rough nights...help!

eblom · November 2013

My LO was doing pretty well sleeping 2-3 hour chunks at night with a cranky 'witching hour' period around 9pm-midnight. Now at 4.5 weeks she suddenly is up from 7pm to 4am and so, so cranky...9 hours of crying if I take her off my boob or put her down! I've tried everything (gas meds, bouncing, rocking, walking, more food, change clothes, change diapers, bath time, etc etc) and it's been 3 nights of this. She doesn't sleep much during the day, either, but is less cranky. My DH leaves for work around 5am, and with her crying so loud in our small home he has trouble sleeping when she is like this, meaning he is getting like an hour or two at best...We need help, but not sure there is anything that can be done to change this pattern...I guess this is more of a vent, but if there are any ways I may be able to change this please let me know!

Welshgirl12 · November 2013

could it be a growth spurt? not the typical 3 weeks but those dates are estimates, so perhaps hers is now. can your husband sleep in another room? he could try foam earplugs too, so he can be well rested unless he is able to help with baby in some way? I EBF sui do most of the night stuff while I am still home but sometimes it is great for my sanity for DH to take baby just fir a little bit.

baby101010 · November 2013

I'd talk to pediatrician. Also have you eaten anything new or different that may impact your breast milk ? ( and her)

kimbo1216 · November 2013

You might try cutting dairy out of your diet and see if that makes a difference.

blondolphn · November 2013

Car rides? Will she fall asleep if you take her for a car ride?

scamberlous3000 · November 2013

It sounds to me like she is overtired! I know that sounds weird, but our little guy will fight sleep more when he is exhausted and hasn't napped well during the day. If I don't get him back to sleep within 30-45 mins after he eats then a bad cycle of crankiness and sleeplessness will ensue! Have you tried swaddling? We only swaddle his bottom half bc he likes having his arms out, and that has helped tremendously! Also, what about gripe water w/ the gas drops?

eblom · November 2013

thanks, all!

Mae208 · November 2013

scamberlous3000 said:
It sounds to me like she is overtired! I know that sounds weird, but our little guy will fight sleep more when he is exhausted and hasn't napped well during the day. If I don't get him back to sleep within 30-45 mins after he eats then a bad cycle of crankiness and sleeplessness will ensue! Have you tried swaddling? We only swaddle his bottom half bc he likes having his arms out, and that has helped tremendously! Also, what about gripe water w/ the gas drops?

This was my thought too. My LO does this around 7 or 8 at night. She's soooo sleepy but doesn't want to give it up. I have to hold her tight with a warm blanket securely around her, rock fast in the rocking chair as well as firmly pat her on the butt. It's the only thing that gets her to sleep when she's over tired!

It also sounds like it might be colic? Which I have no experience with. I'm sorry you're having such a hard time! Hope it gets better for you soon.