My second child was quickly turning into a worse sleeper than my first. It all changed at four months and this ship was sinking fast. He woke up at least every 3 hours still and the chunk weighs over 19 pounds. Did he not get the memo that he won't starve to death overnight and that my overworked nipples need healing time???
Sooo, six nights ago I was beyond exhausted and had determined that there was nothing at all that the boy needed. He'd been fed, bathed, fed again, snuggled, played with to the point of exhaustion and loved on. His room was comfortable in temp and lighting and sounds. In fact, I thought I had narcolepsy because every time I stepped foot in the room, I passed out cold. :)
But I laid him down in his perfect sleeping environment and he woke up after 45 short minutes. So I let him cry for an hour. Yep. A whole hour. I turned the monitor off and wished our house was larger so that I didn't have to suffer through listening. Then my tough side crumbled and I came in to feed him and he quickly fell asleep for 8 solid hours. This is only the third time he'd ever slept that long in 9 months so it was amazing!
Then the past 6 nights since his ferberizing, he's slept 8-9 hours straight with no crying at all! I'm starting to hear that inner, suppressed, sleep-deprived girl inside coming back to life. Say what you will about the method, but it has worked wonders on both of my babies and they both seemed to have survived without major psych issues. :)
Yay for sleep!!! Makes me laugh at my stupid pre-partum self that thought it was annoying and disruptive to have to wake up and pee during the night. I had nooooo idea...
Sooo, six nights ago I was beyond exhausted and had determined that there was nothing at all that the boy needed. He'd been fed, bathed, fed again, snuggled, played with to the point of exhaustion and loved on. His room was comfortable in temp and lighting and sounds. In fact, I thought I had narcolepsy because every time I stepped foot in the room, I passed out cold. :)
But I laid him down in his perfect sleeping environment and he woke up after 45 short minutes. So I let him cry for an hour. Yep. A whole hour. I turned the monitor off and wished our house was larger so that I didn't have to suffer through listening. Then my tough side crumbled and I came in to feed him and he quickly fell asleep for 8 solid hours. This is only the third time he'd ever slept that long in 9 months so it was amazing!
Then the past 6 nights since his ferberizing, he's slept 8-9 hours straight with no crying at all! I'm starting to hear that inner, suppressed, sleep-deprived girl inside coming back to life. Say what you will about the method, but it has worked wonders on both of my babies and they both seemed to have survived without major psych issues. :)
Yay for sleep!!! Makes me laugh at my stupid pre-partum self that thought it was annoying and disruptive to have to wake up and pee during the night. I had nooooo idea...
If we hadn't done this, I'm pretty sure I would STILL be nursing Addy 3 times a night lol! It definitely works for some kids and families. SO glad you are getting some sleep and hope of sleep to come:).
ReplyDeleteWe did it and it is the only reason I have not been fired and I have any friends at all.
ReplyDeleteIt made me feel better when our doctor is the one that recommended it. She said after a certain point they have to learn and as long as she is not hurt of sick it is for the best.
Ohhh this is soo tempting for me to do when I head success stories about it. We tried once or twice. Okay, once. Let her cry for an hour and she didn't give up. So we did :( She's gotten a lot better with sleep. But still only does half the night in her crib. I know I am going to have to give this another try soon! I actually daydream about the day when I put her down to sleep in her crib and don't return until morning and go in an get (or even have to wake up) my pretty sleepy baby! Yes, I actually daydream about this.
ReplyDeleteIs it bad that we are already doing this with a 4.5 month old? lol. I give in more times than not. Right now I'm just shooting for him being able to sleep in a bed by himself. Last night was our first success, but still with multiple wake ups. So happy you are finally getting the rest you deserve and need.
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