Hi everyone! I am a new mom, and my baby has recently started exhibiting separation anxiety whenever I try to leave him alone even for a few minutes. It's becoming increasingly difficult for me to manage his anxiety as it often results in a lot of crying and distress. I feel helpless and guilty for leaving him alone, even for a short duration. I was wondering if any experienced moms out there have gone through the same, and if there are any strategies that can help me manage my baby's separation anxiety? I would really appreciate any advice or tips that you can share. Thank you in advance!

Hello there! I completely understand how you feel. I went through this same experience with my baby girl. One important strategy that I found helpful was preparing my baby for my departure. I would make sure she was well-fed, changed, and comfortable before leaving. That way, she was less likely to become upset due to physical discomfort.
Another thing that helped me was setting a soothing and familiar atmosphere. I played her favorite lullaby, which helped to calm her down. I also kept our goodbye ritual short and sweet to avoid overstimulating her.
At first, I tried not to leave my baby for too long because it was too stressful for her. I started with brief periods and gradually built up to more extended periods of separation. I would leave her in the care of trusted family members or close friends, of course.
Finally, when it was time to get her back, I would approach her gently and calmly. Trying to rush her would only make her more anxious when I returned.
I hope you find these tips helpful. Remember to be patient, consistent, and build trust with your baby. It gets better with time, and your little one will eventually learn to cope with your departures.