Hi,
I am 42 and have two children (3 and 1) who sleep very well and through the night. I nursed my daughter to 13 months and she would wake twice to feed until she was 8 months old then finally slept through the night. I, however, still wake at 1:30 and 4am and haven't put together more than 4 consecutive hours of sleep (though I might get 7 total) in almost 2 years (with pregnancy and 2nd baby). I have an appt. with my MD next week but really, really don't want a sleep aid. Anyone experience this post-nursing? Maybe it's my hormones just coming back on line? Anyone have a natural aid to recommend? I have no problem falling asleep (at 8:30 - 9pm) but I can't stay asleep. Then it's hard getting back to sleep. Help!
Thanks everyone. So I bought the Hyland's Calms Forte at Sprouts. I also plan to buy the earplugs. After the 3rd night with Calms Forte, I slept 7 hours for the first time in 2 years! Hooray! This stuff is amazing. There is no grogginess at all. Serious thank you to all responses.
I had the same problem when I stopped breastfeeding my daughter. My hormones were pretty out of whack! I looked into the women2women (they have a website) program and started the hormone balancing herbal product. Made a HUGE difference in many aspects of my body. Also, getting exercise (yoga for me) really helped to. Good luck taking care of you!
I did as well, but *some* of it was just my reacting to kiddo's movements during the night.
I'd honestly suggest benedryl. It's not addictive (at *all*, it's just an antihistamine), has no side effects outside of drowsiness, and in case you *actually* need to be awake (nightmare, illness, waking to eat during a growth spurt, etc.) it's fairly easy to power through. Fairly, meaning slightly difficult, but not impossible like it is on actual sleeping pills.
I'm adhd-c, so I use benedry nightly about 1 week out of every 6 to "reset" my sleep pattern (which seems to be on a 30-36 hour "day" as opposed to a 24 hour day).
Have you heard of Melatonin? (sp?) It is a natural sleep aid and nonaddictive. Lately, I have been having insomnia. Melatonin helps you sleep a little deeper. It is something that is already in our bodies. Just make sure that you go to bed early enough for a full night's sleep so that you can see if you are groggy at all in the morning. I would start off with only half a pill at first. My grogginess wears off during my short morning routine. Hope this helps.
Hi J., I'm 43 and have 3 older kids but still wake up several times at night to pee and check on them! I used to have a hard time falling right back to sleep until I started taking a liquid vitamin/mineral. It's under $50 per month and so worth it! Both my hubby and I take it now and I don't even have to have my acrylics back on because my nails are growing out so strong on their own! Anyway, check it out and let me know if you have any qustions. Look at the 3 minute video first. http://www.YummyLiquidVitamins.com
I have a similar sleep problem. Earplugs really help me - you should give it a try. good luck.
Hyland's "Calms Forte" for adults.
It is homeopathic, natural, non-habit forming... and I use it!
You can find it at Whole Foods, or any natural food stores... also online like at Amazon.
Its totally safe.
It is gentle and not a 'tranquilizer.'
Also though, as a "Mom"... who is used to waking for their kids, like myself.... I naturally would 'wake' at certain times or for noises from my kids during sleep... and per my kids and for breastfeeding, when they were younger. But now, I can sleep for longer stretches. It took time, to adjust.
all the best,
Susan
It sounds like hormones to me. Hopefully they will get back to normal soon. It takes me 6-7 months after ending breastfeeding to feel normal again. I would ask for help in finding a supplement at a natrual foods store if you can't wait for your body to readjust itself. Best wishes!
Hi,
I take Hylands Calms Forte sleeping aid-- its natural homeopathic sublingual tablets. It helps me have a restful night of sleep. Good luck!
Molly
Updated
Hi,
I take Hylands Calms Forte sleeping aid-- its natural homeopathic sublingual tablets. It helps me have a restful night of sleep. Good luck!
Molly
My sister did accupuncture and said it made her sleep like a baby.
