Rough time so far... few questions for other Mums

[Fleur]

oh boy you have had a frantic start to it all, haven't you!

My little girl is 11 weeks old today. I just started doing some work at home last week & boy is it hard. I can't imagine how you have been doing it since then! Well done

She generally goes back to sleep an hour or so after getting up in the morning.
Later in the day it might be an hour & a half, late afternoon can be as long s 2-3 hours - although that is when she starts getting overtired & cranky.
She will sleep for 45m - 2 hours (the last couple of days she has done two 3hr stintis! but that's rare).

I agree with BJrose, they usually like a bit more sleep than what your little guy is getting, although if he's coping ok & isn't too cranky maybe that's just him, they are all different.

Playtime - after she wakes, or after a feed she goes on the floor without her nappy, she has a playgym & is very happy down there for a bit, then when she starts to call out she comes up with one of us for a cuddle & a chat. We pull a lot of faces to her, talk to her use funny voices etc.

With both sleep & play we follow her cues. For example I know when she starts to vocalise a lot she is getting tired or bored & wanting some attention. When she starts to zone out & stops engaging with us, she's getting tired.

Leaving her with others... for the first few weeks, I didn't even want anyone else to hold her. I 'm getting over that...slowly, lol.... and in time you will feel more comfotable about leaving your baby. But it is normal to feel like you do right now! He is only young still you had him right there with you for 9 months...don't rushthe separation. You have had a rough start too & that will affect how you feel. Start slowly, through the day just for a half hour ata time while you duck up to the shop or something. Baby steps!

You're doing great. FWIW I had a very similar start with my third child, emergency CS, back in hospital at day 4 with suspected seizures etc & it impacted on me & my parenting for a long time. Be kind to yourself and try not to worry too much

Have you joined a Baby buddies group yet? I think you would fit mine if he is only a week younger - here is the link Babies born July 16th - 31st 2009

Good luck hun & remember, you are doing a fantastic job!