My twins are just over a month old. They sleep for a few hours unless one decides they want ti be fussy. The days following iur fussy nights are awful, I feel like I am on meds and just want to sleep, but can't. I do not nap so this makes it tough for those moments I actually could. I just get so tired and feel sick, anyone else? I think some of it may be migraines that just don't come through all the way. I have also started feeling light headed the last couple of days. How do you cope or what do you do to get through the hours before bed when you can't sleep? Anything that helps your body feel better? Jen
QUOTE(nifer @ May 25 2008, 02:19 PM) [snapback]792430[/snapback] My twins are just over a month old. They sleep for a few hours unless one decides they want ti be fussy. The days following iur fussy nights are awful, I feel like I am on meds and just want to sleep, but can't. I do not nap so this makes it tough for those moments I actually could. I just get so tired and feel sick, anyone else? I think some of it may be migraines that just don't come through all the way. I have also started feeling light headed the last couple of days. How do you cope or what do you do to get through the hours before bed when you can't sleep? Anything that helps your body feel better? Jen :wavey: HI jen! Hopefully one of the mods will move this to the FY forum (more sleep deprived momma's there!). I know when I got THAT exhausted (not feeling well, scared to drive, etc) I needed a nap, even if only laying down and closing my eyes for 15-20mins. It also helped if right after the short nap I went outside for a few mins (water the flowers, walk around the house), it is something about litterally being inside all day that plays tricks on your mind!!
OOOPS, I didn't even realize I was on the wrong forum. Sleep deprivation strikes again. I think I will go outside after my DH gets done with his shower. It is a nice sunny day here. Thank you for the suggestion. Jen
My girls are 3wks old & I also have a 19mth old so I never get to sleep. The only think that kind of helps is coffee in the morning, the rest of the day I am so drained. From experience with my DS I know this will pass & I will be able to sleep again, it seems like forever know but when I look back at it it went by so fast with him. If you only have the 2 babies I would try to cat nap whenever possible, I wish I could do that now. I just make it through 1 day at a time & think of when I'll get a full night's sleep again (if ever). The joys of having infants!
I love coffee! Since I am nursing I was very careful about it in the beginning, but it did not seem to make much difference. I had a small cup then and now sometimes I have two a day. I feel a little guilty about it, but it really helps me get through the day. Try to work on your naps, too....I don't usually like to take them, but when I really needed to I made myself. Good luck! It will get better soon!!!
There really is no cure. I would suggest you try to eat well (if you can find time to eat) and like someone else said - even just close your eyes for a bit. Maybe read to fall to sleep if you can. I remember the days when I struggled to finish my sentences because I was so tired I couldn't remember what I had started saying. It will pass, and we really do understand what you are going through.
If possible, get someone to do the night shift at least once a week. or if you have a grandma or someone nearby willing to even watch them at their house overnight. Just that one night a week will really re-charge your batteries. I know in the beginning it's hard to let someone else completely take over (it was for me). But trust me, you'll reach that point where you don't care and then wonder "WHY did I not accept more help in the beginning?". I remember those sleep deprived feelings all too well! Hang in there - the worst is almost over.
The first few months I was exhausted beyond belief. I have an older DD so I could not sleep during the day. I would try and go get some coffee or make some for myself and have a cup or two. And I would try and make a point everyday to get out and take a walk. That really helped my sanity and got me out of the "fog." That "fog" will eventually lift
I'm there with you right now. The only way I cope is to get my mom or Dh to watch them for a few hours every day so i can take a nap. I know it's hard to fall a sleep when your over tired. I usually put a hot pack on my sore shoulder (from burping babies lol) and put on some relaxing music. If you are able to get someone to watch them it easier to fall a sleep because your not worrying if they are going to wake up at any minute. Gook luck. I just keep thinking that this will pass and they will be a year old before I know it.
Can you sleep with them ? I found I could have one on my chest and I would put pillow under my elbows so I wouldn't roll over accidentally. Nursing in bed helped too. I found it so hard to have naps but try to make an attempt to go to bed earlier and earlier. Say right after supper at 6 pm and have dh watch over them and bring them up to bed. I always found it was hard to block out their cries. It always seemed longer when they were crying when my dh was looking after them, even if it wasn't. I think when they sleep better at night it really helps. After the 6 weeks from their due date it really starts to get better. Heather
I am not a very good napper myself and those first months were really hard on me because of that. It took a while, but eventually I became a napper and can just lay down when they are napping and get a bit of sleep. The only thing that got me sleep in those first few months was for DH to take the 9-2 shift and I would go in the guest room and sleep. He did that for me about 2-3 nights/week. When I'm really in a fog, I too drink coffee and I think a good hot shower is invigorating. Going outside or going for a short walk helps (even if it's only to the mailbox). Do you have family that might come and give you and DH a break? My mom was our lifesaver.
I also couldn't nap when they napped. Those early days were so tough. I lived in a fog and drank way more coffee and coke than I should (which only made me feel sicker). I tried to get people to come over and watch the girls so I could lay down in the other room and just chill. Other than that I don't have much advice for you. I know some ladies on this board hired a night nanny/nurse. We didn't, but did try to break up the night so DH and I got at least one good stretch of sleep (I slept from 8 pm until 2ish, he slept from 1am until 6ish). GL and hang in there.
QUOTE(e mauro @ May 26 2008, 10:50 AM) [snapback]793338[/snapback] Sleep… what’s THAT? Elizabeth How are you doing? I have been thinking of you and how you are doing with your PPD. It is tough but we all looked so forward to this and it is worth it. I think I am saying this for my benefit too :laughing: . I hope you are all well. Jen Thank you all for your advice. Jen
QUOTE(e mauro @ May 27 2008, 12:50 AM) [snapback]793338[/snapback] Sleep… what's THAT? Elizabeth Hi Elizabeth - great to see you online... I too have been wondering how it is all going with you... Your boys are beautiful.... and i must agree with you.... SLEEP - WHAT ON EARTH IS THAT..... i am just a walking zombie and my SO and I now have a new language to communicate - GRUNTING..... Trust all is well. Take care Nicky
Seriously, you need to get someone to watch them overnight. You will feel so much better if your mom or MIL could spend one night, or even hire a night-sitter. I found out through my local twins club that you can hire someone to babysit them for one night. The first time my two slept over at anyone's house, they were 5 weeks old. My husband and I really needed the recovery time.
At that age I had to rely on a lot of caffiene during the day to function. Still do. Exercise helps too. Water, water, water so you don't get dehydrated.
I would also suggest that when you get out to go to the store, take your time! Walk around the garden or magazine section for a few minutes. If your brain can do something besides tend to babies for a bit you will feel better! I never had someone come stay overnight, that was so stubborn and stupid of me!
