3 week old

[Arianna1]

Hi mums, I’m after some sleep advice with my 3 week old. I know infants have no rules for sleep but I’m unable to keep going unless I sleep, at least a little. Problem is that as soon as I put him horizontally he wakes up almost right away and starts making bear like groaning sounds like he’s trying to push the crap out of himself going all red in his face and unless I pick him up he starts crying eventually. He eats and poos well but this pushing is constant. I don’t trust myself with co sleeping or him sleeping on my belly which he seems to prefer the most but I can’t sleep like that. What to do? And what’s this constant pushing all about?

What are is poo like? Is he bf or ff? When you say pushing to you mean trying to poo?

Seriously look up safe cosleeping on the Isis website or get some one to give you a break so you can get some sleep. You need to look after yourself to be a good Mum

During the first few weeks I was literally passing out with exhaustion and my DH was having to hold the baby on my breast to feed while I was out cold lying in bed. I dozed off loads of times while feeding. It's a bit better now (14weeks), partly because the baby sleeps slightly longer stretches and partly because my body has got used to waking up at regular intervals.

Your body will adapt and things will get better. Drop everything else, don't go out, don't do housework, live on microwave dinners, and focus on sleeping every second you can, day or night. Perhaps see a doctor as your baby might have reflux if he gets upset about lying flat? Also, safe co sleeping saved my life (alone in bed with baby and no blankets or pillows).

Definitely speak to your health visitor about the pushing. If he's ff maybe try cycling his legs which I've read helps constipation.

If he hates being flat can you try slightly inclining his mattress which is meant to help with wind too.

Also be reassured that newborns make weird noises. My twins make such weird noises. They're asleep but it often keeps me up.

I have a 6 week old who also doesn't like lying by herself. I have a snuzpod which is great as we can co sleep but do so very safely. I am a very light sleeper and barely move in my sleep as well though. Could you invest in a co sleeping cot in order to get a bit more sleep?

I’ve got Chicco next to me but he hates it so is sleeping in Moses basket. I have Sleepyhead but health visitor said it’s not safe and therefore not recommended