How do you cope when it all seems too much?

[PDog]

Just had one of those days where I feel like this is too much. DD is 8mo and is the cutest and happiest baby (most of the time) but she just won't sleep. Still wakes up at least twice, usually more in the night and has maybe 2 20 min naps in the day.

Am exhausted and the thought of having to do it all again tomorrow seems too much. Do other parents feel like this sometimes and, if so, how do you cope?

Is there anyone else who can give you a break once in a while?

Do you nap when she naps during the day?

Everyone feels exhausted with babies.

Lordy, yes I think everyone does have days like that. I find getting out for a walk and a coffee (I don't even like coffee) helps short term, getting someone to take over to give me a break helps medium term.

But to be honest I've never had to cope with a kiddy who doesn't sleep that much in the day, maybe someone on the sleep boards could help you lengthen the daytime naps? Or have got anyone who could watch her for an hour or two in the day so at least you could get a nap? Sleep is the key in making days bearable I find...

Have no family nearby and DH is away at the moment so having to do all the cooking and cleaning up as well just makes things seem so much harder.

She won't sleep without boob at the moment so she sleeps on me for naps at the minute and it took me 2 hours to get her into her cot tonight.

Have got chocolate trifle but daren't open the wine in case I don't wake up.

Do the bare minimum. Eat takeaways/ beans on toast, and let the cleaning pile-up. Spend the rest of the time eating trifle and congratulating yourself on doing a very difficult job very well.

When is DH back?

Sleep deprivation is the worst. My dd1 was the same as yours - I tried everything to try and get her to sleep more but nothing would work. In the end I used to snuggle up next to her to nap and she would sleep longer next to me - sometimes up to 2 hours! Usually she would wake up exactly 20 mins after starting her nap.

You will soon find that as she gets a bit bigger and more mobile - she will tire herself out a bit more and then sleep a bit longer!

Also - just get out lots - being stuck in the house can be a nightmare - the walls close in and you start feeling a bit mad!

Sorry I said 'bit' far too many times then!

Thanks. DH back late Weds so only 2 more nights to get through by myself.

FIL arrives first thing Thurs though so can't leave all the washing up til then. And I went and had the stupid idea of doing BLW so kitchen has to be cleaned 3 times a day.

Got busy day tomorrow so hoping that will wear her out. Have to be at dentist at 9am, which will be a challenge.

Just waiting for her to wake and then will hopefully get a couple of hours kip before she is awake again.

You're never by yourself with Mumsnet

Good luck making it to the dentist tomorrow.

ps. When I was doing BLW I only cleaned the kitchen once a day, but I do refer you to my talkname.

I too had a shitty moment this afternoon, have a DD3 and DS 15months. He is teething and was up in the night and is just miserable, wouldnt nap in the day. I am 36 weeks preg too.

I just burst into tears in the end. When I opened my eyes they were both staring at me all worried so I felt awful then.

It passed. Luckily my DH took over at 5 and cooked supper and I slept until 8 so feel ok.

It is definately lack of sleep that is the killer. I should be sleeping now but I am enjoying the peace and quiet too much.

Have your trifle and a glass of wine, I'm sure you will wake up if necessary.

I burst into tears yesterday too when I was desperately trying to get DD to sleep - she was looking at me like this , bless her.

Feel so much better today though as she actually had a good night . 4 hours uninterupted sleep has done me the world of good.

Managed to get to the dentist on time . Just put her down for a nap now so will see if actually sleeps in her cot.

OnEdge, hope you have a better day today. Can't imagine coping with 2 and being pg.