Experiences with Torrens House (Adelaide)?

**Electric Boogaloo** · 18-05-2011 15:57

Hi all

We are (still) having difficulties with our little one's sleep and we have a referral for Torrens House. I don't think we'll be getting a place any time soon as there's a big waiting list, but I'm a bit anxious at the thought of going there. We are using a gentle sort of approach with DS's sleep issues and I'm worried about how 'hardcore' the methods at Torrens House might be (even though they all say they don't do controlled crying).

Has anyone been there for sleep issues for an 'older' baby (DS is 8 months)? I'd love some feedback about how it was for you.

TIA

**Electric Boogaloo** · 18-05-2011 16:22

Bump

**Electric Boogaloo** · 19-05-2011 10:40

bump...?

**Nekhbet** · 28-05-2011 10:25

I was nervous about that when I went too (2009). My daughter came out happier, calmer and best of all sleeping. We went back to wrapping DD, used pat/shush and she went on a routine. They also get them to eat a lot during the day so that they don't get hungry at night. I couldn't beleive how much she started eating when we got this sorted. Before it was a lot off breastmilk. Also bring breastpads. You will feel engorged when they suddenly drop down to 4 feeds a day

They did cry a bit when they went down sometimes, but you are there the whole time comforting them. And she cried less over all as she wasn't overtired. You have a rest and recharge and someone is there to help the whole time.

I would bring a baby monitor for during the day though. They are supposed to have someone down there at reception who would hear if the kids wake up, but we found that wasn't always the case and they were hysterical by the time you got to them. Was soo ****ed off when that happened, and so me and another mum would take turns going to check on them. (they say they will get you when they wake up)

**Electric Boogaloo** · 08-06-2011 12:15

Any others?

Apparently we are at the top of the waiting list so we might get a place soon. I was kinda hoping DS would somehow be in a better sleep pattern before we got a place

**Electric Boogaloo** · 03-07-2011 14:49

FYI we ended up going to Torrens House. If anyone wants more info about our experiences you can PM me.

**Hullabalu** · 03-07-2011 20:58

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. I went in 2009 with my almost 10mth old. was worth it for me. HE didn't sleep through the night but night waking got down to once and just water overnight. And it was quick resettles. WE also were semi gentle and they don't push you but we were there to get help so was open. At no point did I ever feel uncomfortable with their methods. THey don't do CC. 'Assisted settling' THey might cry a bit but you can comfort them.

Hope you found it helpful

**soccer mum** · 06-07-2011 13:21

Hi all,
I just wanted to add that I have had a very positive experience with Torrens house. My DD is only 4 months old, so not really relevant to the original question, but they helped us soooooo much. DD had bad silent reflux which took us about 6 weeks to diagnose and treat properly and by then she had gotten into such a state she had no day sleep and was terrible at feeding. They got us into a routine and helped her to sleep during the day, which meant she also feeds better now. Can't thank the wonderful nurses there enough.
They didnt use controlled crying. I dont know the correct name for the method, but it is resettling, e.g rocking in cot, patting and keeping to a routine. I was skeptical because I had tried those things at home but once we got the routine established the settling techniques started to work.

I dont think everyone has as much success as we did depending on their issues but they are absolutely lovely and supportive there so if you have feeding or sleeping issues you have nothing to lose by giving it a try.