New baby - sleep problems!

Amanda65

Really feel for you - that all consuming tiredness of the first few weeks are almost unbearable.

I let all three of mine dictate their waking and sleeping completely for the first 8 eights, and then I started a 'proper' bedtime routine. Early evening I would give the baby a warm bath, change them in to their nightime sleepsuits (which were the same as daytime ones but not quite so fancy ), fed them upstairs in a darkened room, and put them to bed in their crib. If they woke during the evening I went upstairs and fed them in the darkened room, and put them back to sleep. During the day, they generally slept downstairs in the carrycot or were out with me asleep in the car seat!

It wasn't instant, but the one who took longest to go through the night (by which time I mean last feed by about 10pm and not awake before 6am) was DD1 and she was 12 weeks old. Maybe I was just lucky but it did seem to help.

And just remember, although it feels as though it is going on for ever at the moment, it does pass so quickly. Aforementioned DD1 is sitting her A-level art today and tomorrow.

MaximumImpact

Sleep...whats sleep?? DS is 8 months old now and still doesn't sleep through the night! The only way to have a relatively easy night with him is to have him in bed with us and then he only wakes once....he's a premature baby and to begin with, we used a snugglenest (much to the disgust of HV but that's another story).......

My nephew slept through the night from day one, my other nephew was a new mothers dream and did everything by the book....

Bet your feeling like you can't remember when you last had a whole nights sleep???? Hey don't fret, just sleep when she does and don't get stressed otherwise she'll know it and play on it..

They did a snuggle nest in TK Maxx and you can get them off the internet...have a look it may be one of many solutions???

Ms_Piggy_2

Are you breastfeeding?

If so, I'd suggest you consider bed sharing or co-sleeping. It's the easiest way of ensuring everyone gets a good night's sleep.

If you follow the advice/guidelines, it's very safe.

http://www.babyfriendly.org.uk/pdfs/sharingbedleaflet.pdf

http://safebedsharing.org/safetyguidelines.html

DJUK_2

Hi new mummy !! Do u swaddle baby in a blanket so baby feels sercue and safe ? try making a little nest ie. 2 hand towels rolled up and a blanket placed over the top then lie baby on top. Did this with ds2 who was a brill baby ds1 was just the baby from hell so i understand what u r going through. xxxx best wishes xxxx

skintchick

Ms_Piggy wrote: »

Are you breastfeeding?

If so, I'd suggest you consider bed sharing or co-sleeping. It's the easiest way of ensuring everyone gets a good night's sleep.

If you follow the advice/guidelines, it's very safe.

http://www.babyfriendly.org.uk/pdfs/sharingbedleaflet.pdf

http://safebedsharing.org/safetyguidelines.html

There are also some good co-sleeping cribs available so you dont have to have baby actually in your own bed, which might possibly solve the problem if she will sleep OK next to you.

Have a look at these:

http://www.expressyourselfmums.co.uk/details2.asp/ProductID/237/sid/18/bedside-crib.htm

http://www.armsreach.co.uk/products.asp

http://www.babyworld.co.uk/information/products/product_tests/cot/cot_full.asp#brio

http://www.preciouslittleone.com/acatalog/CSCLOSETOME.html

Armsreach also do a small one which won;t last as long but is cheaper.

idea

Hi everyone.

Thank you for your comments. Have to report that I am feeling much better today. It wonderful to feel like i've had some sleep - i've even managed to leave the house with her this morning!

Two nights of some more sleep. We have implemented the bath, feed, nappy change, feed thing for the last two nights (start at 10ish) and fingers crossed, it seems to be working. She went to sleep at about 11 and then woke at 2.30 and 5.30. That I can cope with! It was the 12/2/5 thing that was too much!

Thank you for sharing your experiences with me - it is nice to know that i'm not totally insane! x

OrkneyStar

idea wrote: »

Hi everyone.

Thank you for your comments. Have to report that I am feeling much better today. It wonderful to feel like i've had some sleep - i've even managed to leave the house with her this morning!

Two nights of some more sleep. We have implemented the bath, feed, nappy change, feed thing for the last two nights (start at 10ish) and fingers crossed, it seems to be working. She went to sleep at about 11 and then woke at 2.30 and 5.30. That I can cope with! It was the 12/2/5 thing that was too much!

Thank you for sharing your experiences with me - it is nice to know that i'm not totally insane! x

LOL I think all new mums (and dads) can feel like that.
Thankfully I was blessed with a baby who settled well, this said he is now a full of beans toddler on the go a lot of the time!
I remember reading something that helped when I was tired......just sit and look at bubs when you are feeding/nappy changing etc and savour the moment- lock it away in your brain and remember how lucky you are to have these precious moments. Lots of skin to skin (whether breastfeeding or not) and lots of cuddles always make things seem better. Also make sure you remember to eat (little and often) and drink plenty of fluids, as these things can also help lift the mood. Enjoy your baby and all the best for the next few nights .
x

MadDogWoman_2

Hi,

I had an emergency c-section for my DD.

The only other suggestion I have is to get out and about as much as you feel able, the fresh air is good for both of you. I was out walking DD in her pushchair at about the same age.

HTH

MDW

Curlywurli

This brings back memories! When our little boy was born he spent four nights out of the first week completely awake from 10pm until 4am! I've never been so exhausted and our little girl was only two, she couldn't expect us to not be lively for her during the day. It did get better for us, I can't remember when to be honest, I think it was about six weeks. He's one in two weeks and he now sleeps from 7pm until 5:30/6am- which is bliss!
Have you tried a dummy? I know that some people frown upon them, but as soon as he had a dummy he was so much better. He was quite windy as well so I think we gave him infacol. A few months down the line and he'll be sleeping better and you'll be feeling better and the sleepless nights will be a distant memory. Good luck!

rev229

idea wrote: »

Hi everyone.

Thank you for your comments. Have to report that I am feeling much better today. It wonderful to feel like i've had some sleep - i've even managed to leave the house with her this morning!

Two nights of some more sleep. We have implemented the bath, feed, nappy change, feed thing for the last two nights (start at 10ish) and fingers crossed, it seems to be working. She went to sleep at about 11 and then woke at 2.30 and 5.30. That I can cope with! It was the 12/2/5 thing that was too much!

Thank you for sharing your experiences with me - it is nice to know that i'm not totally insane! x

You see already it is getting a little better. Well done!!