Hi

My 4 week old has been really clingy for 3 days. E.g. Today, we got up at 8am and until 10pm (he didnt sleep today!) he has been on my breast. If I take him off he cries, if he falls asleep and I put him down, he wakes and cries, if I give him a paci, he cries, if I give my finger, he cries. He is sometimes eating and sometimes just sucking. His nappies are very wet and heavy and he almost always soils them each time too, so I think he is getting enough. I cant even go to the toilet or get a bite to eat because if I put him down, he just cries and I cant leave him to cry.

I swear I will go crazy. I am exhausted now and only have the energy to write this because I am desperate for your advice. Is it normal? Is it a phase? Please offer me your experience and advice!!!!

generally babies go through a growth spurt around three-four weeks old where they're just eating like crazy and making you nuts! if this is the case, it might last another day or two and then taper off back to normal. i can't think of what else it might be....

as far as leaving him to cry, it really won't hurt him if you need to put him in his bed and shut the door to his room for a little while to give yourself a breather! or if you're worried about him being alone, have a friend come and sit with him while you eat or shower or whatever.... just explain the situation, and that your baby will cry but that you need a small break. you need to take care of yourself or you'll get too worn out and won't be able to take care of your baby!