[914abc]

I’m 19 months postpartum and have had a plethora of health and sleep issues since birth, including anxiety. It’s like a terrible tango, anxiety and sleep problems. Now that I no longer breastfeed and baby is sleeping better, I have a chance of regaining healthy sleeping patterns. I started CBT-I this week and am in therapy to address some birth trauma. My anxiety has some consistent triggers, although I also know I need to address automatic negative thoughts that have developed in this year of longing for good sleep and good health to return. This is just a brief snapshot. My main issues with sleep are midcycle wakings, earlier than desired morning wake up and some insomnia during middle of night. Trying to maintain hope for CBT-I to work… Meds and supplements did nothing for me. If anyone can relate, pls share – it’s been a lonely journey.

[Martin Reed]

Welcome to the forum. Many people can trace the start of their insomnia back to pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood — and this isn’t particularly surprising when you think of the huge changes that take place in our lives (and to our bodies). Unfortunately, it sounds as though your issues are further compounded by the postpartum anxiety.

I’m glad to hear you are going through a course of CBT-I. I am sure you will find it helpful. When did you start with CBT-I and what techniques are you currently implementing?

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[914abc]

I started this week with a therapist and after logging my sleep on an app the week before meeting him, I knew I was averaging 6.5 hours of sleep a night. So I’m restricting my time in bed for that amount with a set bedtime and wake time.

Since you mentioned that my case is common, do you know of any specific groups/forums for moms with sleep issues?

[Joimichele1]

Hello. I wanted to share my current struggles with you too. I am 15 weeks postpartum and began having insomnia. This week has by far been the worse in my entire life!  I have been up for three days. I did sleep one night and then the following night I did not sleep again. It is creating such severe anxiety. I am breastfeeding and pumping through the night. I think this is what initially caused the insomnia, getting up and down all through the night either feeding baby or pumping. So I have thrown my sleeping schedule way off and I don’t know how to get it back on track. I lay awake last night crying and feeling so tense. I just wanted to scream and cry. I went from the bedroom to the living room and must have peed 15 times. Feeling very frustrated and scared.

[914abc]

Joimichele1 – I’m so sorry for your struggles! I totally understand 🙁 Breastfeeding and frequent night wakings from baby were the cause of my disrupted sleep patterns and now lately the more frequent insomnia. Your baby is still super young but I know that doesn’t make it any easier. Is there anyone who can watch your baby at night and give them bottles of milk? This might help you out on an occasional basis. Is the insomnia creating anxiety or did you have it before insomnia started? I started having anxiety around 6 months postpartum, likely due to the changes in sleep. I would seek out any support you have to help care for baby and you to get some good self-care! Do you have a good midwife/OB to discuss how you’re doing/feeling?

[goldenbayboy]

Remembering back to my wife dealing with this, just be aware that PND will hurt sleep too, and if you have that, then best to seek treatment. Maybe discuss with your midwife.

[Joimichele1]

My husband has been a big help. However I often stay up stressing about whether he’s doing everything correctly. My anxiety has been through the roof even causing some panic attacks. I am fearful that it might lead to some postpartum depression. I reached out to my obstetrician yesterday and she prescribed me some Vistaril. However it didn’t work. She said I needed to come in and have blood work done to see if my hormones are out of whack. But yes my anxiety is very severe at this time! I start to get very anxious in the evenings home… this just sucks!!  How  Long have you been struggling with insomnia? Do you have anxiety too? Do you have any suggestions that have been helpful?

[914abc]

It definitely sounds like postpartum anxiety, based on my personal experience and how my midwife described it. And given how early you are postpartum and breastfeeding, your hormones definitely could be all over. If it’s as severe as you described, I would recommend continuing to work with your OB to find a medicine that works. There are alternative therapies too you could look into with holistic practicioners. Be aware that prescription drugs and alternative supplements both take a few weeks to build up in your system to start working effectively so give them time. Unfortunately there isn’t a one size fits all solution, but please persevere and keep looking for something that will work for you! I tried Zoloft but I didn’t adjust to side effects well, which I believe also hurt sleep. For me I’ve been doing lots of self care, using the support networks I have to help with anything I needed, and have tried multiple types of counseling to work through and relieve anxiety. I also eat healthy, take vitamins, exercise (walk, yoga), and practice mindfulness. You are not alone, sister; many women have experienced this. Please be encouraged.

My baby didn’t sleep through the night until 16mos so sleep was a wreck until then. Insomnia is more recent, over the last month since weaning him at 18mos. So likely to do with hormones and bad sleep patterns that accumulated.

[Author]

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