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Babies: 0 - 3 Months
Postpartum insomnia
Our little girl is 5 weeks old and I have a major problem: I can't sleep! I am the most tired I have ever been, but whenever I get the chance to lay down and nap, it does.not.happen. My mom has even been over to my house almost every day since DH went back to work so that she can take care of the baby and I can nap, and I will literally just lay there. The other day she was over for EIGHT hours and I fitfully slept 2 hours, which barely happened and only because I took some Dramamine (the only thing I could find in the house that might help).
DH takes care of the baby from about 8pm - 1 am so I can sleep, and same thing... it usually takes me a few hours to fall asleep and sometimes I don't at all.
The idea of "sleep when the baby is sleeping" is completely not an option for naps during the day or even when she lays down for a few hours at night... I just can't. It is so frustrating, I just cry now after having laid in bed for hours. I am running on fumes at this point.
Thankfully my in-laws very kindly offered to take DD overnight tonight! I think my husband told them about my near mental breakdown a couple of days ago... So I can get a full night's sleep, HOPEFULLY. I'm wondering if it's just her proximity and worrying about her that is making me stay awake. Except, now I am actually putting off going to bed because I'm so worried to find out I still won't be able to sleep!
Has anyone else been through this? I have my 6 week postpartum visit coming up and I will absolutely be discussing this... but I am curious to know if anyone else here has experienced it, it would be nice to know I am not alone.
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Re: Postpartum insomnia
It could be hormones. I know the first week being home with ds I was exhausted but couldn't sleep no matter how hard I tried. I spoke to the community nurse who does home visits and she said it was probably just hormones and if I wanted to try melatonin it might help.
It sucks so hopefully you can get some rest soon!
While your in laws have the baby have A glass of wine and take a leftover pain pill if you have any. Good luck!
Why are you having difficulty sleeping? Is it because you are worried about the baby? I had this issue (and still do sometimes). I slept best at first if she was downstairs with someone rather than in my room.
It's not a good idea to take sleep meds because you need energy during all hours of day and night to take care of baby. Natural things that work for me are: get some exercise during the day, limit caffeine (none in the afternoon), don't do anything too stimulating in the last couple hours before bed - I like to curl under the blanket and watch something light on TV (if baby will let you). I also get my DH to watch her for a couple hours at night which means I go to bed early. It's the only way I sleep well. I put on a fan for some white noise to block out any noise from the house.