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11-04-2012 at 2:38 PM
Laur7
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Laur7 is not online. Last active: 01-29-2013, 12:32 PMNewbie

Not connected yet?

My LO is just over 2 weeks old, and I still have yet to feel that strong mom/baby connection that everyone talks about. Sometimes in the middle of the night I dread getting up to feed him. I do make sure his needs are met (i.e. fed, dry, not gassy, cuddles), but I feel like I'm doing this because I have to, not because I want to. It's been a rough 2 weeks between out of town visitors for a week, and my husband and I having to put our cat to sleep. I'm aware of post partum depression, and am making sure that I watch myself- still eating my usual meals, sleeping okay, and making sure I shower and dress each morning. Still also make time to spend with the husband at night. I just wish I felt a deeper connection with my LO already...
 
11-04-2012 at 2:41 PM
mabenner1
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The first few weeks are rough. On top of the no sleep thing, your hormones are all over the place. I know I definitely felt the way you are feeling at first. It does get better. For me, once Ds started sleeping more than an hour or 2 at a time, and was more alert and active, I felt much more bonded with him.

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11-04-2012 at 2:43 PM
milwaukeej
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From what I've read and been told, everyone develops that connection at a different pace. I feel like I have a good bond with our little girl but I still have that feeling you're talking about - that when I'm dead tired and stressed out I'm only feeding her because I need to, not because I want to. This morning I had an immensely difficult time getting out of bed to take care of her while she was fussing. It gets to the point where I worry about my ability to do what it takes, but I know that I will be able to even if my body is just running on auto pilot.

 You're not alone in how you feel, believe me! And just try to spend time cuddling or "playing" with baby. One of my favorite things is when we do tummy time in the evening - when she's awake and I'm at my best each day. I love watching her and cheering her on as she tries to pick her head up and look around or move her head side to side. If you find an activity that you enjoy with your baby, do that - it might help you feel that "connected" feeling more.

And you're not a bad mom if it takes a while :) 


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11-04-2012 at 3:16 PM
blenderdan...
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It took me about 5 weeks before I felt more connected.  I loved her, but mostly everything felt like a chore until then.  Then she started getting more interactive.  Now it is much better as she gets more personality, but I don't think I'll ever love the infant stage...and I still dread getting up at night and am pretty sure that isn't going to go away :-)



BFP 5/2/11, missed m/c, D&C 6/13/11
BFP 12/8/11--Little Girl E Born 8/22/12
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11-04-2012 at 3:40 PM
ctj82
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ctj82 is not online. Last active: 06-16-2013, 6:57 PMNewbie

Yup, me too.

My LO is 8 weeks old.  Sometimes the love/bliss that they feature in the movies is there, and then it disappears the moment she yawns and I realize I have to fight through another nap time struggle.

For me as well the connection started when she was more interactive (eye contact, smiling).  It'll come, don't worry.  

 
11-04-2012 at 4:47 PM
milwaukeej
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I have to say the best feeling ever is when they look right into your eyes and really study you. I wish I could capture that feeling in a bottle. 

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11-04-2012 at 6:12 PM
White Pony...
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My little girl is almost 9w old, and honestly I didn't feel a deep, strong connection with her until about 5 weeks.  I had really bad baby blues.  Once that passed, I was able to connect with her.  Hang in there, it will happen.  If you are really concerned, please see your doctor.

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11-04-2012 at 6:56 PM
Aisham28
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Don't worry some people just take longer to connect then others. It took me a little over a month to really get that way. I thought there was something wrong with me but I read a book that talked about how its not uncommon for some moms to take a little more time until they get that way.

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11-04-2012 at 9:54 PM
milwaukeej
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And the fact that you're concerned about it is a good thing :)

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11-05-2012 at 9:08 AM
lucy460
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It took me awhile with DS. I definitely didn't have that immediate gushy feeling that everyone talks about.

Mama to 2 late-term preemies (7/10 & 11/12) due to HELLP Syndrome. 
11-05-2012 at 7:34 PM
byrne15
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Not everyone has that instant bond.  With ds1.... I probably didn't feel it until at least 6 months.  I looked forward to going to work, etc.  then finall it hit me one day while I was at work.... I missed my baby so much.

~after 34 cycles we finally got our 2nd little bundle of joy~
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