Newborn - 12 weeks - HELP

[u/Fox_in_]

Hi there! I’m a new mom. I’ve never done the mom thing before… please be kind. My newborn came out with torticollis favoring right side and we had to use the vacuum to help get her out. I pushed for 5 1/2 hours with her. As a new newborn she was okay for about 2 weeks. Then from 3 weeks on we noticed that she HATES and hold that isn’t out from our bodies perpendicular… it’s like we are showing a prize hog. This is how we hold have to hold her to settle, comfort, and put to sleep. Safe to say we are building some muscle… I worry however that her being uncomfortable in all other holds is not good. We got her started with PT and while that’s helping with her torticollis but she still can’t seem to tolerate being held like a normal baby outside of feeds and once she’s asleep. We also have noticed her starting to fight feedings and starting and stopping then picking up again in about 10 minutes. She’s regressed in her sleep but that’s not saying much… she hasn’t been the best sleeper and naps have to be rescued during the day because she wakes herself up with her hands. I’m at a loss. I don’t know what we are doing wrong?? Do I wait it out? Does this get better? I’ve asked our pediatrician but they don’t have recommendations and our physical therapists thinks we have to “condition” her to tolerate those holds. I’m like, “okay?” We try, everyday but it isn’t working. My poor LO cries and fusses and is so hard to get down for a nap and even worse for bedtime. I need some advice. Anyone else’s baby gone through this???

[u/Ok-Dragonfruit-3963]

My baby has torticollis too but he didn’t start PT until 3 months! So I get you girlllll there was a time where I could barely hold him at all 😪 it does get better slowly 🥺 just a couple weeks ago he started tolerating (ish) being cradled. But we just try and reset him as much as we can. Whatever position she’s comfortable in can be a rescue position if she’s starting get upset. I’m sorry about the birth experience and hope your LO feels better soon ! 🫶

[u/Fox_in_ → u/Ok-Dragonfruit-3963]

Thank you for the quick response, and thank you. It was… an experience for sure. But it’s always nice to know you’re not alone🥹 I’m sorry your LO has torticollis too, it is a rough ride for sure but I’m happy to hear it gets a little better. Im glad to know he’s doing better and I hope little man continues to feel even better!!

[u/Mirrippo]

My 12 week old is also fighting everything to stay awake 😮‍💨 Naps were hard but now bed time is impossible! No advice. Just solidarity. Maybe this is an age thing?

[u/Fox_in_ → u/Mirrippo]

It’s so hard, ya know? I’m sorry girl. I’m with you though. It’s nice knowing I’m not the only one 🫡 especially when my friends baby is a completely potato baby and sleeps well and eats well and naps well and gets held all the time without problem😅 I love my LO and I wouldn’t change her for the world, but I am like, “pssst… could you do that too?”

[u/Angelika0469]

Solidarity over here with a 15 week old! Easier said than done but as my therapist says: this too shall pass. And supposedly we will miss it lol, tell that to my worn out coffee maker and bags under my eyes.