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4intheBed
06-03-2011, 14:46
I am not one to normally ask, I usually use a different name but as family are aware of it I am using a new one. I really need some advice.

We co-sleep with our daughter who is 2 in a couple of weeks, so far its not been at problem at all. She sleeps through the night now, she breastfeeds to fall asleep, but over the last couple of months she has had trouble falling asleep, it may be that my milk has reduced as I am 6 months pregnant (another reason I need this sorted soon). I am not trying to get her into her own bed, I am simply wanting her to be able to fall asleep without all of the stress she goes through.

On average, it takes around 2-3 hours to get her to fall asleep, and this is after bath, book reading etc. I go through her being very relaxed, nearly asleep, then tosses and turns waking herself up then we start all over again, after about an hour she is in tears, pulling her hair in frustration... and when it reaches the 3 hours I sometimes loose my temper, stupid but I am falling apart by that point... especially if it is night time and I have already done it once that day. Sometimes I am spending 5 hours in the bedroom in a day just puttng her to sleep. My husband has never put her to sleep, so I am very much alone in this... I have her 24 hrs a day, no family or friends within 10 hours.

I dont know what to do... she has a pretty standard bedtime routine, alot of attention all day, eat well, gets lots of exercise, about 5 months ago she was still waking 3 times a night for feeds but she just stopped that herself. I do feel that she is trying to fall asleep without milk as she rolls off, but I cant go through this everynight... I am honestly falling apart.

Everything I read says bedtime routine... well she has one... If I speak to friends or family they say put her in her own bed... well that doesnt seem to the problem, and not something I am going to do, please dont suggest it. Can you think of anything that may help me? Even if it is just some confidence to do tonight.... lunch time nap just took 2 hours....

OurLittleBlessing
06-03-2011, 15:02
Could she be ready to drop her day sleep maybe?

My DD was behaving in a very similar pattern, and although she still seemed tired, within a week of cutting out her day sleep she is going straight to sleep with no fuss, and waking up happy and rested.

One of THOSE mums!
06-03-2011, 15:06
Sorry I wish I had some great advice. But it sounds like ur doing a great job.
It is hard stopping feeding to sleep. There is no easy way to do it.
I stopped feeding Ds to sleep and it was HARD. But I persisted and in about 2 weeks he was self settling even when he woke in the night.
You ARE doing a great job. Don't give up! It will be worth it in the end. For you and for her because you will both be getting a good night sleep.
I love cosleeping too but Ds doesn't like it cos he likes his own space. So enjoy it while you can!

4intheBed
06-03-2011, 15:10
I thought that too, so i gave it a go for few days, she was a mess by the evening, but still did the couple of hours going to sleep, it just contained more tears. Its like she doesnt know how to sleep without an abundance of breastmilk... I just cant think of anything else....


Thank you for writing so quick :)

4intheBed
06-03-2011, 15:13
It is hard stopping feeding to sleep. There is no easy way to do it.
I stopped feeding Ds to sleep and it was HARD. But I persisted and in about 2 weeks he was self settling even when he woke in the night.


Ok, if there is no easy way to do it then on with the show! =D I will keep going a see it through, surely it can only can better?!?

babybabycakes
07-03-2011, 12:43
Ou could try some of the tips for night weaning, e en though she is weaned overnight. Maybe try using them for the settle to sleep, so that you can move ghe last breastfeed to 30 mins before sleep or something- that way shes not relying on comfort sucking when there is less milk for the long settling time.

I think you are doing a great job :hugs: its hard when they wont sleep or settle without boob. DS is the same, no feed to sleep=no sleep. Im sticking with it until holidays in june, then trying the gentle night weaning approach and see if t helps.

The otther thing you could do is put a cot next to our bed with the side taken off- bub can still sleep with you inbed, feed etc, but if they are restless not sleeping because they want more space, they can crawl into the cot and out as needed iykwim