Our DS is 6.5 months old. We've been having some sleep issues since I went back to work, but the past week it's gotten WAY worse. I work second shift (2 pm - 10:30 pm), so DH has all the evening parenting duties. He puts DS to bed before I come home, then goes to work from 11 pm til 7 am. So have solo nighttime parenting duties except on DH's days off.
About 5 or 6 days ago, DS started waking up about every 1.5 - 2 hrs at night, all night. He'll nurse and go right back to bed, but I'm a light sleeper and can't sleep while he's nursing. So I'm a zombie at work. For two of those nights, DH was off work and helped out. He was able to pick up DS, walk around with him a bit (less than 5 minutes), and the baby went right back to sleep. No nursing. A few times, he just patted DS on the bootie, said "shhh", and DS went to sleep. DH took over every other time DS woke, just in case he actually was hungry.
I've tried to do this, but it NEVER works for me. Even if DS just ate 60 minutes ago, he pretty much refuses to go back to sleep for me unless I nurse him. If I hold him and walk with him, he'll gnaw on my shoulder and cry. If I try patting DS back to sleep, he just gets more upset. It's like he's saying, "I know you have boobs, and I'm not going to sleep unless you give them to me!" Last night I compromised and let him nurse one side, then put him back into his cosleeper with a pacifier. And he went right to sleep, til the next waking 1.5 or 2 hrs later. So I really don't think he's hungry, at least not every single waking.
I know it's normal for BFed babies to wake often. I know it could be a growth spurt or teething.
But I really, REALLY need more sleep. I'm getting headaches, and I'm not able to focus while I'm at work (and since I work in law enforcement, it's potentially harmful to myself and others). I'm actually considering taking a few days off to try and work this out without it mattering how much sleep I get.
I dunno if I'm asking for suggestions, or support, or what... But I'm pretty miserable right now and am hoping that someone has something that can help.
About 5 or 6 days ago, DS started waking up about every 1.5 - 2 hrs at night, all night. He'll nurse and go right back to bed, but I'm a light sleeper and can't sleep while he's nursing. So I'm a zombie at work. For two of those nights, DH was off work and helped out. He was able to pick up DS, walk around with him a bit (less than 5 minutes), and the baby went right back to sleep. No nursing. A few times, he just patted DS on the bootie, said "shhh", and DS went to sleep. DH took over every other time DS woke, just in case he actually was hungry.
I've tried to do this, but it NEVER works for me. Even if DS just ate 60 minutes ago, he pretty much refuses to go back to sleep for me unless I nurse him. If I hold him and walk with him, he'll gnaw on my shoulder and cry. If I try patting DS back to sleep, he just gets more upset. It's like he's saying, "I know you have boobs, and I'm not going to sleep unless you give them to me!" Last night I compromised and let him nurse one side, then put him back into his cosleeper with a pacifier. And he went right to sleep, til the next waking 1.5 or 2 hrs later. So I really don't think he's hungry, at least not every single waking.
I know it's normal for BFed babies to wake often. I know it could be a growth spurt or teething.
But I really, REALLY need more sleep. I'm getting headaches, and I'm not able to focus while I'm at work (and since I work in law enforcement, it's potentially harmful to myself and others). I'm actually considering taking a few days off to try and work this out without it mattering how much sleep I get.
I dunno if I'm asking for suggestions, or support, or what... But I'm pretty miserable right now and am hoping that someone has something that can help.
