42andallthat

Adoptive mum to gorgeous little boy. Astrophysicist, SF & fantasy fan. Just trying to make sense of the Universe.

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

Insomnia is bad again, not sure how I'm going to get through tomorrow. Its been every other night for nearly two weeks. Tonight I had managed to get to sleep around midnight, a big win, but then little one wakes at 3am now i can't get back to sleep.

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

@tayngel_ I've noticed my 22 month old is now shy of the neighbours when they talk to us, won't even look at them. He used to smile and wave. It might be an age thing, but i think the isolation has to have an impact on social development. Hopefully it will just mean a temporary delay.

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

@Zolushka I wish it was earlier so my little one could join in.

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

It would be really helpful if when you adopt a baby the social workers warned you that there is a serious shortage of nursery places in your area.

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

Day three of looking after J on my own and we both slept ok so everything should be fine #allineedissleep

[Sam Pullen @SENDCOSam]

As we approach the time for Christmas productions, please consider this! #nophotosplease

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

My dad died last night. Such a relief not to have to watch him dying anymore, but now making phone calls to organise registering his death and the funeral, with waves of grief and sadness. It's impossible to believe I'll never see him again.

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

This has been a crazy hard year for us. Adopting our son has been amazing but very demanding both physically and emotionally. Then in early October my dad was diagnosed with stomach cancer. This week we were told he is too weak for chemo and has only days or weeks left.

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

It's only 2pm, I could swear it must be bedtime. #awakesince3

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

Little one has his first cold. Any suggestions to help him sleep better tonight? We tried calpol and a vaporiser. I've read that onions can help clear the nose! #babycold

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

@colour_adoption @KittyTrill So sorry you had that experience. I've had to block people too. Most people i meet on Twitter are nice and supportive. Just a few who don't respect people they disagree with and spoil it for the rest of us

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

To everyone who was nice about my mumsomnia post, thank you, I seem to be over it now and we are all doing well. Support makes everything easier. To everyone who was nasty, well I blocked most of you so you probably won't read this, but being nasty doesn't help anyone.

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

@emmalgsutton He's not actually making any noise most of the time. It is improving now as I'm feeling more supported and moving towards a more normal routine rather than the intense full alert of the first month or so.

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

Anyone developed mumsomnia after adopting a baby? I get so little sleep now despite him only waking a couple of times in the night I'm at breaking point. Think I'll be phoning the GP on Tues but wondered if anyone on Twitter could help? #Adoption #insomnia

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

@missmyhappybird Yes as its a little different developing it with an older baby rather than a new born. Plus there there are different pressures for adoptive parents such as building attachment and handling potential trauma

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

@missmyhappybird Yes i do. Its not adoption its having a baby. The adoption tag is just because that's the supportive community i tap into on twitter.

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

@chemcoco Yes, but there's a difference between being kept awake at night because your child needs you and not being able to get to sleep till 2am even though your baby is sound asleep.

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

@ihateadoption1 Mumsomnia is a form of insomnia you develop from being hyper alert taking care of your baby in the night. So even when your baby sleeps through you still can't sleep. Its temporary and due to stress and anxiety of caring. I'm not blaming the child.

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

@newhall89 @emmalgsutton I'm not blaming the child. Its only adoption as in having an adopted child has triggered it for me. I've been told not to nap as with insomnia you need to get back to sleeping at the right time. I am sleeping better at the moment though, so hoping the worst is over.

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

@missmyhappybird Mumsomnia is when you cant sleep even when your baby can. Your mind is switched into permenant alarm and you can't sleep even though your baby may now be sleeping through the night.

[42andallthat @42andallthat]

@emmalgsutton The weird thing is I'm not concsiously worried anymore, ditched the monitor weeks ago. Did you just start sleeping normally again? I get 2-3 hours sleep even if he only wakes once briefly. I now start sobbing uncontrollably as I'm so sleep deprived. Its like my on switch is stuck