Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Sleep

Join our Sleep forum for tips on creating a sleep routine for your baby or toddler. Need more advice on your childs development? Sign up to our Ages and Stages newsletter here.

Flip

Original poster

Too tired to look after baby?

14 replies

tigger2022 · 01/12/2022 07:43

My 4 week old has colic & constipation & won't be put down. He's screaming in pain. I've done baby massage & everything. His prescription is stuck in the post because of the Royal Mail strike. What do you do if you're too tired to look after the baby and nobody can help? I'm a single mum, my parents can only visit a few times a week. I've only got 45 minutes sleep since Tuesday. I'm scared I'm going to pass out carrying him or fall asleep cuddling & suffocate him. I haven't had time to eat properly either. I feel so weak physically. What do I do?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

snowbellsxox · 01/12/2022 07:48

Is the script for milk? I would phone gp and ask for emergency prescription.. especially if that's what's causing his disruption to sleep. He should be sleeping most of the time at this age x

Lanty · 01/12/2022 07:51

Can you ring your health visitor too and explain how tired you are? I'm not sure what they will suggest, but maybe there is a single parent support group or something out there that they might be able to recommend.

Poor you, it sounds absolutely awful.

ChipsAreLife · 01/12/2022 07:51

That sounds really tough. Mine had reflux and allergies it's awful, I really sympathise with the lack of sleep and not being put down.

Can you call a friend to help out? Even just to get some sleep? Also call GP and explain the medicine has not turned up and get another script sent to a pharmacy you can collect from?

welshweasel · 01/12/2022 07:52

Can you ring your health visitor? They will be able to provide support and in some areas can arrange for a volunteer to come and help you. And you able to safely cosleep? Do you have any friends locally? I would hate one of my friends to be feeing like this - I would gladly go and help them after work. I'm sorry you're having a hard time. Things will get better but I know that's no consolation when you haven't slept in days.

welshweasel · 01/12/2022 07:53

Also do you have a stretchy sling? Mine was a lifesaver with a tricky baby who just wanted holding. It meant that I could at least have hands free to make/eat food whilst still providing comfort to baby

Orangesare · 01/12/2022 07:57

Walk him out in the pram or buggy ( if he doesn’t like being flat) until he falls asleep then park buggy in house and sleep

YoSofi · 01/12/2022 07:59

Is there nobody at all you can ask for help? A neighbour? A friend?

Id be more than happy to come and help someone in your situation, look after baby while you slept.

Obviously I’m not advising you ask a complete stranger but is there anybody at all?

merlotlover · 01/12/2022 09:15

Oh bless you! Can you make a nest with pillows and blankets in the front room and both get cosy put a drink and snack in there and if dc nods off you can too. Best of luck lovey 💐

Fireyflies · 01/12/2022 09:19

You could contact Homestart who place volunteers with new mums who are struggling.

And as a last resort you can place your baby safely in their cot, check they're not too hot or cold and shut the door and leave them to cry for an hour or so while you have a rest. It's the thing to do if you're in danger of cracking.

alittleadvicepls · 01/12/2022 09:26

Is there a local mums Facebook page you could post on? Or even the neighbour for an hour? I’m a mum and I’d jump at the chance of helping a fellow mummy out!

Coffeeandcrocs · 01/12/2022 09:31

Fireyflies · 01/12/2022 09:19

You could contact Homestart who place volunteers with new mums who are struggling.

I'm sorry but you cannot leave a 4 week old baby to cry for an hour. 10 minutes if you really need to compose yourself ( in line with ICON ) but an hour at 4 weeks old is hideous.

I'm sorry you're so exhausted OP, I think it epuld he worth calling the GP back and discussing the possibility of CMPA and trialing some dairy free milk. I know you say your parents can't visit much but could you call them today/a friend and get them to come over and have baby for a few hours whilst you sleep?

FlounderingFruitcake · 01/12/2022 09:38

What is the prescription and why is it in the post? Any chance you can sort that today and get a new script via GP or 111? Then call your parents, tell them you’re on your knees and ask them to take baby for a night so you can get a decent night’s sleep. Also ask HV about Homestart. And really it’s fine to put baby down somewhere safe for 10 minutes to make and eat a quick sandwich or have a shower or whatever.

ShoesEverywhere · 01/12/2022 10:07

Learn how to safely co sleep so it doesn't happen as an accident.

I coslept with all my children from day one (except my first, and I almost cracked after months of sleep deprivation!) but it's really important to do it in a bed, on a flat surface, without pillows or duvets near baby.

www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/co-sleeping/

Goldbar · 01/12/2022 10:27

Could you try elevating one side of his cot (put books or something under the legs, just make sure it is stable) or put him in the pram at a slight incline (so remove the bassinet attachment). If he's suffering from reflux or trapped wind, this might make him more comfortable. I would also try a warm bath, swaddling and a pacifier, if you haven't already. White noise can help with sensory overload (look up eg party noise/rain noise on YouTube and play loudly).

Flip