bouncing to sleep...anyone else? do they grow out of it? - Page 2

[Louisep]

Mama (doulawoman), it has nothing to do with how AP you are or aren't; it's the luck of the draw. But let me tell you, I wouldn't swap my HN child for anything. For now, our difficult days are behind us and he's a joy to us and others. I am convinced our gentle nurturing helped him develop into this wonderful boy.

You seem aware of your own needs and I would just say be sure to reach out for help. In hindsight, I did it only just in time. Try and figure out how you can get extra sleep and it will strengthen you body and mind.

Even though I wished the time away, I still have fond memories of the first year- even in the middle of the worst of it. You will too, so don't worry about that. Do what you need to survive.

[Purplegal]

Oh boy...I bounced my DD to sleep until 21 months...and then I just had it and said the ball was broken, and she transitioned very easily to me just laying with her until she fell asleep. Then at 3 years we switched to sitting next to her bed as she fell asleep...still doing that...
She also was a light sleeper...I remember days of me and DH watching TV with headphones on...
All this to say...it will pass, I promise! And you will survive....just makes sure you get some much needed breaks as much as you possibly can.

[Mooney]

I bounced my now-6yo DS quite a bit in his high-needs, poor sleep babyhood. He's recently been evaluated by an occupational therapist and found to be a sensory seeker--a kid with hyposensitive sensory processing, who needs to move, climb, spin, jump, work hard and be touched more firmly to feel grounded.

It is certainly something to consider that these kids might have similar sensory processing issues. As sensory-seeking babies become more mobile, they seek out their own movement stimulation (expect busy toddlers!) and the need to *be moved* so vigorously will be reduced. Sleeping may become easier at that time, as it did for my ds. Some kids continue to have difficulty and use weighted blankets or hammocks when they sleep for continued stimulation to help them stay asleep.

Try swaddling, and vigorous play with the baby throughout the day and see if it helps satisfy the need for stimulation. Seek out playground swings, hang them upside down, play bouncing and spinning games, give them tight bear hugs, etc. As they grow, watch for them to be drawn to climbing, jumping from heights, pillow fights/wrestling, trampolines/bounce houses, swimming, and to enjoy carrying/moving/pushing heavy objects.

If you feel like you are wearing yourself out, consider seeking out an occupational therapist for advice. They're great! I wish I had known about Sensory Processing Disorder before now!

[doulawoman]

thanks everyone..she is able to stand/crawl/cruise but sleep hasn't changed. i have to be careful of too much activity or she gets hyped up. it's a verrry fine balance for her. i am interested in OT... she has a few interesting quirks about noise, certain motions, textures, positions etc..
we have no family nearby and dh works in the wine industry. starting the next weeks or so it'll be harvest which means I'll have no help as he'll be working all day till late and need to sleep, right now he's sick. I am very worn out. On top of that it seems dd may have some food sensitivities due to a bunch of digesive uspets, rashes etc. nightwaking might be part of that pictre

[widemouthedfrog]

Yes, I bounced dd to sleep until I could not physically sustain it any more. She was a heavy and tall baby, and around 25-30 lbs there was just no way! I then switched to rocking, and for a while I rocked her in the rocking chair for the entire nap. When I transitioned her I would sit in the bed jiggling her while she was supported by my lap. Then I gradually changed to sitting in the bed nursing her, then lying down in the bed nursing her.

[Earthylady]

The best advice I can give is: This too shall pass. I know it feels like you're going to be doing this forever when you are in the moment and you can get so fed up you want to scream and gnash your teeth. But, it really does end and other things begin. If you can just keep your eyes on the end of the tunnel, it will help you to deal with the hear and now knowing that THIS is not forever.

[sammymama]

Making me feel so much better!

I just stumbled across this thread randomly - about 30 min into my bouncing routine for 14 mo DD. I was having a tough "mental" night (ie watching DH go to bed w/out me *again*, as DD needs to be bounced for awhile, then allowed to sleep in her sling for at least 60-90 min to ensure she's deeply asleep enough to lay down in bed with us), and seeing everyone's similar posts made me feel so much better! I, too, have schlepped this ball everywhere DD has been, and also taken lots of "comments" from friends, family, etc.

DD is amazingly bright, aware and totally thriving during the day. Now that we're past the 1 year mark I sometimes really feel the toll of how long I've been so deeply attached to her (I've never been out of my house past about 8:30pm since she's arrived, never slept without her on me in some fashion, never not bounced her to sleep for every. single. nap, etc!)... but I also can't bear the thought of CIO. And she just can't seem to fall asleep nursing; she gets puffy-eyed but just can't conk out without the movement. So thank you for all of the encouragement, and reminders that even though this time can be trying, it is also so very fleeting - and well worth the investment in our babes.