6 week old & mummy with insomnia

[Ameybee]

Had 2 horrendous nights with DS averaging 3 hours sleep each, I can't usually catch up in day as have DD who is 3 but yest grandparents helped out so I could nap - couldn't sleep! DS slept like a dream last night & I was awake till 430am! Couldn't relax or switch off n was clenching my jaw it was killing! Had a teary day yest which put down to being so tired (had prev PND so always worry its starting). I can't bear another night like that tonight but I know I can't take anything to help with bf. does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks xx

[Stokey]

No great suggestions but much sympathy . Maybe try a hot bath and herbal tea to relax before sleep. Or try just listening to your breathing to help you drop off. Each time you start thinking of something else, try to return to your breathing. It is so frustrating though, dd2 has started waking at 2 and 4 in the morning again and I do find myself lying there thinking, she'll be up again in 2 hrs,when I should just be sleeping.

[Ameybee]

Thank you - will try the hot bath before bed, hopefully minus the 3 year old as might not be quite so relaxing! X

[greenreen]

I had this with my first DD, not PND but was struggling to switch off & got worked up about it. I used to count backwords from 200 to try & focus on something else, also did some puzzle books before bed which seemed to help (I don't even like these books usually) and on an esp. bad night I slept downstairs & told DH to come & get me if DD woke, so that I wasn't on high alert listening for her waking. Not sure if any of that is helpful, but thought I would share what helped me. The insomnia wore off & I haven't had it this time with DS even though he is much worse sleeper.

[aimingtobeaperfectionist]

You have my sympathy. My DD is a fab sleeper, sleeps from 10-8 and has done from about 6 weeks. Arn't i lucky?! Am I bollocks. I've developed insomnia and rarely get to sleep before 3am. I also can not nap in the day. Damn it.
So no advice I'm afraid but much sympathy. You are not alone!

[Jules125]

I think this is quite common. I had this too - my baby was sleeping well quite early on but I wasn't and was starting to struggle with exhaustion (no family help either).

My GP prescribed amtriptlyin which is considered safe whilst breastfeeding. I didn't have to take it more than a few days before it broke the cycle of not sleeping which was starting to make me feel very low.

I appreciate this may not be what you most what but there is a drug considered safe if this continues and you really need that help.