Mason is 4 months this week. He was sleeping super well at night and recently came down with 2 colds that turned into an ear infection. He is just now starting to be his old self again. In the meantime, our "schedule" has gone to heck. He is no longer sleeping well at night, and is not napping well during the day. He wants to nurse non stop, because he is now refusing his paci and the bottle. I'm tired!

One thing to add, he still has a pretty strong startle reflex, so when I lay him in his bassinet, he wakes himself up by throwing his arms in the air. I may just go back to putting him in his car seat just to get him used to sleeping longer.

Oh, he is now in bed with me and nursing around the clock. (I think, anyway...I'm usually half awake, so I'm not positive.) My DD was this way from the start, but I thought I would have an easier time with baby #2. Now, I'm in the same situation.

My only thought is to put him on a schedule and not nurse on demand. My other thought it to give up nursing during the day and hope he takes a bottle. I'm so confused! I thought the second time around was supposed to be easier. LOL

I'd love any thoughts you may have.

By Heaventree on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 01:30 pm:

No real advice, looks like you and I are in the same boat these days.

Cameron still sleeps in a seat in the pack n play beside my bed. He wakes up at 3 am and 5 am for feedings so things have gotten a little better.

I thought the second time would be easier as well. These days I feel like a new Mom. Oh well, hang in there is all I can say, it won't last forever.

I'm sure you'll get some good advice. I know I have on my issues.

By Eve on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 04:23 pm:

Thanks, Cori. It's just been one of those days. He's finally sleeping in his carseat. Now, I think I have a milk blister and I could cry and go to bed, but it's full of clean laundry that needs to be folded. Whaa! Thanks for responding--nice to know I'm not alone.

By Emily7 on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 06:06 pm:

Oh Eve...go take a nap on the couch! I really feel for you. I hope that this is just a phase & he will get back into his rhythm.

By Truestori on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 06:52 pm:

Eve,
I hope your day is going better. I remember those days and actually miss them at times. I would use the carseat as his crib if he sleeps better that way. Don't beat yourself up over him sleeping with you, if it makes you a more pleasant mommy do what works for you!
Take care

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 09:00 am:

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Eve}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Jeff was a very colicky and sickly baby, and he nursed on demand. The problem was since he had colic, he always wanted to nurse, but he wasn't actually hungry. I tried everything to calm him, so he would stop fussing/crying and sleep.

I found that putting him in his infant seat and sort of *bouncing* or rocking it worked like a charm. He slept in that and I was able to catch a nap or do what needed to be done in the house.

The good news is - This too shall pass! When you are going through it, it feels like forever, but it does pass, and you WILL survive it. Hang in there!

Good luck!

By Colette on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 09:26 am:

((((Eve)))) Not sleeping is the worst!

This might sound a little weird, but when my youngest wouldn't sleep, if I ran the vacuum in the next room it would always put her right to sleep.