| Posted By |
Message |
| Pages: [1] 2 |
katiebug
I'll love you for always
Member since 2/08 4624 total posts
Name:
Katie
|
Major sleep issues....I need help
I am sorry I keep posting questions, but I am at a loss as to what to do.
I have a very, very fussy baby. His routine is this, Wake up around 5:00 am, eats, and goes in and out of sleep until about 6:30, but is basically up for the day. The WHOLE day. He eats every 2 - 2 1/2 hours. He cries all day long, i get maybe 5 minutes of smiles a day. Then I start losing my mind and put him in the car and drive around until he falls asleep. Usually around 1:00 pm. He will sleep for a couple of hours in his carseat, but this is the ONLY time this kid will nap, unless it is on my chest.
To top it off, he will not let me put him down. I can get him to go in his vibrating chair for about 20 minutes and that is it.
He will not chill in his swing, I swaddle him, I have tried to carry him in a sling, I try to "sleep him" as they say in the Healthy Sleep habits book. I am trying to read this but I have no energy or ability to retain any information at this point.
He is one month, and sleeps a total of 7 hours a day, and I am at a total loss as to what to do. I am becoming severely depressed. I have no time to do anything or to get rest. I only sleep 4 hours a day at this point.
ANY help would be appreciated. I am not sure how much more I can take, I am in tears everyday.
I also have a Dr. Appointment on Friday to see if something is physically wrong with him.
|
Posted 2/10/10 5:26 PM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
Shelleybean11
Mommy of 2!
Member since 12/08 11013 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
 I'm so sorry Katie! Ezra was a colicky baby and extremely fussy too. Try and hang in there, it gets better!
ETA: have you tried the vacuum?
Message edited 2/10/2010 5:33:47 PM.
|
| Posted 2/10/10 5:33 PM |
| |
|
twinkletoes807
Mommy's Girls! ♥
Member since 11/07 10116 total posts
Name:
Gabi
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
How many oz is he taking at a time? Can you up the amount so he gets longer stretches between feedings and then can maybe fall asleep?
What about formula? Does he suffer from reflux? Have you tried a different kind? My DD is on Alimentum for a milk protein allergy and it supposedly also helps colic babies, which sounds like what you are dealing with. 
|
| Posted 2/10/10 5:34 PM |
| |
|
katiebug
I'll love you for always
Member since 2/08 4624 total posts
Name:
Katie
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
Posted by Shelleybean11
I'm so sorry Katie! Ezra was a colicky baby and extremely fussy too. Try and hang in there, it gets better!
ETA: have you tried the vacuum?
I haven't yet, since he won't let me put him down. Dumb question here, but do i just lay him in bed and vacuum the room?
|
| Posted 2/10/10 5:35 PM |
| |
|
katiebug
I'll love you for always
Member since 2/08 4624 total posts
Name:
Katie
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
Posted by twinkletoes807
How many oz is he taking at a time? Can you up the amount so he gets longer stretches between feedings and then can maybe fall asleep?
What about formula? Does he suffer from reflux? Have you tried a different kind? My DD is on Alimentum for a milk protein allergy and it supposedly also helps colic babies, which sounds like what you are dealing with.
He is a big eater. He has already put on over 2 lbs in one month. I am not sure how much he gets when he breasts feeds, but I do top him off with an extra 2 oz sometimes, but he still only sleeps about 3 hours at night. I was feeding him more, but then my lactation nurse said I was over feeding him. He can sometimes eat 6 oz in one feeding.
I have to supplement with formula because my production is down, and I am switching today to a soy based one. I am praying that will help.
|
| Posted 2/10/10 5:38 PM |
| |
|
twinkletoes807
Mommy's Girls! ♥
Member since 11/07 10116 total posts
Name:
Gabi
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
Posted by katiebug
Posted by Shelleybean11
I'm so sorry Katie! Ezra was a colicky baby and extremely fussy too. Try and hang in there, it gets better!
ETA: have you tried the vacuum?
I haven't yet, since he won't let me put him down. Dumb question here, but do i just lay him in bed and vacuum the room?
Wherever it will work for you that will soothe him... while he's in the swing, bouncer, crib, bed- whatever works! 
|
| Posted 2/10/10 5:38 PM |
| |
|
AMF1115
Loves being Joey & Vinny's mom
Member since 1/09 3771 total posts
Name:
Athina
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
do you have a bouncer? DS loves the vibrating of the bouncer and sleeps in it often. also try running the vacuum when DC cries it may calm them down and get them to sleep.
|
| Posted 2/10/10 5:40 PM |
| |
|
KateDevine
*
Member since 6/06 24950 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
Get a Bjorn and wear him, he will sleep on you and you can move around
|
| Posted 2/10/10 5:41 PM |
| |
|
twinkletoes807
Mommy's Girls! ♥
Member since 11/07 10116 total posts
Name:
Gabi
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
Also get the Happiest Baby on the Block video. It works wonders and only takes 30 mins to watch. Happiest Baby on the Block DVD
|
| Posted 2/10/10 5:44 PM |
| |
|
katiebug
I'll love you for always
Member since 2/08 4624 total posts
Name:
Katie
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
Posted by Fasc0730
do you have a bouncer? DS loves the vibrating of the bouncer and sleeps in it often. also try running the vacuum when DC cries it may calm them down and get them to sleep.
