My Daugter is the worst sleeper ever (yet another sleeping post)

Jbosarge85 · September 2013

My DD is the sweetest baby ever, she never cries, smiles at everyone, babbles all day, gives kisses and then it's bedtime. My angel morphs she'll sleep for 2-4 hours. And then it's 1-2 hours and when she wakes up it takes 2-3 hours to get her to sleep. She tries to nurse all night, suddenly hates binkies (we have 3 different kinds). If my nipple isn't in her mouth she's screaming. I've given her stuff for her gums thinking maybe they hurt, it doesn't help, tried holding her in front of a fan, that doesn't work, tried playing with her thinking she might want some play time, nope. I am at my wits end. DH and I fight because I'm exhausted, I feel awful because half way through the night I get mad at DD because she is being impossible. I really don't want to CIO but I'm exhausted to the point of not functioning. Please help. DD is 8 months old

JJ_13 · September 2013

I'm so sorry. Sleep is such a tough, tough thing.

Have you tried other more "gentle" sleep training methods? Give them a chance before moving to CIO. How much total sleep in a 24 hour period is she getting? Most babies need 13 - 15 hours at your LO's age. I would not engage in play time in the middle of the night - that is sending the wrong message.

Given that you are at your wit's end (which I understand), I think you should figure out a gentle solution and stick with it for a couple of weeks before going on to something else. Change is hard for babies, but consistency is key. It's like if you work through the challenge of the change and stick with consistent methods, then they get very happy with the consistent routine. Personally, my DH and I liked Kim West's Good Night, Sleep Tight book. It's not for everyone and some people say it's not AP-friendly (I disagree with that - especially if you modify to according to your baby's needs) but if you're at the point of considering CIO, then it may be worth a shot. It's by no means the only option out there though.

Good luck.

Emerald27 · September 2013

When moms ask me about how to encourage their babies to go back to sleep when they wake during the night, I usually recommend trying to create an atmosphere of sleep so that the baby learns (it can take several days) that nighttime is for sleep.

Blackout curtains, a white noise machine or fan, and keeping the house cool but baby in warm clothes, create an atmosphere welcoming of sleep. When baby wakes, even if she needs a diaper change, keeping the room as dark and quiet (don't interact much. Hum a lullabye but don't talk, etc.) as possible will help her to learn that right now is time for sleep.

If she nurses in this environment and doesn't fall back asleep, I'd make sure she is dry and comfy, and see if she adjusts in a week or so. If not, it could be growth, development, or teeth related.

Phases like this are so hard on mama. Make sure you're drinking lots of water, eating enough nutritious foods, and sleeping as often as you can (the old adage "sleep while the baby sleeps" is wise). Best of luck! It will get better.

pixieprincss · September 2013

Wow, that is rough. My kids like to wake an intense-but-not-abnormal schedule of every 1-3 hours, but at least they go right back to sleep when I roll over and nurse before anyone is too awake. Do you bedshare? I can't quite tell if you are or not. If not, give it a whirl.
Other ideas:
Might she have reflux?
Would a visit to the chiropractor help? That can be a gentle, non-invasive way to approach things.
Does waking tie to urination at all? If so, could you potty her while she's asleep?
Have you tried with more clothes, less clothes, more heat, less heat, etc.?

I'm sorry you are going through this!

ncbelle · September 2013

Have you tried motrin in case it is teeth? What you are describing - that's she's screaming unless nursing - sounds like teeth. I definitely wouldn't try playing with her in the middle of the night - keep it dark and boring for sure! And I'd take a look at the no cry sleep solution - she has some good tips on breaking the nurse to sleep association without fully night weaning.

Jbosarge85 · September 2013

I just started her on zantac again, because it seems she will fall asleep on my shoulder once I get her to calm down. and she fell asleep in her swing. So I'm thinking she may have a little acid reflux when she had when she was younger. Last night and today she has had a fever so I think she might be teething. And yes we do bedshare.

Jbosarge85 · September 2013

So update. Last night was so much better, she still woke up every 1.5-2 hrs. but went right back to sleep. No endless nursing or rocking to sleep. I really think the zantac really helped. Thank you for all the advice.

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My Daugter is the worst sleeper ever (yet another sleeping post)

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