I think anyone who talks to me these days gets bored with me. ALL I ever talk about is my baby and how he won’t sleep. I’m obsessed with his sleep dysfunction to the point that I rarely shower or change my clothes. My hair is oily. I stink. And still my baby lies awake, blinking his little blink blinky stare, dutifully sucking on his pacifier like Maggie Simpson. (No, she is not a little known sister of Jessica).
I met with some friends at the Coffee Bean this evening as the sun went down. Kyle was quiet and adorable (until he got hungry, which launched another adventure in Public Breastfeeding). It was a calm during the storm. I sipped a decaf cafe mocha with soy. The girls cooed and giggled over Kyle. I showed them how he likes to kick his legs out and I hold him up like he’s really standing. He even slept a little bit.
Then we got back into the car, and Kyle proceeded to scream the entire way home. I survived, and so did he. I am nearly deliriously with sleep deprivation, but right now I am okay.
The doctor (who blessedly returns emails the same day) says this about the situation:
“Unfortunately at this age we often see this disruption in sleep. There is not much to do other than provide the environment and opportunity for sleep (which you are doing). He will sleep when he is ready. Try to bundle him up tightly, you could try to “let him cry” for a little while and see if he will settle back down… Good Luck“
Kim
He is so adorable and I know you will get through this. Mom and Dad are very excited about seeing you and “family” hard to beleive.
I wanted to come but just can’t right now I hope I can get out there in the Fall .
One thing (if this helps) I was told over and over again “No one ever dies from a lack of sleep! Cheery huh?
Take care see you soon.
Love
Uncle Steve
Maybe you should tell him you don’t want him to sleep. Maybe you should pretend that you’d be sad if he slept. You know, like when you’re trying to fall asleep sometimes, if you try to force yourself to stay awake, suddenly you’re asleep. Reverse psychology and whatnot. I’m not sure how well it works on a 7 week old… but hey… you’re prepared to try anything, no?
Seriously though, I think you should do what we were talking about yesterday… and your Dr.’s right, he’ll sleep when he’s ready… and it’ll probably be really inconvenient for you, but not forever.
xoxoxo
Oh my God, I’m so sorry he won’t sleep. Seriously, what is up with that? I mean, if WE get sleep deprived, doesn’t it make sense that BABIES would get sleep deprived, too? That completely sucks and I have no good advice.
Completely unrelated question – did you remove dairy from your diet? (Is that why you drank a decaf w/ soy?) I’m curious because I did (also removed caffeine), and I’m nervous about replacing it with soy.
And yeah, decaf — what a joy, eh? I SO miss real coffee. Then again, maybe you’re drinking decaf because you don’t want to find yourself wide awake when K finally sleeps…
Man, Kyle. You’re a little booger. A cute booger, though.
Sounds like you’re doing everything by the book. Does he stay awake all day or just not sleep for any great length of time?
My 5-month-old takes 1 hour naps, tops. Usually 30 minute naps here and there. But he’s always in a good mood otherwise, so I don’t hold it against him. I can’t remember if I suggested this already, but have you tried putting one of your t-shirts in bed with him so he can still smell you? I’ve never tried this myself, but it might be worth a shot.
That’s very cool your doctor is available via email!
Will he sleep in your arms, in a sling, or maybe lying in bed next to you so you can BOTH nap?? (Sounds a bit like Dr. Seuss I know)