I just bought one that vibrates, and he lasts 20 minutes in it. best 20 minutes of my day at this point.
|
| Posted 2/10/10 5:45 PM |
| |
|
katiebug
I'll love you for always
Member since 2/08 4624 total posts
Name:
Katie
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
Posted by KateDevine
Get a Bjorn and wear him, he will sleep on you and you can move around
I have one, and he does like it sometimes, the problem is I am having back problems from my pregnancy and I can't wear him too long without having to sit. I should probably just suck it up at this point since he does not hate being in it.
|
| Posted 2/10/10 5:46 PM |
| |
|
Grill
LIF Adult
Member since 4/09 994 total posts
Name:
J
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
Please Please Invest In This Wrap . It will give your child the close comfort he needs during his "forth trimester". I cried non stop during the 1st four weeks. It is soooo hard. I was average 3-5 one hour blocks of sleep every 24 hours. Somehow my body and mind began adjusting to the demands and the deprivation. Try to accept and even embrace his dependency needs....it is such a short span in his young life. It really will get easier. I can say this and I'm only at the 8 week mark.
|
| Posted 2/10/10 5:53 PM |
| |
|
nickipa
love my boys!
Member since 4/06 5648 total posts
Name:
Nicki
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
DS1 was colicky---but I would definitely discuss it with your ped at your appt. For us, I would wear him in the carrier and vacuum or hold him and run the hairdryer---those 2 things would usually stop the crying and he would fall asleep---definitely didn't always work, but sometimes. What about a carrier with back support? I have a bjorn and it bothers my good back---I now use a beco (similar to an ergo)--so much easier on the back
|
| Posted 2/10/10 5:53 PM |
| |
|
oktom22
Loving every minute
Member since 2/09 1663 total posts
Name:
Theresa
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
Sorry to hear this, but it does get better, the Healthy Sleep Habits book, basically says that the first 6 weeks is tough b/c the baby is adjusting to life outside the womb and that the part of the brain that signals the baby to go to sleep when tired is still developing. So oftentimes the baby gets overtired and then adrenaline is released to help keep the baby awake and this fights with the baby's need to sleep and thus you get a fussy baby.
Unfortunately the book doesn't give much in the way of how to deal just says whatever comforts your baby keep doing it and by the 6-8wk, that part of the brain will be more developed and your baby will start to nap more during the day and sleep more at night.
Hang in there it does get better, and nothing really prepares you for those first 6 wks!!!
Try and get DH to help so you can take a break, and maybe a really long shower.
|
| Posted 2/10/10 6:02 PM |
| |
|
septmonkey
LIF Adolescent
Member since 1/10 542 total posts
Name:
Lynda
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
 Sounds just like my DD. I KNOW how tough it is!! You just have to do whatever works. Try EVERYTHING. Really, in time it DOES get better. We took DD to the DR same time you did and he said "I'm sorry, I wouldn't babysit for you- your daughter is colicky. Should last 3-6 months." For us, lasted just shy of 4 months. Now she is 4.5 months, so smiley and gives us a good laugh! Her sleep has regulated (somewhat) too. I agree with happiest baby on the block, the Tiny Love mobile, and the sleep sheep worked wonders for us! I hope he outgrows it quickly
|
| Posted 2/10/10 6:23 PM |
| |
|
LittleBlueBug
Happy Mommy
Member since 9/06 4074 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
If he was taking 6oz, could it be possible that he is just hungry? DS takes a lot too and was taking about 4-5oz at that age. He was totally unconsolable until we figure out he was still hungry. He may be overtired too. Did he spit up when he got more food? If he didn't, maybe he's just not satisfied.
My ped recommended that I put DS in his crib around that time to have "time to himself". He would cry for a few minutes and then fall asleep. Maybe try it. Babies can be so cranky when they are overtired.
|
| Posted 2/10/10 6:29 PM |
| |
|
lesliemike
The twins are almost 2!
Member since 11/08 2249 total posts
Name:
Leslie
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
watch the happiest baby on the block video.
Swaddle
Side
Shhhh
Suck
Jiggle
It really works wonders if done right!
|
| Posted 2/10/10 6:41 PM |
| |
|
DRMom
Two in Blue
Member since 5/05 20223 total posts
Name:
Melissa
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
I sound like a broken record I'm sure but please have his dieaper checked for blood in his stool. He could have reflux due to a milk allergy. Many Dr's now believe that colic is actually undiagnosed reflux in babies. I know how hard it is when you are so exhausted and your baby will not sleep
|
| Posted 2/10/10 6:55 PM |
| |
|
katiebug
I'll love you for always
Member since 2/08 4624 total posts
Name:
Katie
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
Posted by Grill
Please Please Invest In This Wrap . It will give your child the close comfort he needs during his "forth trimester". I cried non stop during the 1st four weeks. It is soooo hard. I was average 3-5 one hour blocks of sleep every 24 hours. Somehow my body and mind began adjusting to the demands and the deprivation. Try to accept and even embrace his dependency needs....it is such a short span in his young life. It really will get easier. I can say this and I'm only at the 8 week mark.
