I thought nursing a baby was going to be a lot easier. My baby is two weeks old and so far it's mostly tears, hers and mine. What's wrong?

It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed and tearful when your baby is only two weeks old, especially if it feels like there's a lot of crying. Two weeks is very early, and it's a huge adjustment for both you and your baby. There's nothing inherently *wrong* – it's just the reality of newborn life.
However, while crying is a common way for newborns to communicate their needs, persistent inconsolable crying could warrant investigation. Possible reasons for a two-week-old's crying include:

• Hunger: Newborns need to feed frequently, sometimes every 2-3 hours. Make sure your baby is getting enough milk (breast or formula).
• Dirty diaper: A simple diaper change can often work wonders.
• Gas or colic: Gas and colic can cause significant discomfort and crying. Gentle tummy massages, bicycling legs, and keeping the baby upright after feedings can help.
• Overtiredness or overstimulation: Newborns have short attention spans. Too much stimulation can lead to fussiness.
• Discomfort: Check for things like a too-tight outfit, a scratchy tag, or an uncomfortable temperature.
• Medical conditions: In rare cases, excessive crying could indicate a medical issue. This is less common but always worth considering.

What you should do:

1. Talk to your pediatrician: If you're concerned about the amount of crying, or if your baby seems unusually fussy or lethargic, call your pediatrician. They can assess your baby and rule out any underlying medical problems. This is especially important if the crying is high-pitched, accompanied by fever, vomiting, or other concerning symptoms.
2. Seek support: Postpartum depression is common. Don't hesitate to reach out to your partner, family, friends, or a mental health professional if you're struggling emotionally. Support groups can also be helpful.
3. Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is crucial for caring for your baby. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks when you can.
4. Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, don't hesitate to seek help.
Remember, this phase is temporary. It gets easier. Focus on meeting your baby's basic needs and getting support for yourself. You are doing great!