This is a cry for help...
I always knew that having my own baby would be different then all the childcare I have done. I tried to trick myself into believing that I would be a natural, a pro, it wouldn't be that hard. I have been jokingly referred to as the "Baby Whisperer," people have praised my natural instincts with kids. I have been humbled. My baby doesn't sleep. I don't know if it is because my baby has reflux (we are on our second medication now), I don't know if we have done something that has made him unable to sleep or if it is simply the way he is. I don't know what is normal. I am so emotionally involved, so sleep deprived I can't tell you right from wrong, up from down or well I couldn't tell you much of anything right now. Let's review the last day and someone can tell me "hey it's normal for a six week old" or "It's the reflux." I don't even care if you say it's me. I just need to know what to do, tricks, ideas, suggestions. He went to bed blissfully last night at around 10:30 slept until 1:00 woke up and ate, then he took a half hour to get to sleep slept until 4:00am. All things so far so good. I am thinking yeah! But then he won't go back to sleep. At 5:30 I wake Mike. I can't take it anymore. He takes over I get some sleep at 7:30 I feed him again. We get him to sleep at 8:30 he sleeps until 11:00. Horray! It is now 4:30 and the longest he has slept today since 11:00 has been 20 minutes. What is up with that. Is this normal? Will he outgrow this?
I have great friends your encouragement and words of wisdom mean so much to me and to Mike. Help!
5 comments:
Okay, here's my two cents...
A. That's not entirely abnormal for a 6 week old. Heck, I've known 1 year olds that gave their Moms a run for their money in the sleep department. So I hate to say but it is probably par for the course...
B. Because he does have the Reflux he could be having trouble sleeping because being flat on his back just doesn't work for him... I've heard of people who have babies with Reflux putting them in a swing or semi-upright bouncy seat to sleep. The advantage of this is probably obvious. If the Reflux is what's bothering him, the upright position will help keep it at bay. Someone I know even bought this expensive hammock contraption from Australia. They swore by it but it might be a bit of an extreme measure for you.
One thing I do know, although it may be hard or painful for you to do... Crying has never killed a baby. I think putting them down and walking away is probably one of the hardest things for any Mom to do BUT if it will help you retain your sanity once in a while, it is worth it. Also, I've read AND heard that even babies need some awake time away from their Mommas (GASP! It's true though) His only outlet for anything he's feeling right now is to cry so don't always assume that if he's crying, he's horribly upset or you're not doing something right. Try the swing (if you have one) If you don't, it's a worthwhile investment but get the kind that goes side to side as well as front to back.
Okay, so I've written a novel of advice... You really will get through this - the first 3 months are the hardest and HEY, you're already halfway through so Congratulations to you sweetie! I'm definitely in your corner and here for you whenever you need an ear.
Love ya,
Nic
Thanks for being there for me!
We have a swing it is often the only place he sleeps. His crib has been elevated since we realized he has reflux, his changing table is elevated and well so is anything and everything else he sits on. He is never flat on his back. I let him cry sometimes but he just escalates and yes it is painful to here.
Half way huh? I guess we will just hang in there and take it one day at a time. It can't last forever.
No, you will likely be onto other things by at least the age of four ;^)
Okay, I'm glad I got to read Nicole's very well written response because I had my thought but didn't want it to sound "bad". Tanner cried constantly at night for what seemed like FOREVER. It got to the point where after I made sure his basic needs were met, I put him in his car seat (the only place he would sleep), closed the door, and let him cry himself to sleep. It was very hard at first, but he evolved into a wonderful sleeper. I remember when I took him to day care I was worried about the crying factor, but in the midst of all the hustle and bustle around him, he actually mellowed out and did fine. So maybe some "white" noise might help? I dunno...babies are such puzzles! But I agree with Nicoly...you'll be on to new things before you know it. Hang in there, girl! Karin
Oh yeah, white noise! Peyton has been on white noise almost since the beginning - such a lifesaver - especially when we travel!
Post a Comment