How do I get my 6wk old to sleep for more than an hour?

[ineedahero]

I'm totally at my wits' end. My 6wk DD sleeps fine during the day (2 or 3 naps of at least 2 hours) and fine most evenings, from about 7 until half 10 or so now, but then as soon as we go to bed she wakes up at least every hour and a half, if not every hour.

I've heard that babies who eat lots during the day need less at night, so have tried to feed her up, but I think this has resulted in her 'snacking' more often, which obviously doesn't help.

She was only 6lb4 when born, so my main priority was always her putting on weight, but she's doing that fine and now I've had so little sleep in the last 6 weeks I think I'm going a bit mad - I told DH last night that I would rather die than go through another night like this, and I think I meant it more than a little. I also get so exasperated I regularly break down sobbing in the middle of the night when she wakes up, and I don't think this is particularly good for my little baby to be hearing from her mother.

Does anyone know of anything I can try?

I just want to add, I'm just looking for maybe a block of 3 hours a couple of times a night, that would be incredible right now...

6 weeks is classic growth spurt time - so cling to the mantra "this too will pass"

My top tips are (i) cluster feed if the baby wants to in the evenings (DS1 and DS2 used to - then would go 4 hours till next feed which meant I got some baby free time for a bath/food/bit of sleep), (ii) swaddle them - will mean they dont whack themselves in the head and wake themselves up - but only if they're happy to be swaddled (some babies like it, some dont), (iii) white noise in background will lull them back to sleep often and (iv) if all the above isnt working- co sleep. At least you dont then have to get up in the middle of the night...

go to bed when she does, at 7, then you get 3 hours then
also go to bed during one of her day time naps
this will not last forever but it is hard and you have to snatch sleep where you can
is she in bed with you? you'll get more sleep if you can just roll over and feed half asleep, and she might sleep better as well if she is tucked up next to you

Yep, I'm already co-sleeping, it's the only way to get her to settle and I've been doing it since day 1.
I know I should sleep when she does, but there always seems so much to do, and I love getting out of the flat as I feel so cooped up sometimes. I also miss spending time with DH when I go to bed early. I should just suck it up and sleep when I can, shouldn't I?

she won't be snacking - she will be building your supply

at this age my DD fed 2 hourly day and night and she cluster fed

her 6 week growth spurt made me sob

keep on co-sleeping, and it will pass

you NEED to go to bed when she does at 7 pm - eat a light tea so you can actually sleep for those 3 hours when she does

it will get better and settle down

The way to get a six week old to sleep is to wait till she's seven weeks older.

Hang in there, you're doing beautifully.

"I should just suck it up and sleep when I can, shouldn't I?"

yes, sorry

this is such a short time in the grand scheme of things
you have the rest of your life to sit and chat with your dp
your baby is 6 weeks old! she's still virtually in the womb
it'll be fine, just make it your mission in life to sleep whenever you can

you really do have to make a lot of changes and compromises when children come along

I like you ineedahero haven't been sleeping when the baby sleeps because of all the 'other things' that need doing. But you're of no use to anyone if you are not rested. Is there anyone that can come round during the day from time to time to give you a break and get a solid few hours sleep?

I have also found that bath/feed/swaddle in the evening have helped DS sleep better at night. Have you tried giving a dummy as this often helps mine go back to sleep?

Good luck, mine is also 6 weeks and everyone tells me it gets better/easier so hang in there!

If you're BF then a couple of brandys 1/4 of an hour before feeding will ensure a good sleep for both of you.

there's chemicals in breastmilk to help you and your baby sleep already, you don't need to add alcohol to it
drinking before you go to bed can help you drop off quickly but it's been shown you're more likely to have a restless night after that - and so is your baby, see kellymom here

Honestly, I was just like you ineedahero when I had DS1 and so couldnt sleep when he did (difficult birth, wanted to get back to normality asap, had to get out flat to prove to myself everything was fine) - but i forced myself to lie down with him and just watch him as he slept and that was wonderful. Then when I had DS2 I really wanted to sleep when he did - but couldnt as had DS1 around - so please do force yourself to rest when your baby does (if not a sleep, a lovely warm bath or some mindless vegging out on the sofa are pretty good too -just switch off if you can) - if nothing else, this is the only time with a baby you can chill out and enjoy being with him and doing nothing at all...

See if you can keep her awake a bit more during the day.