Anxiety and insomnia, Mum of 2 month old.

[Tinaland]

I've suffered anxiety and insomnia since I unfortunately had to stop bf after 3 weeks.

Bottlefeeding established and ds doing well but feeling anxious all the time- heart pounding etc and can't sleep. Even if not feeling anxious (occasionally) can't sleep as mind racing about things that aren't even worries, or waiting for ds to wake up.

Got valium and sleeping pills from doc and citalopram for longer term treatment of anxiety. Not helping much.

Worrying about not sleeping - vicious circle.

Anyone else had the same? Does it get better??

:(

I can sympathise as I had major issues with insomnia and anxiety after DD was born. She is now 7 months and I can say that it DOES get better. I now feel I have a much better handle on looking after DD, when she needs to nap etc etc. Previously I was worrying about lots of things, even things that hadn't actually happened (e.g. 'what if we go out and x happens??'). I took sleeping tablets for a couple of nights, but did not want to make a habit of it. One thing that seems to have helped a bit is having a milky drink before going to bed and also trying to get plenty of exercise. But mainly I think it's just a matter of time and trying not to get too stressed about the not sleeping (not easy I know).

I had the same from when DS3 was 7 weeks old. It does get better. I avoided sleeping pills (took them for two weeks but that's all). I tried herbal ones too. Paul McKenna's book and CD has helped me hugely.

DS3 now nine months old, I'm much better, not completely though. But nearly there. I do a lot of deep breathing exercises which help and as Morag says, easy to say, try not to worry. You will get the sleep you need in the end and you can cope after a bad night.

How long have you been on the Citalopram? That can take 6 weeks to work and makes you feel worse before you feel better.