After three of three children waking me up what seems likes a trillion times a night throughout their first year-and-a-half of life, I've decided that enough is enough! I now know that there's not going to be some magical night that the baby will reach a point and just *poof* sleep all night. Also, never really being an advocate of the "cry-it-out" method, {though it's has been tried a time or two before with no real, lasting results...} I thought that this was just another season of parenting that required me to be a sleep-deprived zombieofamommy. After all, the babies are happy... Granted, I know that having a baby will yield many sleepless nights and months of interrupted sleep, but after a year of this, it starts affecting every area of my life. For example, having started a sleep log for Brigham {almost 14 mo.} last night, it shows that we were up six times with the longest sleep stretch of 3 1/2 hours. (And I was thrilled with this! 3 1/2 hours! *squeal*)
But, before I go any further, here's another of my disclaimers... I fully know it's my fault that they are like this. What baby wouldn't want many warm snuggles & snacks with mama overnight!? They can't help it! They've been trained by me to do this! Realizing this at least keeps any resentment at bay... But come on, I'm on my third baby, shouldn't I somewhat know how to do things by now?! Guess not...
What have I decided to do about it you ask? Well, I've come across the book The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley. I think God must have known how much I've been struggling with the sleepless nights and being the wife and mommy that I didn't want to be. I have a lot on my heart now that I want to change. Work or not, I'm certainly game for trying whatever the book says and praying my way through the process. Please, somebody tell me, though, that this book indeed helped you! And yes, of course I'll keep you updated through this gentle multi-week process of using sleep logs and introducing a tear-free plan and sleep routine.
Also, for the record... I personally don't believe that whomever coined the phrase "sleeping like a baby" really even had any kids. That's certainly not my ideal dream sleep... Anyways, who knows. Maybe just maybe within a few weeks Brigham and I will both be sleeping like adults!
10 comments:
Oh, girl! I have felt your pain. Just within the past two months I finally decided to wean my 8 mo off all night feedings. Mostly because I know my son is going to be ready to wean as soon as he's 12 months old (I feel we're already fighting early weaning as it is) but I just knew he was going to want to hold onto those middle of the night comfort snacks. It took one night, and he cried, though not just to the point of uncontrollable, he still cried. Since that day he's slept soundly. Not to discourage you from a CIO point of view! I've had friends who have used the No-Cry Sleep Solution, and it's worked for them! And beautifully! I think every child is different, and what may work for the 1st born may not work for the 3rd. That's how I look at it. Regardless, you're so right. Whoever coined that phrase was probably a middle aged single man who lived all alone. :o) Good luck, Mama! Do what you're comfortable with and if you don't succeed, try again!
my kids are older now so sleepless nights only come with sickness. I remember those zombie like tired days. I pray the book helps you and that you find some rest.
I've heard good things about that book any time baby sleep is discussed, so that's got to be worth something, right? But mainly I just think the fact that you're trying a detailed approach with a hopeful heart has got to count for something. Good luck!
Sleepless nights will most definitely take their toll! I wish you the best in your endeavors!
Haven't read the book- sorry! But I will also be sending you successful-sleep-vibes :) Keep us posted on how it goes!
Ha ha, I've said that too... sleeping like a baby. Whatever!
my son has NEVER been a good sleeper!! he's 17 months old now and HATES sleep. he loves to be up and running when others are.
i received so much "train your baby" advice that i stopped listening.
i'm now looking into this book though!!
Hey Kate!! I am so glad that you stopped by my blog! You have a gorgeous family, love reading! I'm following now and look forward to reading more!!
I really never took much thought on the phrase "sleeping like a baby" but now that you mention that... it doesnt really make much sense.
Wow, are we the same person?! I've only read a couple of your posts...but I could have written them! Funny. I hope you have success with this method/book. I read it with my first (8 years ago...what?!). I haven't gotten any better at the whole thing since then, though. I'm just waiting until my youngest is a wee bit older and then maybe I will get some sleep. :)
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