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

First time around the sleep deprivation was god-awful. Alex didn't sleep for more than 1-2 hours at a time, until she was about 6 months old. After that, she didn't sleep through the night until she was about a year old! I didn't handle the sleep deprivation so well at the time because I didn't have any perspective to be able to tell myself it WOULD get better, which, eventually, it did.

But, with Yael, it was easier to deal with because with the experience with Alex, I knew nothing could be as bad, and I also had perspective this time around - I knew it wouldn't last forever, so I just kept telling myself, it's just one day at a time, and it won't last forever, eventually she'll start sleeping better, which, at 5 weeks, thankfully, she has!

To get through the day to day deprivation, I would go to bed the SECOND Alex went to bed, around 8:30pm, and DH would take Yael down to the basement with him, and take care of her feedings until 1am (I would pump a bottle for him). That way, I would get a good 5 hour stretch every night. It REALLY helped...

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

This terrifies me. I am still up 1-4 times a night with my 4 year old!!!! With #2 due in a few weeks I am so scared I am going to lose my mind. (if it's not lost already).

I will say with DD I nursed her, but gave formula at night. I found she slept in longer stretches and it did help me because it wasn't so physically draining.

I am really sorry you are going through this though and I hope it passes soon!!!