Help...I'm at my wits end

[au01]

Hi everyone,
I am having some issues with my girls ages-6,3 and 5.5mths.
My partner is home about 1 week out of the month (works away) so basically I'm on my own with no family close.
I have been using a comforted crying technique as recommended by my CHN for over a month.
From 3 months on she will only fall asleep at the breast, so (3rd child) I have smartened up and realise this is not a good idea.
Most nights not too much fuss, but nights like tonight when other DD's are fighting, screaming etc it is a nightmare.
Then she wakes 4-6 times a night and as I'm sooo tired I put her on the breast to get her back to sleep.
I know this is inconsistant but I haven't got the energy to be patting her for half an hour each time wakes.
Finally all are asleep by 8.30-9pm and I'm wrecked.
I'm not even going to get into the uncontrolable tantrums of 3y/o DD that is another lengthy tale!

me-:no:

Any positive suggestions??

[wa mum of 4]

I am right there with you.
My DH works away to 3 and 1.
I have 3 boys and a baby.
I dont know if this will work or not but if you are like me, when I get to my wits end I will try anything.
Dummy!
Do you use one?
If bubby falls asleep on boob then it may work.
Its just an idea but give it a go.:fingerscrossed:
Sarah

[the_queen]

I can only tell you what I'd do in your situation - I'd be so-sleeping with all of them. When Daddy is home, Id' do the ole wait-until-they-go-to-sleep-in-my-bed-then-chuck-them-in-their-own-bed trick. Of course that'll only work if they sleep like logs (like my daughter). With the baby, co-sleeping means you won't be physically getting out of bed, so even if she does wake you up multiple times, you won't feel as tired IYKWIM. Falling asleep at the breast is natural and normal and nothing to feel guilty about.

Take my advice, or completely ignore it, "whatever works best for you" is the perfect answer. Good luck.

Oh and the tantrums, I know this might be cr@p advice because tantrums really grate on nerves - but I'd just be ignoring the bad behaviour, and overly-praising the good behaviour. When she's playing nicely and doing everything right, give her big cuddles and tell her specifically what she's doing right eg "I love how you're playing so nicely with your sister, you're sharing your blocks so well, I'm very proud, well done!" or "You asked me so nicely for that drink of water, you used your words and remembered your manners, I'm so glad you asked so beautifully!!" etc.

[au01]

Hey thanks for your advice. As for the dummy she won't have a bar of it I have tried a couple different ones but no go, she used to suck her thumb and go back to sleep won't anymore.Just don't want for her to only go to sleep on the boob.

Re: the_queens comment about tantrumns I totally agree.Positive reinforcment is the key.
The problem is I can't take her out in public as she runs away, I cannot go to DD#1 school with her as I spend 40 mins chasing her with a baby trying to get her back in the car.
The only way is to leave baby in car with DD#1 and physically pick her up kicking and screaming and wrestle her in the car.
She is a real handful.
The co-sleeping idea is good as my partner doesn't sleep in my bed anyway (he has a bad back) but as my DD#2 still hops in my bed in the middle of the night I'm scared she will roll on bub.
I did put bub into bed with me the other night and put my neck out--Ahhhh!
I don't mean to sound so negative I do appreciate you taking the time to reply.

me- 33
DH-34
DD- 6:ecomcity:
DD-3:devil6:
DD-5mths :)

[Rell]

You poor thing its sounds like you have your hands full.:hugs:
Have you concider doing the triple P cause? Its run FREE by the QLD goverment and I found it a BIG help for us when my DD was 2 1/2. They do run them over a weekend so you could get a weekend when your partner is there. Ask you CHN for details of were they run near you.
I don't have too many tips for your baby, my DS didn't sleep throught the night until 9mths and it took us a good 2 mths to get him sleeping using CC
Good luck I hope someone will be able to help you

[My3kids]

Professor Matt Sanders the founder of triple P, The Power of Positive Parenting will be at the Holland Park State High school Hall on Wednesday 2 August, more detais you can get off the playgroup website.