Can't Sleep - Winter Haven,FL

L.- I went through a terrible depression when I was pregnant with my son (now five months) that was apparently brought on by hormones, but one of the ways it manifested itself was that I just could not sleep. I kept waking up all night long, or on some nights, I'd fall asleep, but then wake up around 2 am and couldn't fall back asleep at all. It was so frustrating because I was so tired, but I just couldn't sleep. It got so bad that I really needed help, and I was prescribed Trazadone. I can't remember the dosage, but I know it worked for me. I had to take it close to bedtime because it worked pretty quickly for me- maybe 15-20 minutes. I would take a warm shower to try to get sleepy, then take it, then get into bed and read, and it worked. The good news is, this problem went away. I stopped needing it after a couple of months. I was so worred about taking it while I was pregnant, but my doctor convinced me that it was more dangerous for my baby if I didn't treat the problem, because it was really affecting my state of mind and my ability to concentrate. I had a lot of problems with breastfeeding, so I'm not nursing, but you could ask your doctor about that. Good luck-I know how awful it is. I hope it works for you and that the problem goes away.

B.

I had a lot of trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep after I got out of the Army and I didn't want to go on meds to help cause I was afraid of dependency and such. I found this stuff called Sleep Now sold by Herbalife that worked well for me. It was mostly herbs and didn't have any unwanted side effects like some sleeping pills. It didn't really make me drowsy, but it helped to get me relaxed and clear my mind. So I didn't have 2500 things running through my head and keeping me awake. It also helped me to sleep more soundly so I didn't keep waking up and I felt good and invigorated when I woke up in the morning. I usually took 2 pills and was asleep after about 1/2 hour. I'm not sure what the indications are for lactating women, but I don't remember there being anything bad in it. I would assume that if you want to try it you should be able to look it up on the internet and fine someone who sells it. If you do, they should be able to tell you if it is safe while you are nursing.

I know how you feel and it is so frustrating. Personally, I would try to stay away from the heavy chemicals and try stuff like keeping a journal, walking/exercising first thing in the morning or at babies nap time, herbal teas or warm milk at bedtime, reading at bedtime. Seeing a chiropractor, getting massages, doing yoga...I just read an article that claimed (from a study) that listening to soft music at night really helps you get to sleep and stay asleep. Sometimes I just get up and read or sort through my never ending mounds of paper; just doing something other than toss and turn in the bed and look at the clock, and eventually I'm able to go to sleep. If not that night, then I'm sure the next night I'll be sleeping:) Also, I found that when my son first starting sleeping through the night it just took some time for me to adjust. My body was so used to frequent night time wakings that it was just used to the up and down. My best to you and remember This Too Shall Pass!

I haven't heard of anything... might want to talk to your doctor about prescription.

Hi L.,
I really think you should check with your dr. about medications. If you are nursing whatever you take will be in your child's milk.
I also had a son who wouldn't take a bottle. I finally started to give him a sippy cup filled with breast milk then formula. Told him he was a BIG boy. He did start to take that.
Hope that helps.
K.