Hey Munchkin's Mum It's tough not to question your abilities hey? But I bet you're doing a brilliant job - and if there's one thing I've found it's that this is a learn as you go job, and no two days are the same!

My DD has never taken a dummy either, she just doesn't like them. I can understand why, they're a poor replica of a nipple lol. I also found that she does not follow any routine set out in any of the books. At 7 weeks she was definitely feeding more often than every 2-3 hours, and even now at 6 months she generally only goes 2.5 hours between feeds. She also likes to suckle for comfort, which while in the beginning can be tiring because you feel like you're constantly sat down with a baby on your breast, becomes a blessing. Now if DD is upset (like at vaccinations or teething or something) I can calm and relax her with a quick feed. It's easy and she knows that when she's upset I'm there to fix it for her.

As for patterns, 7 weeks was a real learning curve for me - I thought I knew everything about DD and it went completely out the window. Absolutely everything changed. I really just learnt to go with whatever she wanted at the time. If she wanted to feed or comfort suck I settled down with a book and the tv remote. I also bought a sling so I could actually get some housework done, because even when she wasn't feeding she liked to be held. It makes sense I guess, when only 7 weeks ago she'd been all tucked up nice and warm inside

If you do want her to take a dummy to give yourself a break, the only thing that worked for us is when DH would sit on the couch with her, he'd fold a U-pillow in half and prop her in there, sing to her and rest a finger on the dummy gently. She'd suck away and fall asleep - this was bliss for when I was feeling completely 'touched out' and just needed a break. She still won't have one on her own though. She spits it out or just chews on it.

As for self-settling, 7 weeks might be a bit early. She'll get there, but for now she probably needs cuddles