Oh, Laura.There comes a time when things get a little ridiculous and you just have to STOP. After we came back from Ruttger's, Laura was actually sleeping ok. I didn't have to get up very often, and when I did, it was just for a quick "re-plug." She was going down to sleep all right.
In the last week or so, things have just gotten worse. This may be due to suspected teething or what, I don't know. It has been taking almost an hour to get her into bed and asleep, and I probably have been tending to 10+ wakeups throughout the night, as well as trying to settle her spastic little body so she can get to sleep. Monday night, I think I slept three hours or so total. Needless to say my actions are treading into neurotic mom territory, which I am trying so hard to stay out of.
Today after her typical 30 minute nap, I got her up but she still seemed SO tired and could see she wanted to sleep more. When I tried to put her back to sleep, it was not working despite her sleepiness. Grandma Barb was around and suggested I just try to let her cry it out*...after about 
15-20 minutes she did fall asleep. She went down nicely and very quick tonight but has already had one wakeup after which we let her cry and she settled down. Dad was good support tonight and Grandma during the day; I don't think it would be easy if I were alone.
15-20 minutes she did fall asleep. She went down nicely and very quick tonight but has already had one wakeup after which we let her cry and she settled down. Dad was good support tonight and Grandma during the day; I don't think it would be easy if I were alone.I have read probably every book on infant sleep that our library has to offer, so I know all the approaches: Babywise, No-Cry Sleep Solution, Sleep Lady, Baby Whisperer, etc. etc. etc. Over the next couple weeks I believe we'll be trying to "Ferberize" Laura (Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems by Richard Ferber)...he advocates letting your baby cry it out BUT checking periodically in increasing increments of time to reassure your baby that you are still there. We haven't taken the pacifier away; we'll "replug" at the check-ins unless that becomes problematic. So; good luck to us! Enjoy a couple recent pics of our cutie, which explains why I still love her so much, even when she's stealing all my sleep.
*Note: She is obviously not the first to suggest the "cry it out" to me, but today was a particular combination of me knowing she clearly needed more sleep combined with frustration/the willingness to listen to her cry...I suspect this is usually how this comes about with us reluctant moms.
4 comments:
Who knew there were so many books on babies and sleep?! (sort of like all the choices at 'Babies R Us' - overwhelming!) Trust yourself now to stick with the 'method' you have chosen for Laura... remember how long it has taken for her to get into her current pattern - be patient as she 'relearns' the new pattern! Don't give up... and good luck to you all! It will be worth it in the long run. :)
Grandma Barb
i also had a really hard time letting henry cry it out. it was (and still is) even worse when i am gone all day at work, then my sacred time with him at home has to be saying "no i won't sit with you" and letting him cry. even at 2.5 we cycle through different sleep patterns. last night he showed up beside my bed at 1:30 ready to watch cartoons. thank you "big boy bed."
i recently read "the happiest toddler on the block," which has a baby edition as well. i really enjoyed it and will probably read it prior to the next child. i actually found success with the no-cry method and i'm even using it now with the toddler bed transition.
good luck! it isn't easy, by any means. enjoy our last few weeks of summer! :)
Oh Christie...I can so sympathize with going through the "cry it out" method. Your mom is so right. There isn't a method that works in one night. So stick with a method for a while and be patient. If there was an easy fix, people wouldn't make so much money writing all the books on the various methods!
Oh Hermione....books won't solve all your problems! You know I've heard in days of yore people used to give babies a little brandy to help 'em go to sleep. Sound like a good plan to me!
A Brandy A Day
Keeps The Doctor Away
Post a Comment