Sleep stretches getting shorter not longer?

mtngirl2007

Hi ladies--I think this is my first time to post here. I've been bedsharing with DD since she was born. In the first month, she went 4-5 hours at a time between night feedings a few times. In the second month, she was mostly 4-5 hours between night feedings with a few 7-8 hour stretches, so I was looking forward to month 3!

However, since she was about 11 weeks, she's back to every 3 hours and often waking at 2.5 hours, but the paci will hold her off a little longer. I know there is the 12-week growth spurt, so I was attributing it to that, but she's 14 weeks today, so I thought it would be stretching out again. Unfortunately, it's not and I'm tired! 

Is this just how it is, or do you have any tips for lengthening the length of time between night feedings? TIA!

pixieprincss

She sounds like a very normal baby. (Actually, she sounds a bit like a dream baby in that you got so much sleep previously.) Baby sleep lengths actually are not linear. Also, if you are BFing, she very well probably is waking for hunger. BM processes in as quickly as 90 minutes.

Check these links out...

https://kellymom.com/parenting/nighttime/sleep/

https://kellymom.com/parenting/nighttime/sleepstudies/

Also, coming up very soon (or you may even be in it) it will likely be even more awake time with the "4 month wakeful"

https://kellymom.com/parenting/nighttime/4mo-sleep/

In terms of what to do--just make do. Try to get naps in, try to nurse her side-laying while you sleep (if you BF), etc. I'm not saying that you have to elect a cue-based strategy forever, unless  you want to, but doing it at least until six months is recommended by both the CIO and non-CIO crowds. Many people like the book The No Cry Sleep Solution. It wasn't helpful for our family dynamic, but many folks find value in it. Even reading that book, I think you may find that it is just too early to do anything but go with the flow. Your baby really is still just a newborn.

Hang in there, and congratulations on your baby!

pixieprincss

I just thought of something else we tried a couple of times...if you, your DH, and your boobs (if BFing) are up for it, load up DH with plenty of bottles and your confidence and then go and sleep in another room for the whole night or part of the night. Do this as often as it works for you. For me, I realized that I could no longer STTN myself, so I'd rather stay in the family bed. But, other families make this a regular treat.

mtngirl2007

Thank you! I really appreciate your reply!