Tuesday, October 28, 2008

How is she sleeping?

Apparently, "How is she sleeping?" is the question to ask a new mom. I have been asked this dozens of times. So, for all to see, here is the answer to the infamous question . . . not good.

Christina has completely forgotten what we learned weeks ago. The baby that use to go to bed fairly easily, as long as we followed the same routine, is nowhere to be found. I shouldn't complain though, so much has changed for her. I use to nurse her and then give her a bottle in her crib. It was easy for her to doze off since she was already in her crib. Now, there is no bottle. And since we are back to 100% breastfeeding, she seems to hate being separated from me and will not fall asleep without me. Actually, I think it's just my breasts she doesn't want to be separated from, but hey, we are a package deal.

Plus, I am not the only requirement that Christina has for falling asleep. She also will not sleep without nursing. Literally, she must have the breast in the mouth, in order to doze off. See, I told you it is just my breast that she wants!

Even though she will nurse and fall asleep, the problem is that I can never get her from arms to crib without those beautiful eyes popping back open. And if she sees that I am (god forbid) putting her down in a bed that doesn't have me in it, she will not sleep . . no matter how tired she is.

When I take her to my bed, I can nurse her while we both lay down and she will drift off to sleep. Since she is already in a bed (and she knows I am not going anywhere), she will stay asleep. But, she should not be sleeping in our bed with us. I'm sure you can come up with at least one reason why.

Co-sleeping (as they call it), is a SIDS risk and on top of that, I don't want it to become a habit. Also, it takes a huge effort on my part to get out of bed without her waking up. I'm talking extreme skillfulness on my part, even if I just want to get up to go to the bathroom. Then, if she happens to wake up and see that I am not in bed with her, we all have hell to pay!

I obviously don't know what I'm doing with this whole sleeping thing. I can't go on letting her sleep in my bed. I don't know what is going to happen when the alarm clock goes off and I have to get up to get ready for work (starting Monday!!!)

I am going out tomorrow to get an infant sleep book, so hopefully the experts can help me. Because, I really need help.

In the meantime, anyone out there have any advice for me? (Click on "comments" at the bottom of this entry - in case you weren't sure.)

2 comments:

  1. The first thing I thought of was, if she sleeps when you give her a bottle... then give her a bottle. But then I read your blog about her tummy being sensitive. If you can find a formula or bottle that produces less gas, maybe that would work.

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  2. Honey I am thinking Mindy is right. If you have to supplement as you are going back to work try a soy formula at night. Everyone says that is better for the baby. Don't worry you are both doing a great job and it will get easier.

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