Aww guys, you've brought tears to my eyes (no, they're not PND tears, and even if they were that would be OK, just normal mummy-hormonal tears), at your kindness & encouragement.

Thank you so much all for sharing your stories (see the buzzing of fatigue/tinnitus in my head is preventing me from remembering any names, but I totally appreciate you). I do think there is something up with Ella, I had her in bed with me this early morning, and she was grunting, then giggling (totally wired) & couldn't get to sleep til I patted her off (then it was amazingly quick, so she was tired & wanted to sleep). At least we're getting this looked into.

I appreciate the feedback about joining the PND support group - I was given a great book on PND by the nurse, but although some things I could relate to (watching the housework pile up all around me - who wouldn't get stressed about that when they don't get a chance to do any of it!), as I kept reading I thought 'this just isn't me' - I do enjoy Ella, except the really exhausting days, and doing what you suggested about the 30 min rule (except I haven't even got that much patience at the moment - it's around 10 min unless I can see she's close to sleep) has really taken a load off.
I also asked myself last night, 'why am I so stressed if she doesn't sleep' - and tried to put it in the perspective that she will eventually.

'puter's dying (no battery) will finish later ...