily and wants constant and different types of stimulation. He's very interested in the world. But he *hates* the lie-down stroller and he won't take a paci. Mom can only take so many miles in the sling.

This exactly. If this qualifies then count us in.

[mrs.t]

Ok, great! I'll start the thread!

[Zenmama1]

Just wondering if this group was ever started and where I can find it

[luckiest]

Oh my gosh, yes.  It took me a very long time to realize that Felix has higher needs than most babies.  He is 10 months now, but has always needed constant human interaction, constant holding, talking, singing.  He has so much energy, constantly exploring (but only with me right next to him), he fights sleep, wakes often, doesn't transition well.  It's incredibly draining, and other moms really don't understand.  No, he really doesn't happily play with pots and pans while I cook breakfast.  He needs me down on the floor with him, also playing with pots and pans.  He demands it - he knows what he wants and is very vocal about it.  

I give him so much energy and touch and emotion all day, that at the end I'm completely spent and feel guilty for not being able to give my husband the attention I know he needs.  I've given myself all away to the baby, it's hard to summon the energy to be as present in our relationship as I used to be.

I thought I was crazy for the longest time, looking at other peoples' serene, content babies.  We don't even have moments of that.  Readin the Sears Fussy Baby Book totally changed my outlook. He knows what he wants, and he gets his needs fulfilled.  

Glad to hear from other people.  No fault of their own, but most moms really don't get it.

[tjjazzy]

it's so hard to accept that other ppl just don't get it though! you want support so badly and no one understands.

[Zenmama1]

Originally Posted by tjjazzy 

it's so hard to accept that other ppl just don't get it though! you want support so badly and no one understands.

You're right. I think in one of Dr. Sear's books he says to just stop talking about it. Because no one else gets it. So you just have to portray things in a positive light. Like the other day I was at a friends house and my DD wanted to nurse. I knew I would have to go out to the car to nurse her, because if there are people around she gets distracted which means frustration (and huge mess) for me. So I had to tell them that I actually preferred to go to my car, that I liked listening to the radio and it was very comfy. They thought I was crazy. But I just pretended like I really just loved nursing in my car. Of course while I was out there neighbors were driving by my car and peering in, so I really wasnt loving it. Lol. Oh well.
 

[missycoll]

Is this group now active? I have a 6 month old high needs baby....I would love to talk to another mamma about it. xo hugs

[LaPaix]

Also wondering if this group was ever started, surprising that there isn't a sub-forum dealing with it.

[NeptuneRising]

I would be interested as well. There are so few people I can talk to about Charlie since I am surrounded by people who don't even know high needs babies exist. I would love to be a part of a support group for our spirited babies!

[lilith731]

I would love to join this conversation as well!  I'm pretty new here, but have a loving, spirited almost 6-month old preemie who would definitely benefit from her mama connecting with other like-minded mamas :)

[kanani]

count me in! does anyone know if this group is active?

[LaPaix]

Emailed Admin. and ask to create the group so will let you all know when I get a response :)