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Babies: 3 - 6 Months
mbf124
member
Sleep troubles and chiropractor
mbf124
member
My baby is almost 4 months old and has never slept for more than 3 hours at a time. We are typically up at least 5 or 6 times a night. She's usually up several times within an hour or two.
I know this isn't normal. If she was up once or twice in the night I'd be so happy but unfortunately we are all exhausted, baby included.
I've read all of the sleep books. none of it is working. we have a bedtime routine and she goes down fine, but she just has trouble staying asleep...
She's always thrashing around and looking uncomfortable. I've tried every sleep position/device available and none of it seems to be helping. I'm wondering if she needs to see a chiropractor? Has anyone taken their baby there before? I've never seen one myself so I don't know what to expect.
I'm just trying to find a solution for our seemingly never-ending sleep drama.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Sleep troubles and chiropractor
I don't have any insight on the chiropractor idea, other than maybe go have a consultation with one to see what it would involve.
However, I DO think that what you're experiencing is normal. My son isn't a great sleeper either (5-6 times/night was the norm, now at 6 months, it's still 2-4 times per night). At 4 months, I joke that their brain "doubles". They go through growth spurts, "brain spurts", are suddenly aware of everything around them, may start teething, may have a diet change (some people start solids), etc etc. It's not fun, but I don't think it's abnormal either.
I don't think what you're experiencing is particularly abnormal (not trying to minimize how dreadful it can be at all, btw! I mean--it's not the norm and it must be exhausting, but I've definitely known a whole bunch of babies who are cat nappers at best).
As for sleep books--sleep training just don't work for all young babies... and young = below six months old. Some pediatricians tell clients not to bother trying to sleep train before 6 months. Some babies take to it very well others just don't or can't yet: they're not ready.
Have you tried positioning a boppy around her legs (just kind of stick her in the curve of the pillow, feet down)? This has helped a lot of babies I know. Have you considered co-sleeping? (This worked wonders for us--we're at 6 months now and starting to transition him to his crib.)
Personally, I'm skeptical of chiropractors treating anything other than neck/back/hip pain. While some chiropractic procedures have been deemed safe for infants one should make sure the practitioner in question is properly trained in those procedures and has a good track record with young patients.
I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. Good luck!
Hi MBF124! Know that you're not alone! My baby is 9 months old (as of tomorrow) and last night was the first time since she arrived that she had a full night sleep (8:00pm to 4:30am). I breastfeed exclusively but I also work full time (I pump at work). Up until last night she would wake up between 2-5 times at night. Everyone at work and around me knew I wasn't sleeping and honestly, I am still so tired of it! Here is what I have changed recently that seem to be helping our situation:
1. I moved her to her own bedroom (she slept in a bassinet in our room for 8.5 months).
2. When I am getting her ready for bed I keep the lights low while I am dressings her (after a bath with warm water and lavender scented shampoo)
3. I nurse her in her room with only the night light on which is very deem.
4. Last night I added a cotton-padded cover to her mattress (must confess that when I felt over her mattress it felt so good!)
So that's how we are moving along and it has been a very long and tiring process. Also, note that this is my third child, the previous two did it all differently. The oldest one slept through the night since day one! The second one, with some help, started to sleep through the night at 6 months old.
About the Chiro...it may be a good idea for you. Some adjustment could do wonders for your overall health. get adjusted very often and it sure does helps with my moods, and health in general.
Good luck and hang in there!
Thanks for all of your replies, it helps to know I'm not alone!
I haven't heard of the Boppy by the feet trick...I'll try that one!
Hannah thrashes around so much at night that she has developed a huge bald streak at the back of her head. She sleeps on her side at night and she's also formed a huge red rash on her cheek that often is oozing because she rubs her cheek so furiously against the sheets.
We started co-sleeping about a month or 2 ago just to get by. She does sleep better in there, but she's still up often.