This week, I am totally confused. For a few months we've been on a regular schedule. Two naps. 9 and 2ish. We began Monday, waking up at 5:30am (that's RIGHT send sympathy) and taking naps from 7-10, 12-2:30, and 5-6:30. Every day since then has been total confusion. Well not exactly TOTAL confusion, but all of a sudden our morning nap has been shortened to 1 1/2 hours. And then, afternoon nap? . . . what's that? I don't want to take that! (Until I'm exhausted and sleep somewhere between 5-7)
You can't hold my baby like a "baby" and put her to sleep (you know cradled) and she will no longer relax her head on my shoulder and go to sleep (well, on the very rare occasion this still works). So for me this leaves nursing and . . . ?
At night if you leave her alone she will usually go to sleep . . . as long as she has her binky. So far this doesn't seem to work during the day.
Basically, what I am getting at is I HAVE NO IDEA what to do next. Is she trying to reset her nap schedule? If so, what is it already! Is this a sleep regression? And how HOW does she want to be put to bed? And someday SOMEDAY, SOON PLEASE I would like to get a decent nights rest. I got a nights rest at 2 months and 41/2 months. Miriam is 7 months on Saturday. I figure I am due another one ANY DAY.
I desperatly need to do some research on sleep methods. (Never mind that my doctor told me until she gains some more weight, when she wakes up and wants to nurse she needs to nurse. And she's almost up 1 pound in the last 3 weeks. We're doing better.) What have you ever done?
** As cute as can be and making my heart melt when I view her sleepy little self in a "C" shape on her side in her crib. Then she woke up every two hours last night. Seriously. Every. Two. Hours. Huh? So excuse me while I got back to bed during this morning nap.
I realize I am not the best one to leave advice - as my son didn't sleep well until he was almost 19 months. But...just wanted to tell you I feel your pain. It's so hard to be exhausted! If I think of anything, I'll email you. That book that I told you about - The sleep lady book "Goodnight Sleep Tight", helped us when we got it. But we didn't have it when he was younger so I don't know if that would help or not. We're going to try and use that with our next one.
ReplyDeleteYou know what, both my boys became decent sleepers in a relatively good time, but they both hit a patch around 8 months (give or take a month) when night times went to pot again. Sounds like Miriam hasn't blessed you with being a "decent sleeper" yet, but you may be hitting that time anyway! I think with both of mine it was much to do with growing and they simply needed more food.
ReplyDeleteI've always been a pretty hands off Mom about sleeping, when it's time, they get laid down and I walk away. Luckily that's worked, they learn early on they can do it without me (I'm crossing my fingers that this next boy doesn't have other plans in mind...).
Sometimes with nap schedules changing (as they currently are here being stuck between needing 1 and 2 naps a day for my 1 year old and 'to nap or not to nap is the question' with my 3 year old) it means a lot of time in the crib/bed just playing or dealing, and eventually going to sleep. I think they so often still need it, but are getting stronger with the will power to fight the sandman and you just have to have endurance.
Good luck, Maggie, I'm really feeling for you!