Elias slept through the night at six weeks. Our sweet Glor has been a WHOLE other story. I really thought "Elias was easy-peezy, he went to one feeding after two nights, slept through the night quickly, and is now an over-sleeper. We'll do the same stuff with Glory and be fine". Riiiiggght.
I know it's controversial to some moms but I don't mind sharing my little baby-sleeping story. With Elias we followed the baby wise plan and for him, it was truly a great option. Starting at around a week old, when we were sure he was full & tired - we'd stick him in the bassinet and let him cry himself to sleep. He quickly learned to put himself to sleep and the whole process was quite painless.
With Glory's reflux, extreme vomiting, & horrible allergies - determining the difference between a sleepy cry & an intense pain cry was just impossible. Not to mention the fact that her reflux was so bad, she couldn't really lay down flat on her back or side - making it impossible for her to stay in her bassinet asleep without being in pain or throwing up for more than few hours. Thus began a really sad/sweet cycle of her being in and out of her bed, her own bassinet, and no one really getting any sleep.
She is almost fourteen weeks old, but I swear to you - as of last week, I was sure her two-week old preemie cousin, Abel, would sleep through the night before her. She just couldn't make it longer than two hours at a time napping - day or night. I really love that girl, but when you look back on the last thirteen weeks of your life and realize you haven't slept more than two hours at once... ah, I could shed some tired tears. Last week, however, it seemed Glory's newest medicine was really working & she even took a two-hour nap during the day (unheard of in our sleepless world). Nick and I felt like she was ready - she stopped eating at night a few weeks ago, truly she was just snacking and was used to being held. We saw hope on the horizon....
So last night at around 7:15, we decided to put her to sleep and let her cry it out. By 8:00 she was passed out and at 12:00 midnight, she was still asleep - FOUR HOURS. Seriously? She woke up around 12:05, nursed quickly & went straight back to sleep, no crying. At 3:07 she woke again, I know the exact time because I was awake just watching the clock - waiting for her to cry. I went to her bassinet, cuddled her a bit, kissed her a little, rewrapped her & gave her a passy - and put her back down. She cried until 3:37 and passed out again. She slept all the way until 5:30am! So basically - she got 8 hours of sleep after her little eating session & her quick little cry.
I have to say - I don't think one sleep theory works for all kids. I've read about twelve different books in the last few months, but if that's helpful for any moms - great! If not, pray that we make a whole stretch soon. We'll see how tonight goes!
7 comments:
YAAAYYY! :) I could do promo ads for the babywise book. But man, mine were easy too, like Elias. I love you and celebrate with you. Go Glory, Go Glory!!!
That is so good to hear...seriously I felt like you were going to kick me in face next time you saw me for even suggesting that medicine! I really hope you see more nights like last night - you two deserve it!
Oh Jessi, I think all babes are different and different things work for every one. As a Mom, you know what's best and don't let anyone tell you otherwise! Wes went to sleep in my arms for the the first 18 months. It worked for him - even though it might not have been the way a book told me to do it!
Sounds like you used my grandmother's method, passed down from her mother, from her mother..etc. The books are great for reference, but do those people really have children of their own? Hope you won't be sleepless in seatle much longer.
Everyone is happier when momma is getting sleep! Glad your family had some! :)
Yeah, Jessi I don't think a one size fits all sleep plan would work for all babies, as you could definately testify. As for me, I deal with acid reflux too in Isabel, and babywise simply won't work, because she cannot get a full feeding; if she does get a full tummy, she will just throw it up. So small frequent feedings for me. Personally I think moms intuition is the best parenting "handbook" you can go by. And that sounds like what you're doing and it's working, good job!
Sincerely,
an anti-babywise mom who is doing just fine
i can guarentee you she will be a super sleeper before sweet abe because i cant get my lovely son outa my bed...not his choice, mine. there only little once ( i know this is the parenting philosphy that turns out really demon like kids but- for now thats what im holding too...hes only little once:)
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