I am suffering from insomnia post-partum. What is the reason?

Question

I had my baby on the 17th of June via c-section. I slept well for the first month because my mother helped. Now, on my own, even when dead tired, I can't fall asleep until well after 7 in the morning. Even if baby has finally fallen asleep I cannot sleep. I was prescribed Xanax for four days for this very problem and had been able to sleep. Now, off it, I suffer once more.

Answer 1

I had the same problem for months after my son was born. I just KNEW that as soon as I closed my eyes and relaxed, the boy would need me; what's the point of trying to sleep? I also feared that if I was asleep I wouldn't hear him cry. My body was on constant high alert.

What worked for me was co-sleeping. Having my son right next to me meant that I'd be sure to hear him cry and feel him wiggle when he needed me. Listening to him breathe helped me relax like those "white noise" machines do. Many times I'd feed him and burp him, then doze off with him over my shoulder, because holding a sleeping baby is very relaxing. After a few minutes I'd half wake up, put him back in his spot, and go right back to sleep.

My mind was also too busy to let me sleep some nights, so I started writing things down in a journal. Getting my thoughts, feelings, and worries out of my head and onto paper was a big help, too.

Being a mom is a big change, but you'll get the hang of it eventually. Be good to yourself.

Answer 2

That's interesting. It could be that you've conditioned yourself to be in a state of awake to be with the baby. Or it could be hormonal. I'd stick with the regular hints for dealing with insomnia. Unfortunately, over the counter meds for sleeping can sometimes have side effects that relate to depression, so personally I stay away from them if possible.

First, stick to a schedule (I know this is hard with a baby). Don't watch tv in bed or read (I know this is hard when you don't feel tired, but it's what they say for insomnia--no activity in your bed except sleep or sex). There's another one. Sex can sometimes help you fall asleep. No caffiene after noon. Exersice in the morning.

These things may help...I've had sleeping problems too, and it's hard. HOpefully it's just hormonal and will go away soon enough. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Oh I am so in the same boat... The only problem is my son is nearly 4yrs now! He had a very rough beginning and only slept 20 minutes at a time until 4 months old...Now I just don't sleep. Ambien helped but even then I wake up on it within a few hours.
Try to kill the insomnia now. Benedryl is the same medication used in tylonel PM and unisom and can help you get to sleep if your only problem is getting yourself to go to sleep.
Good luck! It's a miserable battle!

Answer 4

It's your mothering instincts kicking in. Physically you want to sleep but your conscience wants to protect and nurture your child. It will subside in time. It's hard to sleep on demand and with a newborn you really have to sleep when you can. This is a lot of pressure when you're dead tired. I also have a hard time sleeping because I'm afraid as soon as I fall asleep my son will wake up and I'll be even more tired.

Answer 5

Sleep deprivation in itself is a form of torture. So you add that to the hormone activity going on after baby, is prime condition for it.

What helped me was when I had my second, not trying to nap when the baby napped, it just made me more tired, and concentrating on sleeping at night. Getting a good book or humorous show to relax me first. Good luck.

Answer 6

I had trouble sleeping too just because I always expected him to wake up. Is your baby in your room? I started sleeping better when he was in his room. I can hear him cry if he wakes up but I don't look over every two minutes to look at him.....good luck!