I have a newborn and insomnia!

[Maria101]

My baby is four weeks old tomorrow, and I'm suffering from terrible insomnia (which I've never had before). She's a bad sleeper anyway, and I'm breastfeeding. However, when I get a chance to nap (when she's napping, or my mum or husband are around) I can't seem to sleep. My mind wanders, I listen out for her cries, or I do chores. I just can't relax and let myself fall asleep. I'm worried that I'm going to run myself into the ground. Does anybody have any tips?

Try not to worry too much about not sleeping - as the worry will stop you sleeping

I found the whole "you must sleep when the baby sleep" total rubbish - if you do manage to switch off enough to doze then inevitably the postman/Jehovah's witness/politician will knock on the door or pneumatic drills will start up next door. Pointless trying really IME

When it is bedtime - have a soothing drink, bath in lavender and then lie in bed reading a fairly dull book - hopefully you'll drop off fairly easily

Yes thelittleblue is right; if you made yr.drink strong camomile it is very soothing(for you and baby!) and or a big lettuce sandwich will also help.

Look after yourself .
Tell your health visitor /GP if it doesn't get any better. Your hormones are probably all over the place following the birth and not everyone's settle down the way they should ,so you may need to discuss this with GP .

I found having the radio on very quietly helped me sleep when I had similar.
I left it on R4 24 hours a day

I was the same as you.
I think it's all about being woken up suddenly by crying baby, it is quite shocking.
I could never get to sleep after he woke, thinking he going to be awake again soon.
It does pass, although you still keep one ear out, more so than my husband.

Hi there

I had this very badly. There are a few of us over on the Mental Health page - we've started up an insomnia support thread if you're interested.

Basically mine started when DD was 6 weeks old. I think the constant waking in the night, and anxiety of having a newborn took it's toll and the process of dropping off to sleep (which should be automatic) became distrupted.

Mine progressed until I would unfortunately go the whole night sometimes without falling asleep and I ended up with PND. I would advise you get help from your GP if it doesn't improve, and you see to be getting worse.

Take care