How to stop constantly worrying about SIDS?

Question

When I was in the hospital with baby I literally would not sleep unless somebody was up watching the baby. So I didn’t get much sleep. My SO finally talked some sense into me and I’ve been sleeping when baby sleeps. He’s 11 days old now, and it’s my first day alone with him. I’ve been fine all day but the past hour, I had him sleeping on my chest and I noticed that he pauses breathing for a few seconds before starting back up again. So I’ve been having an anxiety attack about SIDS and I went down the Google rabbit hole and I literally just want to sit here and cry. I know I can’t stay up and watch baby every second of the day, so how can I stop worrying about this so much? It’s making me sick.

Answer

I had awful postpartum anxiety and was so worried at night. I would change my sons outfit sometimes 3 times at night, (like he was sound asleep in his bassinet and I didn’t care if I woke him up) afraid it was too tight on him, then too loose and the cycle continued. It got to the point where my husband insisted I call my doctor and she gave me anxiety medication (very low dose) and the fear never really went away but I felt a lot better. Honestly I think as new mothers you will always worry, it’s just about coming to terms with those worries and managing the anxiety that’s important.

Answer

That sounds like very normal newborn breathing. They go through different cycles of slow and fast and often pause. 
But a sleep/breathing monitor might ease your mind

Answer

I had horrible postpartum anxiety with my daughter. I was so worried about sids that my husband and I used to take shifts at night watching her sleep. I just had my second baby, and I had my OBGYN write me a script for Zoloft so I could start it the day after he was born. I still worry about sids but not nearly as bad as I did with my daughter. I think more logical now, and take all the steps recommended to lower risk of sids. All newborns have irregular breathing. It’s completely normal, esp when they are in the REM cycle. The breathing freaked me out at first too, but our pediatrician reassured me that it is completely normal, even if it seems like they stop breathing for a few seconds. Just try and take deep breaths. I know easier said than done!

Answer

I’m getting a owlet sock to help with my worry

How to stop constantly worrying about SIDS?

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