need advice desperately!

[monica]

Hi

My lo is 9 mths old and up until 4 mths was fab sleeper. Since a cold he's been dreadful and have had two particularly bad nights and I just can't cope.

We did the controlled crying and he now goes off ok (usually), then at 2am wakes for a feed - which I give him by breast. Then if I'm lucky he may sleep till 7am or thereabouts; sometimes he wakes up at 5 for another feed.

For the past two days he's been waking at 3ish, having a mega long feed then when I put him down he screams! Night before last I let him to scream for 1 1/2 hrs. Last night after 45 mins I took him downstairs, gave him 4oz of formula and he slept till 8am.

I just don't know what's going on. I cant' say that it's not tummy ache or not hunger. any tips?

i am so run down - exhausted and also getting colds, sorethroats etc. I'm ratty with my other two and feel starting to feel quite down which I'm pretty sure is down to sleep deprivation. I'm also back to work in Sept and I just won't cope.

Thanks

Monica

[winegirl]

Hi Mate

Might not be what you want to do but how about formula milk for that night time feed (some of that hungry baby stuff) and stick with the controlled crying thing too?

I hated the controlled crying for the first few days, but loved it once i realised it was working.

I am sorry that you are so tired and struggling. Any chance of booking yourself into a travel lodge for the night somewhere and letting someone else deal with it for a night??

You know where I am if you want to chat mate xx

Love

WG xx

[bean guest]

Hi Monica
I know EXACTLY what you're going through, as you know, similar position to yours.
I struggled for ages, but it does sound like hungrypants, do you give supper before bed, something like baby porridge made with formula milk, also try that bedtime feed as formula too, this wont affect your breastmilk, and will maybe help, even just by maintaining your energy a bit and not draining you as much.
I know how hard it is trying to cope with three and still breastfeeding. Martha is fully weaned now and usually sleeps ok, so there is light. (although has been out of sync since holiday and now waking up during the night again - aaagh).
Hope it works hun, lots love
bean x

[chica]

Hi Monica,

Really all I can suggest is more of the same thing I am afraid. If little one is hungry through the night, then definately try a small baby porridge or fromage frais or whatever you feel is right. Maybe followed my a hungry baby formula. If it has become a habit and comfort as you say you are offering the breast, maybe try formula again through the night or maybe (not sure what the weather is like over there), is little one thirsty?? I know this sounds awful, but I used to leave a bottle of water/mild juice in the cot for A and it gave me a little more sleep. I soooooo know what it is like to have a little one not sleep through, and my heart goes out to you.

Sending you massive amounts of hugs, although I know what you really need is sleep and for someone to take over for a while.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

[bean]

Hi Monica
Just checking in to see how the sleep's going? Hope you're managing to get some rest.
luv bean x

[monica]

Thx girls - I don't have a memory anymore and completely forgot about this thread. Was at my parents this week and baby slept with my mum. Got to say it was a mixed week - last night he slept from 9pm-8am - bliss! But other nights he was up he was up a couple of times. If I heard I got up if I didn't mum gave him formula.

My gut instinct tells me it's bad habits as opposed to hunger and he'll go onto formula during night if he wakes once I get back from hols. I am too tired to bother at the minute with formula - I just slap the boob out it's so mucheasier!

Will try somethng a bit more solid at bedtime too.

Thanks for tips

monica

[sianyc]

Weetabix always worked on my two - nice and stodgy :-)

[monica]

On hols and it's been a bad week not helped by the fact lo has had dodgy tummy. Saying that he has been a sleep since 9pm ad it's now 4am (wish I was) so fingers crossed.
siany - tried the cereal thing and it gave him colic at night! But might give it another go.

[bean]

How you today, you were up really late, i know that feeling of frustration when they finally asleep yet you're not, really annoying.
i was same the other night, she was fast asleep, i was downstairs watching tv until 4am ish, then just stayed on sofa.

[sianyc]

Mashed banana with baby rice?
rusks?

Have you been having trouble sleeping for long?

[winegirl]

I used to do that baby porridge stuff as it was the only thing that didnt give her colic for some reason and it seemed to work.

Or if you decide to do the bottle thing that hungry baby milk is supposed to be good... forget what it is called.

How have last couple of nights been mate?

[bean]

Hi Monica
Just got your text, sorry no credit so replying on here.

You said you think he's having stomach ache, have you tried massage? Maybe after his bath a little massage on his tum may help, i found it helpful when mine had tummy ache. I did a course on it and found it relaxing for me too. Have you anywhere that does this nearby, where you could go to learn the techniques? This can help with colds, toothache and all sorts, and also such a lovely bonding (well as long as they dont up and run away lol).
Youve probably already done this but if not it would defo be worth a try, good for their skin too. Just remember to go clockwise on the abdomen, you will probably feel any blockages that may be there.
Hope your day at brighton is ok, fresh air might wake you up a bit.
Take care hun.
lots luv bean xxx

[monica]

Hi

Things still shit to behonest re:sleeping.

We're back home after hols and for thepast couple of night tried the controlled crying thing and both nights he screamed so much he was sick in his cot. AFter puking, I gave him another bottle of milk and that was about 10pm (lkater than ususal) and he still woke once for a feed them a couple more times crying - think it was tummy ache.

Bean - I did a baby massage course and after bath do the tummy massagething.he really enjoys it and it does chill him out. Have noticed although he seems well in himself and hasn't got diahorrea, his poos are stinking ot high heaven so maybe he's tummy is a bit off synch.

Bought bananas so will try that tonight.

I despair - I'm so tired it's unreal.Brighton was nice (espcially donuts) - kids had good day. Back to reality. The older two go back to school toorrow! horray! Think they need it to. Just worried with lo playing up they won'ty get a good ngiht's sleep!

Monica

[sianyc]

If you try hungry baby milk, don't use SMA white - it played hell with my eldest cos it's hard for babies to digest apparently. The Aptimil hungry baby is supposed to be good but I only ever tried the stage 1 milk of that make

[monica]

cheers for that siany! had another bad night - he woke with tummy ache and had it intermittantly for about 1 1/2 hrs. Booked osteopath for sat and will go to hv anddrs next week