Constant Headaches from Too Little Sleep

I know it sucks to get little bits of sleep, but still, sleep when you can. It sounds like migraines to me- I get them when I don't drink enough water or any time my hormomes fluctuate, and it's just like you say, a dull throbbing at the front of my head. It also helps if I can get my husband (or my mom- she does a much better job) to rub my head really hard. I can definately see how your headaches may even be strongly contributing to your post partum depression- you feel helpless because you feel like you're never going to get enough sleep to feel better! Try to find a way to get yourself a break. Have your hubby/boyfriend get up with the baby, have your mom stay over, or something so you can get some sleep. I'm telling you this and thinking "that never would have worked for me"- if I could hear Izzy cry there was no way I could sleep, and I was breastfeeding, and in the early months she wasn't a fan of taking the bottle. But my point is, do what you have to to survive, and don't feel guilty about it! And find other moms near you who you can complain and share stories with when you need to! It will get better!

Hi A.,
Try drinking more water and rest when you can. If the headaches continue, try drinking a cup of coffee- contrary to how it sounds, the caffeine should make your headache subside.

Take your body weight and divide it by 2 and that's how many ounces of water you need daily. MORE if you exercise.

Try walking for exercise (moderate) - take baby for stroller walk in mall if cold weather.

rest when baby naps...

i'm a mom of 2 - they're 3 and 4 now...they're 15 months apart and i napped when they did...that's how i survived (lol).

i also had post partum....exercise helps with this and finding a group of friends to talk with (a helpful group).

i hope this helps.

prayers help too. I'll say some prayers for healing for you.

A.

Hi A.,
Usually there is no big problem but gee wiz, I think some blood tests are in order, have you had your thyroid checked? It's so quick and difinitve a test. If you need a Dr or midwife who takes you seriously, find a new one!
Natural is great as long as it isn't covering up a real problem.
Love to you,
L.

Hello. I completely understand your issue! I have a sleep disorder which I have had since college. I need lots of sleep too and as a new mom you get sporadic sleep which wreaks havoc on all parts of you. You might see if your doctor could prescribe a sleep aid and or a low dose anti depressant to get you feeling better...that has helped me tremendously. I am not as depressed as I was. I cannot "sleep while the baby is sleeping." I have never been a napper myself so I need that solid sleep at night even for four hours! Acupuncture helped me right after I had my baby. They can treat headaches and it's highly relaxing! Good luck.