Sleep all day awake all night

[Rosebel]

My baby is 4 weeks old tomorrow and his routine is totally out. By that I mean he sleeps a lot during the day and is awake a lot at night but often grizzly during the night.
Last night was horrendous as I didn't actually manage to get to bed or any sleep. Been up since 7 yesterday morning and just feel half dead.
I have tried making it quiet and dark in the night and keeping a normal level of noise and light during the day but it makes no difference.
I obviously don't expect him to sleep through or anything but I'd like him to settle enough so I can have a few hours sleep.
My husband is at work and goes to bed between 9 and 10 so it's not like I can even go to bed early.
I just need some advice on coping on no sleep or very little.
My older two used to go at least 4 hours without a feed but my baby usually goes 3 hours in the day but often only 2 to 21/2 hours at night.
My husband just says oh never mind I'll have him Friday night which I'm grateful for but I'm so exhausted now.

I experienced the same thing. I was told my baby's body clock was the wrong way around! Sounds like you're doing all the right things though, it can take a few weeks. Something that helped us was to not let baby sleep longer than 3 hour stretches through out the day. I think 6 weeks was the turning point for us!

How did you cope with the complete exhaustion? Just realised I've had 3 hours sleep in the last 48 hours. Eyes are scratchy my head hurts and I'm so tired I want to beg my husband to stay home so I can sleep (I won't though).

Have you got anyone that could watch your children for you so you can have a nap or rest for a bit? We were in lockdown whilst I had all of this going on so my partner was at home with me 24/7 meaning I could rest in the day if I needed it so in a way I was very lucky! Otherwise I don't think I would of coped, it's so exhausting isn't it. Hopefully things improve soon for you.

Sorry to hear you’re struggling OP, it’s so hard when baby won’t settle at night. Have you tried white noise at night? Could help baby stay asleep for longer.

Also does your husband need to sleep at 9 or 10 if you’ve had no sleep at all? I would ask him to stay up until 11 and sleep 7-11 yourself so you can have a block at least. Unless he gets up extremely early.

I hate to say it, but this is totally normal.

Babies do not get know the difference between day and night.

Google 4th trimester.

These first few months will be TOUGH, it's mainly about survival.

Do what you need to get through

You poor soul. Can you go to bed when baby does and try to keep naps to 3 hours like someone above said. Are the older ones ok to come and get you if they need you? When I felt awful and my oldest was too young to be left alone, I'd put them in the playpen with some toys and rest on the sofa while the baby slept.

Definitely ask your husband to take over when he comes home and tell him that if you become too unwell to care for baby then he'll have to have time off work so he's better off supporting you to rest now.

Once you've had some rest can you take baby for a walk in the pram daily for fresh air? Good luck, it sounds awful.

Thanks for the replies. My husband used to get up at 7 but is getting up earlier around 5 so he can do overtime. So he does need to sleep early.
I know it's normal and think I'll have to try and nap in the day.
Its hard though as my children are older but my middle daughter has ASD so she can't be on her own for too long.
I know all parents are tired, I'll be so glad when I'm not juggling home schooling with looking after my baby. Tbf my husband does look after our baby in the evening I just find the night so exhausting.

Try swaddling and white noise. You can get white noise on you tube.

White noise was a lifesaver for us. I hope you get some sleep soon OP!

Can you feed more often daytime? My baby is now 3 months old but he only usually goes 90mins- 2 hrs between daytime feeds. Then sleeps fairly good overnight (4-6/7 hr gaps)