Certainly I've been asking this as she goes through her 6 week growth spurt. The good, placid baby is still there (somewhere), but for the past few days, she's been very unsettled. Her feeding routine has also gone out the window and is now feeding somewhere between 2.5-4.5hrs.
I had the worst day with her yesterday - just couldn't settle her and therefore I got no rest. Gus is away at a training course all this week and so far he hasn't been getting home until almost 8pm, so I've got to battle this all day all by myself. Very stressful, but today was HEAPS better. Instead of putting her down in the bassinet to sleep (and have her not go to sleep at all or wake up about 2 minutes later), I employed different tactics to get her to sleep. After her morning feed, I went out for a walk up to the shops and she slept quite well the whole way and a bit after we got home. Then after her early afternoon feed, I decided that enough was enough and I needed some sleep too, so I plopped her on my chest and both of us went to sleep for a while. I know, I know, I can hear the protests already, but hey, anything goes to get her to rest and give me some rest time too!!
I've been trying to come up with some positives for this post-natal time, but when Jasmine won't settle because she's screaming the house down, and I feel worse than a zombie, then it's hard to focus on anything but the negatives! It does take a huge shift in thinking, doesn't it? What I did come up with was the fact that I seem to have more patience despite being tired (which should lead to MORE stress, right?!?). I thought I'd react differently to her crying her little head off, so all this patience and calmness is certainly leaving me a bit perplexed! Of course when she does flash me a smile, or she looks as though she does recognise me, my heart melts and all the negatives fly out the window! Definitely one of the joys of motherhood. :D
So before I head to bed because she's blissfully asleep at the moment (and it's 11.30pm anyway), please tell me, have you got any settling tips you can pass on?
*hugs*
8 comments:
I'm sure someone will be along with some advice, but it does sound that your own insintcts are kicking in, and who's to say whats right or wrong. If it works for you and Jasmine, them carry on. Oh winnie, she's beautiful
There is no right way to deal with crying babies other than keep digging into your reserves of patience and reminding yourself that it WILL pass! Sounds like you could do with a hand though - will a friend of neighbour take her for an hour while you crash for a power nap? If not, then sleep when she sleeps and hang the housework: use a sling so that you can still cook & wash up or do the laundry - other than that the mess won't get any worse and the dusting will be done when it's done!
{{{hugs}}}
Lots of Mums swear by the washing machine - the repetitive noise seems to soothe them. Mine liked a bit of music, even me singing (lucky they don't actually remember this..)
Good luck. You are doing a fine job!
Sorry no tips Winnie but plenty of hugs coming your way.
A lovely collection of photos.
Toni xx
It does get better...I found it hardest with my first as you just think when is the sleep deprivation and crying going to end, but when you look back that bit is the shortest - glad you've been blesses with lots of patience and calmness...and of course a beautiful little girl who is growing so fast - wish I could pop over and have a cuddle with her :D
Trust your own instincts Winnie a Mum always knows best! when my first child went through this unsettled stage I found rather oddly that the hoover settled him or a ride in the car. Sending you and Jasmine lots of love and hugs and a promise that it does get easier xxx
A sling, as already mentioned, is great for getting things done when baby won't settle. Have you tried swaddling when you put her down for a nap? I though it was horrible when somebody suggested it to me, but tried it in sleep deprived desperation one day and it worked like a charm. I used one of those thin cotton blankets so he didn't get too hot and he ws quite happy:) This stage will soon pass xx
Winnie - Jasmine is just gorgeous! I understand what you mean about feeling desperate when they won't settle - Lewis goes through that occasionally, and sometimes my head feels like it will explode by the end of the day! Still, like you, I find reserves of patience and just get on with it! Hope Jasmine settles for you soon. :)
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