Just a general comment about being a new parent, regardless of sight: It's always hardest at the beginning. You will survive this, you will learn, and within a few months you'll be a new expert at caring for your little one.

I know it seems hard. It is hard. You're already meeting this new challenge, and you'll only get better at it.

Also, babies are surprisingly adaptable. I mean, so long as their basic needs are met, they are not going to judge you or be disappointed or whatever. If you're ever tempted to criticize yourself over how you're handling things, step back and realize that this is how it is for virtually every child that has ever been raised, and you're doing fine, and babies thrive even when things aren't perfect.

Also also, learn how to swaddle your baby, either with ordinary blankets or with those specialized swaddling blankets. It can really help soothe newborns.

Best wishes.

I don't have any parenting tips (sorry), but just wanted to say that my parents are both fully blind and raised 5 of us... They said that it was a steep learning curve, but obviously they figured it out just fine eventually :) I know it's not an easy road, but you will get it and you and baby will be just fine!

There is a great Facebook group called Blind Parenting Alliance, tons of users worldwide. PM me if you need an invite.

Hi there. I’m not visually impaired but I am a mom and a teacher for the blind/visually impaired. First and foremost, if you believe you have PPD, get some help! It’s so common and I think as moms we stop caring for ourselves as we deserve after our babies are born. But I don’t think I know any mother who didn’t cope with some form of PPD or PPA after giving birth. I know I sure did.

Second, you mention not always noticing cues to burp. Honestly, with babies you just have to go through a routine til they’re happy. After you feed your baby, she should be ready for a burp right away. If she doesn’t burp but she seems content, I wouldn’t rock the boat. If she is upset, go through the routine of burping, trying different positions, etc until she becomes content.

You also mentioned having trouble measuring out bottles. Are you formula feeding? If it’s in your budget, maybe you’d benefit from getting a baby brezza formula maker. I personally used one and it was a godsend. I bought it used and paid half price. You don’t have to do any measuring and there are only a few buttons to use. Formula can be dispensed in 2 to 10 ounce increments.

But most importantly, remember that even if it doesn’t seem like it, you’ve got this! You carried your baby for nine months and she knows you more than anyone else. You’re a great mom!

The NFB blind parents listserv is moderately active https://nfb.org/blindparents and can probably help with a lot of your questions and generally provide support.

If you're not reaching out to your doctor regarding the PPD, please do! That's probably significantly impacting your perception of your ability to parent. You can do this.

FTM? First time mother? Full time mother?

I'm sorry. I don't have any advice for low vision parenting, but I do have advice for being a mother from someone who loved their mother very much.

Don't be hard on yourself. Be kind to yourself. Being a mother is very difficult for EVERYONE at first. That is going to be enough stress on its own, you are not going to be able to do everything perfect and that is okay.

Babies will cry when they need something, they will cry when they are not feeling well, but sometimes they will cry for no apparent reason. They were just born, try don't know how to do much else.
Don't beat yourself up just because your baby is crying.

One day that little baby is suddenly going to be all grown up and realize the incredible sacrifice and devotion you gave.

In the meantime you well just have to work with your husband to adapt and give baby all the love.

I wish you the best of luck.