Sleep Deprivation

DD is 9 weeks and DS is 3. At night, I'm up with the baby. During the day, the toddler is running around. DH works 2 jobs so, although he helps when he can, he really isn't around to lend a hand. I don't have any family to help and I can't afford a mother's helper or nanny.

Any tips for surviving with little sleep at night (talking about 3-4 hours per night)?

Re: Sleep Deprivation

I feel for you! DS1 is 3.5 and DS2 is 6m and was EBF until recently. It has only just started getting easier now that the baby is sleeping through the night. I would plan a special activity for DS1 to do for a while each day while the baby was napping so I could at least put my feet up. Crafts that he could do on his own were great for this- watercolors, fingerpaint, playdoh, stamps. He would make a mess, but I decided to embrace the mess.
I would have to force myself to forget about the dishes in the sink or the laundry.
Just keep reminding yourself that this stage will pass and it will get easier! Hang in there!

Re: Sleep Deprivation

I can relate too. DD1 is almost 2 and DD2 is almost 3 weeks old and I am EBF. I try to nap when DD1 naps, and that helps. Maybe DH can help one night when he doesn't have work the next day? Also, I know easier said then done, but can you really work on getting DD into a routine where she sleeps longer at night? Try to force her up during the day and get her to eat more in the evening so she will sleep longer. Just know it will get better soon. GL!

Sleep Deprivation

Does the toddler nap at all? REST when he naps. If you can't sleep, just sitting with your feet up and eyes closed etc. helps power up a little.

Does he go to bed at a decent time at night? Can you get him down earlier? Also, can you go somewhere that you don't have to chase him so he can blow off steam and you can sit with the baby. Do you have any friends to hang with during the day? I find that I am so much better emotionally/mentally when I have company. It doesn't feel so overwhelming. Sleep deprivation is awful. My girls didn't STN for well over a year.

Also, caffeine. Lots of caffeine LOL I quit caffeine when I was TTC so for 3 years I didn't have any. When my twins were born, that first year I was up to 2-4 cups of coffee, soda, lattes etc. a day. Now Im back down to 1 big cup of half cafe a day. You gotta do what you gotta do.

Message edited 5/25/2013 1:57:22 PM.

Re: Sleep Deprivation

My DS is 3 (almost 4) and DD is 2 weeks old. I don't really have advice for you with the sleep deprivation, since I'm right in the middle of it as well but I wanted to give you some I just keep telling myself "This too shall pass."

Re: Sleep Deprivation

Hi I understand what you are going through and it's not easy. My dd is 21 months and for the first 4 months I didn't sleep! It was awful. I would try to get a nap in when you can. Maybe when they r napping? I know it's easier said then done.......Do u have a close friend who could watch them while you rest? And like other people said, leave the housework for another time, your health and rest is more important!