We just got home from the hospital this morning and our son is sleeping but I keep checking if he's breathing. Every little noise freaks me out. My wife is exhausted and sleeping but I can't turn my brain off. Is this normal or am I losing it?
You're not alone in this. Todd here from SD, my son is 4 months now and those first nights were rough. The breathing checks are real but you'll get through it.
That checking every few minutes thing is totally normal, man. I did the same thing with my daughter. The paranoia eases up after a week or two, I promise.
Congratulations on your son. The terrified part means you care and that's what matters. Let yourself feel overwhelmed for a minute but then remember that humans have been doing this forever and your baby is tougher than you think.
Welcome to fatherhood buddy. The terror is real but it passes. Get some sleep when you can, trust your instincts, and know that a lot of what you're worried about is normal. You've got this even when it doesn't feel like it.
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That checking if he's breathing thing is totally normal. I did it constantly the first week. You're not alone in this panic. It gets easier but those early nights are intense.