How is your LO doing at night?

Re: How is your LO doing at night?

• savedgracie member

  June 2014

  My LO started some longer sleeps around 6 weeks. (like 5 hours) and at 10 weeks would do some 7 hour stretches at night. So hang in there. It'll come.

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• flcl member

  June 2014

  Sing2phins said:

  That is totally normal for 3 weeks.  I keep seeing posts from you and it really seems like you're trying to rush things.  Newborns eat super often; every 2 hours or so, like yours is, is totally normal.  Plus, three weeks is prime growth spurt time. 
  
  You just need to be patient and follow LO's lead.  I know it's hard; the sleep deprivation is the hardest thing I've ever dealt with in my life.  But it is temporary, I promise.  She will sleep longer stretches when she's ready.
  
  As for tips, there's no harm in making sure she knows night from day.  So, for naps during the day, don't try to be excessively quiet.  Keep her out in the family room where there's light and noise; then when it's bedtime, her room is dark and quiet.  That will help her learn the difference between night and day.  When you feed her overnight, try not to turn any lights on or just use a low light if you need to change her diaper; don't talk to her and try not to make prolonged eye contact, which is really stimulating for babies.  That should help her go back to sleep more quickly when she's finished eating.
  
  Also, when your husband gives a bottle, you should be pumping to replace it.  That is really important if you hope to keep your supply up.
  

  This, all of this.  You're going through a really tough time right now but hang in there.  It will get better.  I felt like you at that stage too, like I must be missing something.  I must be doing something wrong.  Everything you're describing is normal.  @sing2phins gave lots of great advice (she's helped me with my sleep questions too) but just remember that your DD is still really little.  As hard as it is, try to think of the times she's waking to nurse as extra cuddle sessions.  They disappear faster than you realize.  GL!

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• norab2684 member

  June 2014

  Thank you guys for the advice. It is so hard and I know I'm being neurotic in thinking I can get her to sleep more.
  
  You all saying what she is doing is normal helps a lot. The lack of sleep is just so hard! I feel guilty about wanting to get past this stage so much but I really can't wait to get to the point where I am able to see that it really does get better.

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• Ksample89 member

  June 2014

  As everyone else has said this is normal. Since you are already using bottle, have DH keep baby sleeping in the dark living room until 12ish. Feeding 2 bottles. While you lock yourself in the bedroom at 8 and get a solid 4 hours. You need it for your sanity!

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• springbeduk2 member

  June 2014

  I might have missed this in another posy but have you tried side-lying for night feedings? It can allow you some dozing at least. I find it helpful though it doesn't always work (latch seems more challenging) .
  
  Hang in there and you're not alone! I'm writing during yet another cluster -feeding session...

  Me: 39  DH: 44  together since 2000 married 9/2004 TTC #1 since 2/2012
  

  BFP #1 6/5/2012  m/c 6/15/2012 about 5w3d   BFP #2 6/?/2013 m/c 7/1/2013 5w 3d

  BFP #3 8/25/2013  EDD 5/7/2014    DD A. born 5/8/2014!!  Love!!!!

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