How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

i forgot how brutal it is. and now that i have a toddler as well-it's even worse-psychologically.
DH is not home very much at all and i am BFing-but that might come to an end soon b/c i can't take it anymore!
i swear i can't see myself getting through the next few weeks/months i don't know if i am feeling PPD or just sleep deprivation etc..
just looking for tips/support.
sleeping while baby sleeps is not an option really anymore.

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

I don't have any answers but


I'm so effing tired right now, I'd like to know too

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

Posted by brownie

I don't have any answers but


I'm so effing tired right now, I'd like to know too

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

I have totally been there and I have twins so once you get one of them down then you have to repeat with the other BUT it does get better and you do get used to less sleep Is there anyone in the neighborhood you could hire as a Mothers Helper to come over for 2-3 hours so you could sleep?

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

ugh, its tough! I feel like the first 11months were a bleary-eyed blur. Erik was not a good sleeper, I was BFing, and DH was traveling 3 weeks/month.

-I started drinking coffee for the first time in my life.
-I turned double naps into triple naps (even if that meant taking them for a drive and sleeping in the car on my driveway).
-I sought help from nearby family.
-I'd try and catch a few Z's on the couch while Erik was napping and Ella was watching a show.

and the one that I was never any good at - go to bed early.

Message edited 8/30/2009 9:21:46 AM.

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

UGH I really know how you feel...I am a zombie I've actually come to dread the nights...days aren't as bad. But I have a lot of teary moments too Everyone keeps telling me it will get better and I know it has to eventually so I have faith in that...I try to sleep when DS is sleeping too but like you said, not always possible...this weekend was a lot better bc DH took a few feedings, so I got a few solid 4 -5 hour stretches, that's the only thing that helps me, is there anyone who can help you with feedings? I never thought it would be this hard...

eta: i agree with the coffee during the day - although i limit myself to 1 or 2 bc of BFing....

Also going to bed early...so if for ex. your baby's next feeding is 10pm, but he's asleep by 8, let your DH do it, so you can get a good couple of hours!

Message edited 8/30/2009 9:26:23 AM.

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

Posted by -Lisa-



and the one that I was never any good at - go to bed early.

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

Posted by brownie





and I don't know how others can nap when baby naps...how do you get stuff done then? When she naps I'm like, "OK, need to get x, y and z done"

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

I never did and I still don't cope. I havent slept soundly or through the night since long before I got pregnant with Abby. Until Abby is married and her husband's responsibility to care for, I don't think I will EVER sleep well.

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

Definitely not handling it well... I give you credit with a baby and a toddler... I am having trouble with my 1 month old and my DD being 7!! LOL All I can say is that we will sleep in about 18 years...lol

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

Lots of crying

If you DH isn't home to help, you need to ask for help from a family member or friend. Sleep deprivation is the worst.

I was getting sick all the time because of lack of sleep. It's amazing what a few hours sleep will do to rejuvinate you.

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

I could have written this myself a few weeks ago...then once she started to sleep better I felt better. I do NOT do well with lack of sleep. I'm the type that needs 8 hours...I guess I'm gonna have to learn to adjust!

I also felt better when I had people around to talk to, and to help. Even if DH can't help, can you ask a friend or family member to come so you can catch up on sleep? I know that's hard to do- I was refusing it for a while because I was BFing, I felt that no one else could do what I did. But even an extra pair of arms helps!!

I know how you feel!!

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

I am two months out and it's better. I have two toddles and it's rough

I think that I had PPD (still do a little). Honestly, I cried a lot and I just try to sit while the older ones play, which is really hard because one of my sons wants my attention EVERY WAKING MOMENT. It's a hard balance but it's getting better. I started a sleep routine with DD and it's starting to work.

Hang in there and ask for help if you have it. I don't have too much help but if I did, I would utilize it now.

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

It's hard...but there will be a light at the end. I spent a lot of time drinking Chai's at Starbucks and commiserating with friends ...napping when I could was helpful at times as well.

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

i never found the way to cope... i wa sworking one night a week and have dropped that due to the fact that i am so exhausted... dh works 5 nights a week and so he sleeps all day which means i am alone with ds for those days.... when baby #2 comes in january i think dh is going to have to stay up in the am so i can nap when he gets home...

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

thanks everyone for your advice and support! i appreciate it more than you know..i know it will get better but it's nice to know that i am not alone though!

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

It got better when I started going for walks...I needed the exercise and fresh air to keep me awake

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

I only have one right now...and I know and have heard that 2 is MUCH more challenging. I think you just need to keep your eye on the prize. You've been thru it, so you know it does get easier. You're almost half way to the sleeping thru the night point. It should happen soon. Hang in there. And if you feel like you have PPD, speak to your doctor about it.

I hope you get some sleep soon.

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

Cope? I didn't. We both lost our minds. No joke. Its one of the reasons, besides money, that ttc is on hold even though we are already older parents.... Hope it gets better soon! You make gorgeous kids, though!!!!

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

I drink a lot of caffeine, use eyedrops, and wear makeup to disguise the fact that I look awful from not sleeping at all! And just feel like a walking zombie and pray that I don't get into a car accident or something!

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

IF PPD is setting in, seek help from a professional. Sleep deprivation can bring on or worsen PPD. I am a firm believer that you have to take care of yourself so that you can take care of your baby. Do whatever you need to get some rest and feel better. Your baby needs you to be healthy, physically and mentally.

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

Can you hire any help so you can nap? I honestly though I was literally going to lose my mind from sleep deprivation. It was beyond brutal. I really have no words to describe how I felt having DS who never slept or napped really and a 3 year old to deal with.

If I ever did it again I would hire a PT nanny or babysitter and sacrifice anything else to get the money to save my sanity.

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

Re: How did you or do you cope with sleep deprivation!?

Posted by babybug631

I only have one right now...and I know and have heard that 2 is MUCH more challenging. I think you just need to keep your eye on the prize. You've been thru it, so you know it does get easier. You're almost half way to the sleeping thru the night point. It should happen soon. Hang in there. And if you feel like you have PPD, speak to your doctor about it.

I hope you get some sleep soon.