OMG going crazy. I want to be an attached mother, but this boy is driving me NUTS ... I cannot... - Page 2

[Kaydove]

I think the phrase "if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" is so sincerely true. Mamas give of themselves so much each day that we need to take time for ourselves. Babies read your energy, so if you're fried and feeling on edge, than baby might be as well. Taking time for yourself is neccessary. Buy the jumper, floor mat, exersaucer, whatever and pour yourself a cup of coffee. 2nd hand stores are great for this stuff!

I really need to find the missing peices for my exersaucer, they were lost in the move! :(

[girlspn]

Hugs, mama! 

[MegaMomma77]

Hang in there! If having a few minutes alone brings you some peace and calmness, do it! EVERYONE needs space, at least a little! I have those freak-out moments too, for different reasons (nap and sleep issues); I think we all do.  Deep breaths, have some tea, listen to some calming music; these things help me sometimes. ((hugs))

[IdentityCrisisMama]

Hey, Mama 

I wanted to chime in with others that you need not feel guilty for turning to some of our culture's convenience tools for parenting. I have a suggestion for you that has made my life with gadgets so much better - a toy/gadget swap. I think alot of the "guilt" comes from buying these (often) huge, plastic, expensive things that have such an ridiculously short term use.  Do you have a neighbor or community friend that you can borrow some of these things from? Perhaps even offer a small "rental" fee or exchange some cookies or something? Certainly try second-hand shops too.

[Heather Lyn]

Hi,

I have a super intense, high-needs, screechy baby whom I adore but who also does not want me to do ANYTHING, EVER, except pay attention to him.

The "don't use toys/baby seats as a babysitter" thing is important advice for people who would be tempted to do that. You don't sound like that person.

I love my Ergo, spend most of my time with my son (also 11 months), co-slept with him until a month ago when he decided to sleep better in a Pack N Play, and we're still breastfeeding.  I'm super responsive to his needs.  But let me make this clear:

Without a swing (when he was a newborn) and the Rainforest Jumperoo (5-10 months) I would have LOST MY MIND.  Then I wouldn't have been able to respond to him at all, because I would have been insane.  :)

Those things are popular because babies like them, and I think, do whatever it takes to survive the first year!! 

My son gets bored just hanging out with me, and I finally had to admit that he doesn't WANT me to "wear" him all the time.  He wants other stimulation sometimes. 

Give yourself a break.  Doorway jumper, jumperoo, exersaucer, something that lights up and makes obnoxious noises.  As long as you're not using it as a replacement for playing with you a lot of the time, you're fine.

[HiMumumum]

Just a quick side note, even if you're babe might outgrow the jumperoo soon, my daughter still fits in hers but at 8 months she more so enjoys to walk around the outside of it and play with all the toys like that. If it gets you 5 minutes, I say it's way worth it! There are loops on our Baby Einstein one that I hang more toys from that she can play with while standing up. We also have one of those activity tables and she likes walking around that, too. It keeps her diverted long enough for quick chores.