Bereavement and postnatal insomnia

[Purpleburple123]

I have a 16 month old and have had a bereavement in last year plus relocation/house move and in temporary accommodation. I'm really struggling with sleep. Last few nights only managed a couple of hours and tonight still awake at 3am with a baby that wakes at 5am. I just can't switch off.
I had a bad bout of insomnia when baby was 6 months just after the bereavement but had counselling and my son started to sleep better and it just eased on its own. Now it's back.
I can feel myself deteriorating physically and mentally.
Going to ring Gp tomorrow but concerned they won't offer medication as I'm still breastfeeding.
Anyone experience similar. What have you found helpful?

You can definitely take sedatives when breastfeeding. I am similar and suffering with insomnia due to a bereavement when my baby was 6 months old (she's now 8.5 months). My perinatal nurse has suggested some sedatives but because I'm cosleeping I haven't tried them. Insomnia is horrible, I'm sorry for your loss

I’m sorry for your loss.

I did work on Locus of Control (how much you feel you can influence things in your life, concentrating on what you can control and rewarding yourself for things you’ve done). It helped to weed out the thoughts, habits and language I used that were feeding the unhappy and helpless feelings.

There used to be something called moodgym which was a free cbt resource - there may be some similar free ones around. There are some decent podcasts ‘unfck your brain’ or therapy in a nutshell on YouTube.

But definitely try your doctor or your counselling again

Congratulations on your baby x