Frazzled mama support thread?

[penstamon]

We are going through another tough time now as DS is getting close to 11 mo and things are starting to get ugly in our house. DH doesn't deal well with the lack of sleep and as I've posted before, he refuses to go sleep in our other bedroom. On top of that tempers are short, DH threatens not to have any more children (at 3AM) no more cosleeping, BFing at night, CIO, etc. etc. I am concerned for the next baby about the horrible impression all this has left on DH. He doesn't see that its DS that is just not a good sleeper and we just have to get through this, it is not the fault of cosleeping or BFing. Nor is it DS's fault (I heard DH angrily asking DS what was wrong with him last night while walking around the house getting him to sleep ). Please no DH bashing, he is really struggling right now. My health has been suffering due to the stress of not sleeping and trying to hold things together. DS seems just fine without the sleep though, so there is a bright side

It has been bad for weeks- 5+ wakings, the longest stretches being 2 hours if even- but this week has gotten worse. DS now wakes around 2:30-3AM and can't fall back to sleep for more than 20-30 minutes until he gets so exhausted around 5:30 or so then sleeps until 7 at best. Its killing us to lay there trying so hard to sleep for 3 hours each night. DS just popped two teeth and I think there may be more coming. Motrin/tabs have done nothing. Also he has been very mobile and thrashing around during those 3 hours. I have tried everything, every suggestion, and I think we will begin to partial nightwean once we return from a 4th of July trip.

I have always been searching for the light at the end of the tunnel but I can't even see a speck right now. I know other mamas are suffering too and I guess I just need to vent and welcome you all to do the same.

[Sasha's Mama]

I understand! I think that my son is having some trouble with those last two molars and that's why he hasn't been falling asleep until 11:30 and has been crawling all over me and nursing all night long! We laid in bed for TWO HOURS last night trying to get him to wind down and fall asleep. I had dreams that I was been squished/mauled, because well, I was! He'll be 3 in September. My husband has been leaving the bed at 2 am to sleep on the couch/futon for the last year.
This weekend I'm rearranging big brothers room to put both boys in there, and next week my husband is gone so I'm going to try to get my son to sleep int here with his big brother. It seems like my husband never wants to deal with him crying when we change things so we end up putting it off. I think If my son will just fall asleep in his own bed w/brother after some stories/nursing that would be a huge step in getting some relief. I don't care if he comes in our room in the middle of the night, I just need my evenings back to my husband and I.

[Louisep]

Oh mama, I understand, I really do. Big hugs.

The light is there, I promise you. Our dear dear son woke anywhere from 6 to 10 times a night from 5 to 12 months. Then things got slightly better although we started dealing with long wakeful periods in the middle of the night. Finally, the remainder of his teeth came through at 15 months and it has been amazing ever since (not STTN, but 1-2 wakings per night).

I wish you could work out some kind of a system with your DH where you both get a bit of a break and some sleep. It was really the key for us.

You are not alone, this time is going to pass very soon, and you are a wonderful mama.

[BlueWolf]

Oh mama, I'm right there with you but with my 11 month old DD. I'm going out of my mind.

[penstamon]

It seriously brings tears to my eyes to read your posts- that's how much this affects me. Thank you for your support!