And, no, I’m not exhausted because of the Giveaway Bash. That’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it because it’s been such a success so far. I hope you’re all enjoying it.
Anyway, I am utterly exhausted because my dear little 5 month old daughter is putting me through the wringer at night. “She’s not sleeping through the night?” you might ask. Um, that would be a big ol’ hell to the no. She isn’t sleeping through 4 hours at this point. Seriously. It’s awful. And it’s gotten noticeably worse the past couple weeks.
Take last night, for example. I put her down to sleep at 7:30. She woke up at 8:45! Screaming! So I gave in and nursed her; she ate and went back to bed. Until 11:15! She woke again at 1:30 and 6:30 and was up for the day at 7:30. Isn’t that ridiculous? (Sadly, that was a good night because she slept for a 5 hour stretch.) And, yes, I totally get up out of bed and nurse her every time she cries for a few minutes.
I think it’s time to put my foot down and use a little tough love and not go to her and nurse her every time she cries. That is so hard to do, but I just can’t keep up with this pattern.
I feel like I’m doing everything I’m supposed to but it’s not helping her nighttime sleep.
* She is out a fairly consistent nap and bedtime schedule and routine.
* I put her down in her crib when she’s still awake.
* She’s over 15 pounds and chubby and generally a happy baby.
* She is out a fairly consistent nap and bedtime schedule and routine.
* I put her down in her crib when she’s still awake.
* She’s over 15 pounds and chubby and generally a happy baby.
What would you do? Do you think starting solids will help? Should I allow her to cry it out since I know she’s capable of putting herself to sleep? Help!
Sab
May 8, 2009Have you ever read the book Babywise by Ezzo and Buckham? I recieved the book from a friend who started using it when their boy was 4-5 months and it helped change his sleep issues tremendously. My lil girl was collic and we haven’t had any issues with her sleeping through the night. Once I moved her to her own room at 3 months, she only woke once a night (fed at 9-10, then again at 5 usually, then again at 9). I let her cry a little, sometimes they aren’t really awake and we think we have to go to them so quickly, when really they are still half asleep and making a bit of noise. Also, around 5 months is when our lil one went through a growth spurt and I had to go in twice/night and actually feed her. She’s 7 months and sleeping 11 hours a night now!
I recommend getting the book if you can. I know it really helped me. Maybe look at a library?
Chrissy
May 9, 2009Seriously?? THis is my life story at this moment! Except my dear one is 6 months old, and STILL screaming all the time. AHH. I am going crazy. This is my 4th baby,and one would THINK I had this sleep stuff down by now, but my theory is that my stamina has dwindled to nothing beacause of the other 3, and now, little girl gets nursed every time she makes a peep. Sometimes I feel like I am only good for milk! I will pray yours starts sleeping!
Capital Mom
May 9, 2009I blame most bad sleep nights on teething. My dentist said that teething is supposed to be as painful for babies as labour was for us. That sure puts it in perspective! I tried the homeopathic route, but I find drugs are best. There is a big difference in my son’s sleep once he gets a tooth in, until the next one starts to come through.
With my daughter I stopped nursing at night at 10 months and she would get her dad if she got up. Lots of unhappiness the first night but I felt okay because she was still with her dad. After a couple of nights she decided he wasn’t worth getting up for!
Good luck!