[ndunn]

My daughter is 4 months old. We're dealing with teething. She went from sleeping 8 hours first stretch and then 4 more, to last night where she woke every 20 min. I'm not even joking. I know that this is what I signed up for and I'm totally into being a present and responsible parent, and so is my husband, but its getting to the point where I'm so sleep deprived the past few days that I can't function properly during the day and its dangerous. Up until 3 nights ago she was waking about 3-4 times a night, which even though it was more than usual, was fine. She'd wake about every 2 hours. I can deal with that. But this new thing about every 20 min is killing me. The funny thing is, two nights ago I was so so so out of it I had to call my mom, so she came over (lives 2 streets away) and I brought the baby down to the guest room and BOOM, she went to sleep and slept 4.5 hours. So last night, I asked my mom to stay again, and same thing happened! We have our crib sidecarred now because I felt like perhaps it was my rolling alot that was disturbing her sleep. The first night she slept her first stretch of 4 hours in it (about 5 days ago) but now I don't know because she's been waking every 20 min regardless of whether she is in the bed with us or on her crib matress. She's the same distance away from me either way because her crib is basically a continuation of our bed the way we have it set up, if that makes sense. The only difference is she can't feel our movement.

I just don't know what to do. I don't know why she sleeps so well downstairs for my mom and she won't for me. Its not really any hotter upstairs either.

Is this normal for teething, this restlessness? She doesn't seem like she's in constant pain or anything. I'm comitted to making this work and comitted to co-sleeping so I'm trying to find solutions to help her. Someone said don't do NCSS because when they are teething it won't really do any good anyway.

Comments, suggestions anyone? I'm so exhausted!

 

[alegna]

It's normal for teething

Have you tried the hyland teething tablets? They make a BIG difference for my dd.

-Angela

 

[wonderwahine]

ds went through that with teething and also just before he hit a milestone. i second hylands teething tablets.

 

[IntuitiveJamie]

My son did the same thing while teething. Well he had lots of teething symptoms for about three months. But the two weeks when two actual teeth popped thru, he woke up all night long. I kept telling ppl that I had never been so tired from nightparenting even when he was a newborn. So just hang on. Your baby will take a turn and it will even out.
I did want to comment to you that it is also normal for a baby that co sleeps and BF to wake up more often then when they sleep alone, or without the Momma. They seem to have a sense for Mommas energy and they wake up more often to double check that she's there, and/or to snuggle up and when booby is available all night, at their convienence, they want it! I have read that bottle fed, non co sleeping babies do tend to start sleeping thru the night sooner then the opp. However most babies won't sleep thru the night until at least 6 months.
Hang in there. YOu are being a great Momma! I'm proud of you for sticking with it!

 

[ndunn]

I'm totally ok with her waking up to nurse, or just for comfort. Even every 2 hours is fine with me, I definately don't expect her to sleep thru, although I'll admit it was really nice when she was for those 2 months that she did!! The every 20 min waking up thing is the thing that is killing me. We've tried hylands tablets, gel, homeopathics, and I refuse to do tylenol. I know the hylands Calms forte says its for older kids but someone at the health food store said I could try it but just half the dose. She's studying for her degree in homeopathy. I don't know if I trust her opinion though. Anyone else have experience with that?

 

[ndunn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by takebirthback My son did the same thing while teething. Well he had lots of teething symptoms for about three months. But the two weeks when two actual teeth popped thru, he woke up all night long.

How often did he wake and what age did it start at ? When did it end? Did he wake up crying or just restless? Sorry - I'm just curious to know!!

 

[onlyboys]

Just a thought--if she sleeps better downstairs can you just sleep with her downstairs? Maybe it's the room, the fan, the noises, something, you know?

Also, what your describing is on the continuum of normal for my boys. I'm sorry! It will get better, promise.

 

[ndunn]

Yes we could move downstairs but the bed isn't big enough for my DH (he's really tall) so we'd have to move our whole bed. Our bathroom, all of our stuff, everything is upstairs. It would be a big move.

