LAura - Sometimes it takes an impartial person to see when you need a little extra help. You sound like you are doing well to me but it is hard to tell on the internet and can be easy to say only what you want as well. However sometimes the Drs etc don't always know what is best for you. Is the mother and baby unit like Tresillian/ Torrens House (in SA) where you jsut get help and have a rest or is it more mental health focussed? IF you could I would try and suss out their methods or you could just treat it like a holiday. I don;t think you would be detained so findout if you don't like their methods can you leave? You can alwys try their way, there will be people there to support you and if you don't like it or it doesn't work you don't have to continue doing it at home. It is hard though because they have so called experts with the techniques that 'work' but you don't like them so don't use them and that is why you ended up there? IYKWIM.
I have thought about trying to get into our sleep place here but talking to Child and youth health on the phone who run it there are things that just don't work for me. I am NOT avoiding eye contact with E because it is too 'stimulating'. I just think it is horrible and I wouldn't like it if I was distressed and the person who I loved most wouldn't look at me. Plus I am not going to stand and rock the cot for hours to make him go to sleep, won't work. I have started sort of following the Karitane guidelines sometimes, ie leaving him for a minute or two to cry, but that is only when nothing else works and I absolutely hate doing it but I think it does sort of work. I do go back, calm him and pcik him up and kiss him and tell him how sorry I am. I did that finally this morning after about 40minutes of up and down and bottles etc and he has now been asleep nearly 1 hour and 45mins. I better go check on him. He's ok.
Maybe do a post in the general section asking about M &B units and peoples experiences.
I just want to say whatever you choose you are doing an awesome job and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. What we choose to do with our children is our decision and we are the ones that deal with the consequences.

CM- E has been pretty feral during the day, not sure if teething, tired, and yesterday it was day 3 of not pooping. He finally did poop. I do feel like a bad 'mummy' as when he won't settle or really miserable I give panadol and maybe bonjela too. But whatever works and I really hate E crying/whinging/unhappy ?in pain and if I can help in some way I will.

I got to sleep 5 hours!!!! E went to bed at 6, woke at 9 for a feed, DH gave him a dream feed bottle at 1130 then he woke at 330 for another feed. I didn't hear him at 1130 but DH said it was a wonder as he did cry. I still feel tired but not too bad. Feeding is going ok, still doing both and it is working. We will try and both as long as we can. It is nice being able to get DH to give a bottle so I can sleep, especially if he is still up anyway. Plus he benefits because I am not as grumpy a cow.
My little man woke after about 1hour 50. Phone rang so I think that made him wake though it didn't happen immediately.
Anyway hugs to all