Baby's too attached to me! - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

BigMomma24 · 07-27-2005, 07:54 PM

My dd is 5 months old and I barely leave her side for anything. I am breastfeeding, and people tell me that when you breastfeed, your child has a special bond with you and it's harder to be apart for them.

Well, I just started back to night school and she cries and screams when she's alone with her dad. She'll scream and cry if I even leave the room for longer than 30 seconds. When I return, she'll smile and coo, reassured that I'm there.

I didn't have this problem with my first child, and I'm not sure what to do about it. Anyone have any ideas about what I can do for separation anxiety? It breaks my heart to know she's so miserable without me.

Kiera1595 · 07-28-2005, 04:25 AM

Well, I'm not sure what you can do...but I will tell you it is soo normal. Babies hit a peak of separation anxiety at 6 months and then again at 16 months. Maybe she would like to look at some pictures of you when you are gone. And perhaps you can leave yer hubby with a piece of your clothing that smells like you and wrap her up with it.

I know it breaks your heart. Take it as a wonderful compliment of how much that little angel loves you. She will learn to spend some time without you. DS was the same way and then one day he suddenly switched and only wanted my husband, now THAT broke my heart. Then a few months later it was back to mommyville. They're funny aren't they??

nicolettie · 07-31-2005, 08:36 PM

yes but i feel soooo special knowing my daughter is only comforted by me...and i get weird to when im away from her for too long.

BigMomma24 · 08-01-2005, 05:45 PM

I feel the same way, about leaving my baby. We went to the movies this weekend without her and it didn't feel "right". It is so hard for me to do things without her, and when I do, I am overcome with guilt. That is why I chose to quit my job and be a stay at home mom for now.

Oh, and we are going to record my voice to see if it helps when I am away at night school, but my hubby said that once she gets worked up, nothing really helps. She'll just scream until I get home, or she falls asleep. I called home the other night and it was so funny- as soon as she heard my voice she stopped crying, but only for about a minute.