It wouldn't be so bad if he would take a nap. Would was not crying non stop throughout the day. I have been around infants my whole life, and have never seen a baby sleep so little. He is just so over tired.
|
| Posted 2/10/10 6:56 PM |
| |
|
katiebug
I'll love you for always
Member since 2/08 4624 total posts
Name:
Katie
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
Posted by oktom22
Sorry to hear this, but it does get better, the Healthy Sleep Habits book, basically says that the first 6 weeks is tough b/c the baby is adjusting to life outside the womb and that the part of the brain that signals the baby to go to sleep when tired is still developing. So oftentimes the baby gets overtired and then adrenaline is released to help keep the baby awake and this fights with the baby's need to sleep and thus you get a fussy baby.
Unfortunately the book doesn't give much in the way of how to deal just says whatever comforts your baby keep doing it and by the 6-8wk, that part of the brain will be more developed and your baby will start to nap more during the day and sleep more at night.
Hang in there it does get better, and nothing really prepares you for those first 6 wks!!!
Try and get DH to help so you can take a break, and maybe a really long shower.
At 6-8 weeks is that when the book recommends crying it out? I was reading about "let cry" and that seems to just be CIO, am I correct?
|
| Posted 2/10/10 6:58 PM |
| |
|
katiebug
I'll love you for always
Member since 2/08 4624 total posts
Name:
Katie
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
Posted by LittleBlueBug
If he was taking 6oz, could it be possible that he is just hungry? DS takes a lot too and was taking about 4-5oz at that age. He was totally unconsolable until we figure out he was still hungry. He may be overtired too. Did he spit up when he got more food? If he didn't, maybe he's just not satisfied.
My ped recommended that I put DS in his crib around that time to have "time to himself". He would cry for a few minutes and then fall asleep. Maybe try it. Babies can be so cranky when they are overtired.
I feel like if I let him he will eat non stop. It is the only thing that will make him stop crying, but then I got scolded and told no infant can eat that much.
|
| Posted 2/10/10 6:59 PM |
| |
|
katiebug
I'll love you for always
Member since 2/08 4624 total posts
Name:
Katie
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
Posted by DRMom
I sound like a broken record I'm sure but please have his dieaper checked for blood in his stool. He could have reflux due to a milk allergy. Many Dr's now believe that colic is actually undiagnosed reflux in babies. I know how hard it is when you are so exhausted and your baby will not sleep
My gut says that it is reflux. He will sleep so well in his car seat, he gags when eating, always has the hiccups, and many other symptoms. The only thing he doesn't do is he does not spit up much, if at all.
|
| Posted 2/10/10 7:01 PM |
| |
|
LittleBlueBug
Happy Mommy
Member since 9/06 4074 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
Posted by katiebug
Posted by oktom22
Sorry to hear this, but it does get better, the Healthy Sleep Habits book, basically says that the first 6 weeks is tough b/c the baby is adjusting to life outside the womb and that the part of the brain that signals the baby to go to sleep when tired is still developing. So oftentimes the baby gets overtired and then adrenaline is released to help keep the baby awake and this fights with the baby's need to sleep and thus you get a fussy baby.
Unfortunately the book doesn't give much in the way of how to deal just says whatever comforts your baby keep doing it and by the 6-8wk, that part of the brain will be more developed and your baby will start to nap more during the day and sleep more at night.
Hang in there it does get better, and nothing really prepares you for those first 6 wks!!!
Try and get DH to help so you can take a break, and maybe a really long shower.
At 6-8 weeks is that when the book recommends crying it out? I was reading about "let cry" and that seems to just be CIO, am I correct?
There is a little misconception re CIO as you are just putting baby in crib and walking away, which isn't the case. You time the crying and go in for a min at intervals to give re-assuring pats, etc. My ped said that we could do it at that time because it is emotionally healthy for both you and baby. We started with naps around your DC's age.
|
| Posted 2/10/10 7:01 PM |
| |
|
katiebug
I'll love you for always
Member since 2/08 4624 total posts
Name:
Katie
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
Posted by lesliemike
watch the happiest baby on the block video.
Swaddle
Side
Shhhh
Suck
Jiggle
It really works wonders if done right!
I watched this before DS was here, I just put it back on my netflix.
|
| Posted 2/10/10 7:01 PM |
| |
|
Reese32
LIF Adult
Member since 7/07 3631 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Major sleep issues....I need help
Posted by katiebug
Posted by lesliemike
watch the happiest baby on the block video.
Swaddle
Side
Shhhh
Suck
Jiggle
It really works wonders if done right!
I watched this before DS was here, I just put it back on my netflix.
This video was an absolute LIFESAVER. I also highly recommend (as do others here) the Miracle Blanket for swaddling. It beats the Swaddle Me hands down. We had a different baby after using that and the 5 S techniques.
Good luck, and I hope something works for you! The first few weeks are just awful as far as the exhaustion goes, we've all been there. Many
|
| Posted 2/10/10 7:05 PM |
| |
|
| Pages: [1] 2 |
