To have never been so tired

[Humbugington]

Dd is 6 months old and an ok sleeper, she goes down at 7ish and get me up 3 or 4 times most nights. Last night she was up every half hour from 2am, I hurt my back quite badly on friday and the painkiller is got prescribed make me feel drowsy so if i take them i feel drowzy and tired and cant function.
Im just so tired i was crying this morning at 5am i dont knw how long i can keep going.
My mum was here yesterday for an hour and i asked her to change dd's bum as it was hurting my back more bending over but apparently "she did her fair of shitty bums when i was a baby" and so refused, my mum is my only support really and i think if sh3 qouldnt change her bum then she isnt going to take her for a day or night.
Has anyone got any practical solutions for the tiredness?

[BuggerLumpsAnnoyed]

I'm so sorry, lack if sleep is awful.

No great suggestions, both my boys were absolutely terrible sleepers. I just mumbled the mantra "this too shall pass" over and over!

[haba]

Go to bed at 7 with her? At least you'll have some sleep. I really feel for you- it's so so hard until they're sleeping through. Keep going, and just get sleep when you can. (Sorry about you mum, it's hard without support too)

[NeedMoreSleepOrSugar]

Lack of sleep is so tough.

In practical terms, try to modify things like nappy changing - use a changing table/bed/sofa instead of the floor to ease the stress on your back. Sit to do things like food prep/ironing. Wear a back support (even I flimsy one from poundland is helpful).

Can your doctor change the prescription to a non drowsy version?

[EatTheChocolateTeapot]

Could you afford a childminder or mother's help? A childminder might be able to take your DD for an hour or two so you can have a nap.
It does get easier witht time, but you are in the thick of it.

[Iolaus84]

I used to go to bed at 7 when ds was a baby and he would wake up multiple times for bf but used to sleep on me so quite often I wouldn't fully wake up for them. I then "sleep trained" at 9 months when he went into own room. It will pass, it will get easier! And nap when they nap! Use a towel and change her nappy on bed/ sofa/table to minimise bending.

[TeachesOfPeaches]

Hi OP, I'm a single parent working full time and the only way I coped was going to bed extra early (sometimes 8pm).

[Humbugington]

Thank you for all yhe replys, I will definately try going to bed earlier, I had been doing housework but i think sleep wins for the time being ha.

[PoorYorick]

Ugh, fuck the housework. Eat ready meals with plastic cutlery and paper plates if need be, sleep is the priority. Sleep deprivation is used as a recognised form of torture for a reason.

If you're breastfeeding, consider mixed feeding so you can get a little bit more time and rest. Breastfeeding is exhausting.

[BewilderedBeaver]

You have my sympathy, I've been there and it is really tough. My advice would be like others sleep when she sleeps and try to eat well and get a bit of exercise every day to keep your energy levels up but I do know that's easier said than done. It's a shame about your mum, why don't you ask anyway if she could help out over night. You never know if you don't ask, she might surprise you. Have you actually told her how you are feeling, perhaps she doesn't realise.

[PhilODox]

Honestly? The housework can get to fuck. You're on maternity leave, not housework leave!
Do you have a partner? He needs to step up a bit.

[Bumdishcloths]

Your mum doesn't sound like much support if she's refusing to even change a nappy

[MarcelineTheVampire]

I feel your pain- just go to bed when she does, even just once, it will make you feel like a new woman.

Just remember 'this too shall pass' and you will get through it. Today is one of those days where I am so tired I could happily die just to get some rest!!!

[wotabastard]

Can you co sleep for the time being? Hugs

[RedSkySuperStar]

Tell your mum to not bother coming over if she's not going to actually support you!