Nightmares

[tinantravis]

I really thought the nightmares were going to go away after the positive results from the heart echo, but they have continued and have actually gotten worse. The last one, Tuesday night, was hearing the news that our baby no longer had a heartbeat. The ones before that, I was left abandoned after giving birth and baby Chayce was in distress, fighting to breath. How much more of this can I take? Anybody else haunted by their dreams...or should I say nightmares?:(

[Cheryl Haggard]

Tina, what is your routine before you go to bed?

[tinantravis]

Honestly, I don't really have one. I put Ethan to bed using a routine (story, sing, hugs-n-kisses) and then I go to bed myself. I spend my last waking moments focusing on the movements of Chayce in my belly (this is when he is most active). I've tried thinking "happy thoughts" and reading or even journaling, but none of those have changed the fact that I am haunted by nightmares. Any suggestions?

[Catherine Colgan]

At 30weeks pregnant I can honestly say I have NO idea. I find myself awake most nights in an effort to avoid the nightmares. Of course, that's not good for me either. I hope you find something that works for you. {{{hugs}}}

[adowling]

(((hugs))) As a photographer, I'm not sure if I *should* post here, but as a mother, I feel I need to.

I have no way of being able to place myself in your shoes, but I do know that having worked with many many pregnant moms in a role outside of my photography and as a doula, and having talked to other women, that the book "Birthing from Within" has a LOT of tools to help moms process traumas of all kinds. It can be a little froofroo (I've read most of it b/c I had some personal traumas of my own unrelated to birth that I really needed to get out of the way that were standing in my way of preparing for the birth), but it is an awesome book that really helps many many women. If theres even a chance that it may help I'd say it is likely worth it ;) I know most of it is not geared towards healing from a loss, but rather healing in general, but hopefully it may.

(((hugs)))

Angela Dowling

[shawna]

Although I am not pregnant at the moment, Dylan is only two months old and I love the idea of this forum. I wish it had been here this summer.
This may seem a bit out there, but during my pregnancy with Dylan I found a way to sleep the last few months with very few bad dreams. I listened to Hypnobirthing CD's before bed and anytime I woke up during the night. They are just guided visualization CD's for a positive birth experience. It definately helped my sleep patterns and helped with Dylan's birth as well. After Tyson died, I had a ton of fear about the whole labor and delivery thing to deal with and this was part of my answer.
I hope you find something that works for you!
I also read the book "Birthing from Within" and found it very useful.

[B Storm]

Tina,

I am now 30 weeks pregnant. I have a horrible time sleeping at night. My nerves and emotions are all over the place. I find that this experience is not for the weak. This is my third pregnacy in 14 months. I am going hour by hour day by day. I will feel a true sense of peace when my baby boy is here on earth and breathing. I am thinking of you!! Wishing you a peace that will pass your understanding.

Love,