Just hoping for solidarity...

[saffrongirl]

I know that nothing is carved in stone at this point but I'm oh-so-tired and just need a pat on the back and someone to say "I'm with you on that."

Here's the thing - dd is 4.5 weeks old and up until about three days ago she was sleeping pretty well. I was feeling so lucky as I'd get 3-4 hours of sleep in a row at night. My first dd was up constantly as an infant (and even now at almost 5 yrs old she still gets up in the night at times) so I knew how things *could* be. About three days ago though the baby started sleeping less - at night AND during the day - and just seems to want a nipple on or near her mouth at all times. It seems like now she's either sleeping at the boob, eating at the boob or crying and upset. It's so frustrating and I'm so tired.

Someone remind me that this is just a phase..a growth spurt or something. I'm supposedly going back to work part-time in three weeks and I can't leave Miss Screamy if she's going to be like this.

[2boyzmama]

Yes, most likely it's just a phase, a growth spurt, or perhaps she has a small bug and doesn't feel the best. BUT, I have to admit to the same wonderings!! I could put my first two down as long as they were fed (Connor was a little more difficult because of all his medical issues, but even he could be put down!) But Gavin is like your little one...wants a nipple!

However, yesterday and today have been different. I've been able to put him down! He stayed in his swing for two one-hour stretches yesterday!! He just has been so easy the past two days! He even took naps on the bed! So I'm hoping this is a sign that he's coming out of his "must eat at all times" stage!

I go back to work in 3 weeks and I can see how this is going to be a difficult transition! Hopefully things continue to ease in the next 3 weeks for both of us

[Julia24]

sorry girls. I do think it's a phase. My interpretation is that it happened when Charlotte was having a COGNITIVE spurt - and I think those are always a little scary for them. Like it suddenly occurred to her, just a little bit, how big and scary the world is and she wanted her MOMMY! I know that WE know they're safe and we have shelter - but nobody tells the BABY this, yk? They can't deny their biological imperative to be protected. It makes it easier for me when I think about it that way. But when they come out of that, they're usually doing something new - like sleeping even LONGER stretches, or maybe coo-ing, or smiling or laughing, you know, makes it all worth it!

[StrongFeather]

totally a phase (IMO) Sam was like this at about that age, or maybe 5 weeks going into his 6th week. It was so bad that I am dreading the next growth spurt. I hope you both get through it and like Julia said that your LO's come out on the other side with a new "talent" so to say!

[tzs]

"My interpretation is that it happened when Charlotte was having a COGNITIVE spurt..."

my pediatrician said that exact thing about my 6 weeker. that fussiness increases around that time and she/they believe that colic is due to rapid cognitive growth around this time so with all those neurons, or whatever, firing in the brain they have a tough time coping.

[kismetbaby]

I'm right there with you! My LO is 1 month old today and has been so demanding the past couple weeks. Needs to eat/suck all the time, hates to be put down, doesn't sleep for more than 2 hrs at a stretch. Sigh. Its been rough. But I *think* (fingers crossed) that he is coming out of this phase (till the next one). Sleep hasn't been better, but his temperament has been and he seems much happier to be looking around. I get the feeling he will smile any day now.

I did also cut caffeine and milk out of my diet b/c he had been so fussy/colicky last week. So not sure what is helping his mood at this point, but I'm going to stay careful with my diet. A fussy baby is not worth the coffee. . .although I sure do miss it!