The Most Saddest Baby...

halia

I havn't read the whole thread but PLEASE push for an assesment. DS was like this - except it was screaming and crying too. We kept getting told it was normal.
At 20 months after pushing and pushing the NHS we got them to look at the whole picture (ill, screaming, miserable) and he was diagnosed with severe lactose intolerance. He had been in pain for msot of his life until then and THAT was why he was bloody well crying!

purplepatch

My daughter is much the same as you describe. She's 6 months and unless she has my undivided attention during her waking hours, she complains. Starts with shouting and progresses to full blown crying. It gets to the point where unless I ignore it, I'd never get anything done, so all my daily chores are done with a background noise of screaming baby. It drives me to distraction. I sometimes put her in her cot upstairs, shut the bedroom door, then come downstairs and shut the door of whatever room I am in and switch on the TV or radio. My first daughter was the easiest baby, so this is a real shock to the system. She also wakes once a night without fail around 4am, and I know she will wake for a feed before I go to bed around 11pm. Sometimes she will also wake around 2am. I feel constantly knackered and with a 4 year old to deal with too, it isn't easy. You have my sympathies, hang on in there - it will pass. Do you feel ok in yourself? Your posts sound quite low so it might be worth having a chat with your HV or GP to rule out PND. I wondered for a while whether I might be suffering with PND, but I think with me it is more the exhaustion and frustration of feeling helpless that gets me down rather than anything hormonal.

Anyway, just to join with the others saying you are not alone - keep up the good work

Mummy2Emily

Im mother of 2...my first daughter was also a cryer and i was sure i was to blame, but i wasnt it was just her being frustrated and wanting more stimulation.

I really want to give you a massive hug as being a mum is one of the hardest jobs in the world but you should never think that it is your fault...try out your local sure start centre for baby groups,they saved me from postnatal depression so i thoroughly recommend them!...and lastly reward yourself for getting to 9 months with breastfeeding...THAT can be very tough and you've done it so well done:T

Take care x

mum2kathryn

Don't know which area of Cheshire you are in, but one of these might be of use. The NCT runs local 'coffee groups' where you can get together with other Mums. It might not help the crying but will give you the opportunity to get out and about and talk to other Mums. Most branches also have 'experience registers' where you can contact other parents who've been through similar situations.

http://www.nct.org.uk/branches/southcheshire/

http://www.nct.org.uk/branches/midcheshire/

http://www.nct.org.uk/branches/eastcheshire/

http://www.nct.org.uk/branches/northcheshire/

Colin2511

I agree with mum2kathryn about NCT coffee groups, I joined when oldest was born, and it was great, my daughter was super clingy and used to scream if I went to the toilet, but we all got used to it, once I had that circle of other mums it took the pressure off me, as I did not feel a bad mum for an hour, and other people were talking to me, the bumps and babes finished for us about 9 months old, so we continued our own little group , my daughter is also very bright which I find interesting from other posts

my next 2 are a lot more chilled alothough they have their moments when I want to scream louder than them (youngest is 11 months old), I think this is to do with me not wanting to repeat the experience of the 1st one,

I remember locking myself in the loo one day when oldest was crying outside the door, just so I could have some peace (even though I could still hear her), so you are not alone, and although it feels like a long time, it should get easier, even the warmer weather means you can play on the grass in the garden, as this will be new sights / smells/ sounds, or walk to the park,

Mandles

I've found your answer! I remembered it this morning. What really helped me with my latest and i wished i had had it for my first miserable 2 kids is those musical swings by graco like this one http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Graco-Playtime-Baby-Swing_W0QQitemZ160112071723QQihZ006QQcategoryZ2990QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem . They go for under £25 on ebay and i am sure that they will give you a bit of peace. We sat our miserable baby in it while we ate so that we could actually eat in peace. they are brilliant and you can sell on at same price.
I hope you try this as i think it may work (it'll give you some peace!).

heather38

i can really recommend the surestart centres. please make an effort to go even if its just to get out of the house.
we go to a baby bistro (b/f group) on a monday, swimming on a wednesday baby massage on a thursday followed by a baby group, and in june we are starting baby sign language. have you thought about this? maybe she's frustrated as she can't communicate with you and this would help. the classes are free and are suitable for babies over 6 months that can sit up.
don't be afraid to walk away if she is crying. put her in her cot and shut the door, it wont hurt her. i do this when kenny is crying, i go and stand in the garden and take some deep breaths to calm down, and then go back and start again.
you said you are b/f, if you have dairy it can be passed into b/m so lactose allergy can still be evident in b/f babies.

jopsey

I too can only say good things about sure start my little boy who was once a clingy baby, cries every morning now to go to school (sure start)

He now goes in the creche 3 times a week for 2 hours at a time and he loves it and I love the few hours break and feel totally refreshed ,If you can please get in touch with your local sure start .

Im in Widnes if you are near give me a pm

Dustykitten

Sending you a big hug. Being a mum sure is tough (and I'll tell you now it doesn't get any eaiser as they grow).

My 3 boys all went through very clingy stages. You are her world. Any problems in her life it is you who can fix them and she has realised that, no wonder she does not want you out of reach! Believe me it will change - if I try to kiss mine now they duck (especially if somebody is watching).

You are doing a great job to be still breast feeding at 9 months. I know getting a break is not always possible but getting out with baby may make you feel better.

Good luck Dusty

krazykidskate

I breastfed with my first and had similar problems. I had to have her in bed next to me at night so we'd get some sleep. She was very clingy and would not entertain herself at all just wanted to be cuddled. She didn't want to be left with Dad so I didn't get any time to myself. I did start to go to mother toddler groups where she would play and I'd get to chat. Other than that pushing her in the pram until she fell asleep. Looking back a lot of the grumpiness was probably due to tiredness. I think clingy babies turn into very loving children so although it might sometimes seem draining it will pass.