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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To cry in a ball on the floor of DD2s bedroom

105 replies

GinnyLovesGin · 13/02/2018 02:38

Because it is 2.35am and she just will not go the fuck to sleep.

She’s 7 months old has a cough. I know it’s not her fault but my patience is wearing thin. I have tried everything. She is exhausted. Eventually dozed off and then coughs herself awake two mins later and shouts and bawls till I go through and put her dummy back in. She has been like this since 11pm.

Please send help. And maybe some coffee. Husband fast asleep as he has a big court appearance tomorrow so I don’t want to disturb him (DD1 currently asleep in our bed on top of him so he’s suffering a little bit at least) but OMG this is so hard. I could throw up I’m so tired.

OP posts:
AnneWiddecombesHandbag · 13/02/2018 22:40

I'm with you. My ds2 has not slept through the night in his entire 20 months. Some
Nights I've literally not slept and been so tired I've thrown up!

Hope your dd gets over her cough soon!

FrozenMargarita17 · 13/02/2018 22:50

I have a child who now fights bedtime so hard it's horrendous. She wakes up at silly times and I'm so tired I take her in the spare bedroom with me to sleep. She then does go down. I know I shouldn't do it but if I get sleep then I'll carry on !! Ahhh

Ellie56 · 13/02/2018 22:53

A bit late to the party, but when our children were small one of them was ill I used to sit on the sofa propped up with pillows, with DC propped up on my lap cuddled up to me, and we'd both sleep. It was better than getting up out of bed every 5 minutes. On really bad nights we'd watch a dvd for a bit too.

I also had the fire on low so the room was warm as the doctor said the change in temperature at night causes the coughing to get worse.

Apparently being propped up is better for them when they have ear ache too.

longtompot · 13/02/2018 23:07

It was a while ago since I had to deal with a non sleeping wee one, but when mine had coughs and colds, I used to put a couple of books under the head end of their cot to lift it up slightly. It helps stop the phlegm gong up into their mouth or nose and then they can fall asleep. And then you can. You can also put something under the head of their mattress as well.
Sleep deprivation, esp when you don't know quite when they will ever go to sleep, is the hardest thing of being a parent Flowers

WanderingStar1 · 13/02/2018 23:09

You poor thing! Hope it's better tonight! I was generally lucky with my two but I did have a night like this when my DD was 8 months, (more like 6 months as 7 weeks prem) and she woke me about midnight with her first ever cold, and then couldn't settle. I tried all sorts, but eventually I put her in a bouncy chair so she was partially upright, next to me in the spare bed, and finally got a few hours kip around dawn. It's just horrendous though, sending lots of sympathy! Flowers

readysteadyteddy · 14/02/2018 05:34

Up since 4 with DS coughing. His eyes were stuck together Sad. He's being very brave but he's exhausted.

Oblomov18 · 14/02/2018 06:15

Lack of sleep is a killer. You have our sympathy.

Original poster
GinnyLovesGin · 14/02/2018 08:33

Calpol plug in is a game changer. She only got up once (and DH dealt with her). Either that or she was just so exhausted she slept through anyway. Either way, sleep was had 🙌🏻 Still feeling knackered today but so much better.

How was everyone else’s night??

OP posts:
SpoonfulOfJam · 14/02/2018 10:12

Was going to suggest the calpol plug in. Really helps my 2 when they are coughing and congested. I have plugged it into living room while we took an afternoon snooze on the sofa. No need to wait till bedtime.

mumindoghouse · 14/02/2018 17:38

This too will pass
Repeat to self like Bhuddist chant as it is calming and true.
They grow up so fast and you’ll cope.

pollymere · 14/02/2018 17:40

I found it easier to put a pillow under the mattress than try to tilt a cot. If your mattress is really rigid, you can put it under the sheet.

user1468348545 · 14/02/2018 17:40

It’s horrible isn’t it! I’m sorry you’re having a rough time of it. No magic wand here unfortunately but have you tried vapor rub on the bottom of little ones feet. I know it sounds unusual but I read it once and tried it and it does actually make a difference! It’s my go to now when the little ones (or us big ones) have a cough!

user1498627109 · 14/02/2018 18:00

Poor you and no, YANBU. Try vicks on her feet with socks and put a half onion near the bed. I hope she feels better soon.

sprot · 14/02/2018 19:11

When my eldest (now 21) was small I ended up on the floor of my bedroom on a mattress sleeping with her for months on end (very unsupportive ex)

Chicken1970 · 14/02/2018 19:20

If its a bad cough and shes had it a while, just take her to Dr's to get her checked out. I did with baby as she was coughing herself awake, was making funny noises when breathing and seemed not to catch her breath. It turned out to be bronchiolitis and a chest infection.

manicmij · 14/02/2018 19:34

It's what you call parenthood. Great idea at the time but.........

DayKay · 14/02/2018 19:37

When I had nights like this, I found it less stressful to just accept it was going to be a tough night and go downstairs and watch tv/ boxset. But then I didn’t have work the next morning...

snowone · 14/02/2018 19:39

Ginny - hope your DD (and you) managed to get some sleep eventually. My daughter has suffered terribly with coughs and nocturnal asthma. The one thing o have found to help is a humidifier.....we had a steam one that just gave up the ghost last week and I'm in the process of replacing it. I have done a bit of research and apparently hold or cold humidifiers are as effective as each other.

Altimate · 14/02/2018 20:07

Just wanted to send lots of flowers and Nutella pancakes to everyone who posted. It does get better, I promise, I promise. You are doing brilliantly at this, you really are. And I wish I could come and take over for each of you for a couple of hours to let you sleep. Just take every single offer of help and similar from anyone who offers.

user1470055656 · 14/02/2018 20:57

It’s awful isn’t it... I have a 15 month old who hasn’t ever slept through. Not once. I had no idea it would last this long... 🤦🏻‍♀️

Lorddenning1 · 14/02/2018 21:06

Have you tried Vicks on the bottom of her feet and then put socks on, it's weird how it works but it does :)

emma6776 · 14/02/2018 21:21

I have a six YEAR old who has never slept through. So YABU xx

clarkl2 · 14/02/2018 22:56

Give her 10ml Calpol

Cbuss1982 · 14/02/2018 23:14

I know it’s a bit late now but in case you’re in the same situation tonight, when my son coughs all night I put a slice of raw onion in some socks and put them on both feet! Sounds silly but I swear the coughing reduces if not completely went. Just don’t do what I did and put them on straight from the fridge... bit cold!!!

mylifestory · 14/02/2018 23:21

Anyone suspecting teething get a necklace from Amber pumpkin website, they are magic and u will use them for many years. For those that never sleep get the baby whisperer solves all yr problems, only read the bit on EASY as it is a stupid thick book, the rest is optional. Especially for those with younger ones 3 or 4 months old is a good idea to start that and it all fell into place with that. Mine is 8 years old now and had the dreaded cough over xmas for over 2 weeks, simply cdnt sleep so has now learnt that she can stay up til 11pm and tries that every night then cranky when woken for school. sigh ....

All mums remember that when u get used to 1 stage, they then move onto the next one and we have to learn all over again. Good luck to us all!!

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