When will I ever get some rest?

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-30-2003
When will I ever get some rest?
6
Sat, 08-07-2004 - 6:51pm
Before Julia (6 weeks now) was born, everyone warned me about how tired I was going to be when she would be here. And I was like, no I will sleep when she sleep during the day, I won't be tired. After 6 weeks, I don't think I ever slept during one of her naps!!!!!! I'm so exhausted!!! Julia is constantly breastfeeding too, especially in the evening when she's pretty much hanging at my breasts from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM! I am not complaining but I didn't think it was going to be so difficult. Will I ever get to be able to take a bath or spend more than 3 minutes in the shower? When do things start to slow down a little and get into a sort of routine?

I'm sure it's different for everybody but I'm interested to know about your experience.

Thanks!

Isabelle.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
Sat, 08-07-2004 - 7:37pm
Get a motorized bouncy seat. NOW. Every mom I know has used one to take a shower etc. Put her in it, start it vibrating, and you are good to go for at least 10 minutes, many times more.

As for the routine...well...in a few weeks you should start settling, but beware that the schedule will change about 1 time per month.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2004
Sat, 08-07-2004 - 11:20pm
I've been through the same thing three times, and I think your body eventually just adjusts to little rest. The nursing will slow down and after a while you will have more of a schedule..so hang in there. I used the bouncy seat for showers too, then when they were bigger, I would put them in one of those saucers with all of the toys to keep them occupied, although I would have to leave the door open and drag it almost into the bathroom. Sometimes you just have to take things one day at a time and know that there are so many of us out here that have been there and done that. You will make it through and you will eventually get some rest. It may not be as much as you would like, but it is worth the sacrifice. Good luck and congratulations on your new little one.

Kim

SAHM of Sydney 4, Noah 2 and Ella (almost 1!)
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Registered: 01-06-2004
Sun, 08-08-2004 - 8:39am
I sure do remember those days

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-2004
Sun, 08-08-2004 - 12:12pm
hi! have you tried breastfeeding her lying down? i did that when my dd was that little. if you can, lie down on one side with the baby's head on your arm and nurse her that way. my dd always fell asleep nursing and i would almost always fall asleep, too. when i'd wake up i'd put her back in her crib (if it was during the night) or i'd just go back to sleep with her in my arms. at 6 wks, that was the only way i could get rest and recharge for the rest of the day. also, swings are excellent for tired babies. i used the fisher price portable swing cos i could take it from room to room (outside the bathroom door for showers). your baby might fuss a bit but after about 1 or 2 mins of fussing my daughter would pass out for 1-2 hours.

hope you find what works for you!

oh, and what the other ladies said - it will get better the older your baby gets. ;)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2004
Tue, 08-10-2004 - 12:08am
Hi Isabelle!

Congrats on baby Julia! I have a soon-to-be 2 yr. old son and I faintly remember the early weeks/months....I think he got into a schedule (and I had chances to sleep/shower/eat) around 3 months? I know it feels like each day is the rest of your life, but it's not. It goes by so quickly.

Sounds crazy, and I would've thought someone was nuts for saying what I'm about to say to you...but cherish these times. You WILL look back at this chaotic/sleep-deprived/shower-deprived time with loving/warm feelings.

So I guess, after all my rambling around 3-4 mos. she'll get into a schedule, and in about 1-2 weeks your body will become accustomed to lack of sleep and you'll go around in a stupor but won't realize it b/c you'll be too tired! :-o Oh, the joys of motherhood!!!

Hang in there!

Megan

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-03-2003
Tue, 08-10-2004 - 5:53am
Isabelle,

My mom always says, "This too shall pass." It is always right, not always comforting, but right.

My son is now 3 months old and my husband and I were just talking that the first 6 weeks is the most difficult. About that time my son started sleeping longer at night and he developed more of a schedule during the day. He ate every hour during the day for about two weeks (they say that they have a growth spurt at 6 weeks and that is why they need so much food). I think that it will improve soon.

Do you have someone who could give you a little break? I know that once I gave Andy a bottle of formula and it didn't upset his breastfeeding. If you could do that then someone else could feed him and you could pass out (I am sure that is what it would be like :) or take that shower.

I hope that this helps--just know that it will get better soon.

Good Luck,

Gen

PS: Is your baby fussy usually, or is she good? Feel free to e-mail me anytime...I would be glad to give as much support as possible. Take Care~Gen