We brought our son home yesterday and every time I close my eyes I jolt awake thinking something's wrong. My wife says this is normal but I feel like I'm losing it. How do you guys deal with the anxiety? Do I ever actually sleep again or is this just my life now?
The terror is real but it does fade. What helps is having your pediatrician's number saved and knowing the warning signs. Once you feel like you know what you're looking for, the hypervigilance chills out a bit.
First night jitters are real. You're not alone in this, everyone goes through it. Just take it one moment at a time and trust your instincts.
That's completely normal man, I was the same way when my son came home 6 weeks ago. Those first nights are rough but it does get easier, I promise.
This is totally normal and honestly I was the same way. Five months in and I still have nights where I wake up in a panic. The thing that helped me was realizing my kid is actually tougher than I think. You're gonna be okay, he's gonna be okay. Those first few nights are rough but it passes.
That first night home is surreal. I was the same way, waking up every two seconds checking if he was breathing. It gets better I promise. By week two you'll actually be able to sleep.
The hypervigilance is real. With co-parenting I at least have my ex-wife during the week to tag in, but those first few solo nights home were brutal. What helped me was knowing that babies are actually pretty resilient. You're doing better than you think you are.
Normal as it gets. I was convinced something catastrophic would happen if I closed my eyes. My wife finally told me to get some sleep and she'd watch him. You can't protect him if you're exhausted.
Night shift nurse here so I've seen a lot of paranoid new parents come through the ER for nothing. Your kid has this built-in alarm system, I promise. If something's wrong they will let you know. Sleep in shifts with your partner if you can. You need rest too.
Sign in to join the conversation.
Dude, I remember this feeling so well. You're basically running on adrenaline and fear right now. Have you tried just sitting next to the bassinet for a bit? Not watching obsessively but just being present? Helped me feel calmer somehow.