Stressed out moms may keep infants awake

[Shanana]

Just another thing to stress about -- not being stressed :lol.

Here's a link (http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Science&article=UPI-1-20070728-00360200-bc-us-prenatalstress.xml) to the article that discusses a study showing stress while pregnant may contribute to more wakefulness after the baby is born.

[Korimomto2]

I've heard this, but I think it's phooey. My second pregnancy was during a horrible stressful time (job loss, stressful move, bad time in our marriage) and dd was the nicest sleepiest baby ever! :lol

[Shanana]

I've heard this, but I think it's phooey. My second pregnancy was during a horrible stressful time (job loss, stressful move, bad time in our marriage) and dd was the nicest sleepiest baby ever! :lol

Well that's good to know :lol. Like anything that has to do with statistics, it doesn't always apply to everyone though. Not ALL formula-fed children get ear infections. And not ALL breastfed children never get ear infections. But there is a statistically relevant trend. It may be the same with this type of thing. I do remember one time when I was really, really angry while pg with dd, and after about 10 minutes of internally fuming, I realized that she was churning around like crazy. I had never felt her move like that. And it was constant. She literally did not stop or pause, even for a second. That was like a glass of ice water in my face. I told myself I had to get a grip, as my mood was clearly affecting her. At the very least, I'm sure she was awash in adrenaline, since I could definitely feel it surging through MY body -- my heart rate was elevated, etc. I forced myself to think about something besides what was making me angry, take deep breaths, etc. Within a few minutes I was noticeably calmer, and she was too :shrug. So I'm sure the way the mama DEALS with the stress has a lot to do with it too.

FWIW, I was under a lot of stress while pg with dd, and she was a HORRIBLE sleeper :lol. Still is, in fact!

[heatherRN]

With my first pg, I tried really hard to avoid stress (with my husband's frequent reminders) because we both thought it was important (stress hormones, etc). I had heard from a Japanese friend that they really take avoiding stress while pg very seriously! We really haven't had any major sleep issues! and now he sleeps great (besides the current separation anxiety he experiences when I am at work on the weekends :( ). It certainly can't hurt...