IA's Debt/Life/Little bit of Everything Diary...

immoral_angeluk

mrsspendalot wrote: »

Morning (well, almost afternoon, lol) IA

Big hugs re the tiredness, believe me I know exactly how you feel. I am awful when I haven't had enough sleep and growl at everyone etc. My 1st 2 babies slept through the night brilliantly but H was a huge shock as he just didn't. He started sleeping through most nights at 10 months but even now at almost 2 he has the odd spell of waking up every night. DH would go through and get him, bring him into bed with us, then he would ask for a bottle, so DH would go and get him one, then he would go back in his cot. Well a couple of weeks ago he did this every night and I had enough. I said to go in and settle him and not to bring him through. He still asked for his bottle, so that night he was given his bottle in his cot and he went back to sleep. The next night was the same, but we gave water. The next night he got nothing, just settled down again and his music box on. I think he must have twigged that he wasn't getting anymore treats or midnight cuddles, and he hasn't woken up since.

I guess what I am trying to say is give the controlled crying thing a try as others have suggested. It might take a week or two to break the habit with K, but it will be worth it in the long run. If for a couple of weeks you try not to bring her into bed with you but you sit by her cot and stroke her head or something. I have a supernanny book, lol, and I think there is a bit in it about getting babies to sleep through. I'll have a look later and see if I can scan it and email it to you.

I would also have a chat with your HV. My guess is that you are not so much depressed as bloody knackered. Looking after small children is exhausting, especially when you are at home and have all the other chores to do. Also think about whether you might be run down - perhaps some vitamins to pick you up and boost your system?

If K is nearly 1, which I think she is, perhaps the formula just isn't doing it for her anymore. Can you switch her to proper milk and see if she likes that? My HV said I could put H on it at 10mths when i stopped breastfeeding.

Thanks..she's been having proper milk since she was about 6 months old as she just stopped drinking formula full stop. We had to give her something so we gave her whole milk...

in_debt_again_but_dealing_with_it

Hi IA
Huge hugs I remember that feeling of exhaustion - I'm also no good when I loose sleep! I have four and all but one weren't very good sleepers sporadically (not constantly). I used the controlled crying and it worked every time but it takes time - definately not a good idea to introduce it tonight (party night!!). When you do introduce it the hardest bit is maintaining it and being consistent - be sure if they see even an inch they will take a mile!! I used to leave mine 2 minutes - then walk in settle down - no eye contact - no smiling and a simple "sleep now - night night" and walk out again - then I'd leave them 4 minutes and repeat - increase the wait each time -to begin with it broke my heart but after just a little while it really did work and it got easier every time. Sometimes we have to be cruel to be kind!
For now put on a dvd or cbeebies and have a lie down on the sofa even not sleeping you're resting!
Take care and please don't worry about the depression! Enjoy your party, try and have a good nights sleep and things will look better in the morning!
love and hugs
IDA
x

brummiebabe

Hi I_A - congrats on the new diary:T

Just been reading about your problems with K's sleep - I know it doesn't help but you're not on your own! My DD is 1 and still doesn't sleep through...when she wakes..she wants her dummy as she's used to having this to get her to sleep - so, once I'm feeling less exhausted (if that ever happens:rotfl: ) -we shall be doing the controlled crying to get her off the dummy. Have done CC with DS1 & it does work...but is hard! I think that one of the best things you can do for your baby is to teach them to settle themselves off to sleep - we all wake up at various points during the night...but we settle ourselves back to sleep, if babies don't know how to do this...they'll get you doing it!!:rotfl: All this from a mum of 3 who STILL hasn't got her 1 year old to sleep through unaided:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

As for your worries about PND - I would echo what others have said that exhaustion can make you feel low, unable to cope etc. I'm a Psychiatric Nurse and, if I was working with you and saw how well you're coping with everything..I wouldn't be worried;) . However, if you ARE really worried that you're slipping back..please go & have a chat with your GP - there's lots of other interventions that can be tried WITHOUT the use of medication!!!!

Am looking forward to keeping up with your diary in 2008 - I don't post much on here but read it every day!!

Happy New Year to you & your family!

1_step_closer

Aw hugs IA.................you poor soul. how about taking them out for a longish walk and then have a nap?

1 step

mrsspendalot

Well I tried to scan it but it came out funny because the pages are coloured. It just discusses the controlled crying technique in detail and how to do it. Nothing magical. Anyway, I have found something about controlled crying on supernanny's website:

http://www.supernanny.co.uk/Advice/-/Health-and-Development/-/0-to-4-years/Sleep-problems-~-when-controlled-crying-doesn't-work.aspx

Hope it helps xx

ginormousflares

Size matters eh!

beanielou

Huggles IA
Try to enjoy the party.

immoral_angeluk

Just want to say a massive happy new year to everyone now in case I don't get chance to post later.. no doubt we'll have some photos later :P
Have a good one everyone!

spud30

Have a great party Sar :beer:

Snaggles

Hope you have a great evening, you deserve some fun!