No one knows about the hylands calms forte for kids and if it can be used on babies?

 

[ndunn]

bump

 

[henhao]

I don't know if it's just teething if the babe sleeps better away from you.

When we cosleep, my baby wakes every 1-2 hours. When we don't, she wakes every 3 to 3.5 and that time is getting longer.

I started a NCSS thread on this board if you want to join in.

I'm sleep deprived, too.

Hugs to you

 

[mamaboobaAES]

I think you should try sleeping just like your mom did with her downstairs. However that was set up. See if the baby really wakes up and maybe your mom just isn't telling you? Maybe she smells your milk or something.

Either way, if you can try to relax it's more likely you'll be able to sleep through her frequent nursings. My son did that for a LONG time. Unfotunately if you don't tune into your baby's needs it can have bad consequences. Better to try to let her nurse whenever she needs, and feel secure, and try to rest with more naps the next day with her, than to isolate her and risk SIDS.

 

[SleepyMamaBear]

use the hylands teething gell and tablets for teething if thats whats bothering her.
the calms forte is more for right before bedtime to help them wind down i have found.
it wont help her sleep longer, or deeper, just help her to wind down in order to get to sleep easier.

i started using it at 6 months at just one tablet, then at a year bumped her to two tablets. now she is two and she can get up to three doses of two tablets fifteen minutes apart before she is wound down enough to think about sleep!

i completely understand what you mean about being exhausted and feeling like you are going crazy. at one point i was starting to see things the sleep deprivation got so bad.
is there any way to sleep downstairs with her while your DH sleeps upstairs? i know it would suck to not sleep next to dh, but if its the only way for you and your dd to sleep, then thats what might have to happen.

also i agree with whats mamaboobaAES said: "See if the baby really wakes up and maybe your mom just isn't telling you?"
as your mama she could just be trying to help you get some rest.

 

[singbanshee]

you poor thing i know how you feel...my son did his first set of teeth at 5 months and now he's on the top 4 at 7 months!

Unfortunately sleep disturbances are normal during developmental stages and well...you're in one. I don't think the calms forte will really cover the issues you're describing but try the hylands teething tablets...boiron makes a teething homeopathic tincture in single doses as well. also while i'm on the subject of calms forte...in homeopathy a dose is a dose meaning whether it's the one pill or the whole bottle it's still one dose so there is no need to give a "smaller" dose for children. I think what would also be beneficial would be to get some bio plasma which is the 12 cell salts in one tablet and take that twice a day in addition to the teething tabs. You'll need to put it in a glass of water and let it dissolve for the baby and then give a teaspoonful. If you can go to a good homeopath that would probably be ideal of course

In the meantime...nap everytime she goes down during the day and let the house fall apart....your sleep is more important than doing the toilets. Ask your hubby to pick up the cleaning slack or even your mom. Speaking of mom, if the baby sleeps better with mom then ask your mom if she would mind during this time to help with the sleep like maybe twice a week (or more if she'll do it). This is just a stage so your mom won't be sleeping with her forever...remember it's just a stage and it will stop. Also if you're ok with it ask your mom to take the baby out of the house so you can sleep. That way when the baby is active your not on "red alert" mode and can sleep.

anyway's this is just my opinion

 

[ndunn]

So update....We got 5 hours then another 4 hours last night!! I kept her in her attached bed the whole time though, just leaned over and nursed her in there instead of putting her on our matress. I think that interrupts her sleep. I don't know whats going on! And in response, no I would never isolate her. I'm happy for her to get up and nurse at night frequently but every 20 min was pushing it. Every 2 hours is ok.

I know my mom is telling me if she wakes up because I'm right above and I can hear every little noise. ALso my mom is very AP and would never let her fuss or cry even for a minute without coming to get me. I trust her completely.

Thanks for the info on hylands! We've tried the tabs, and the boiron homeopathic viles that you can get too. And the gel. haha
I know the calms forte is for bedtime restlessness but it was a last ditch effort!

I'm going to see how it goes tonight. Everyone cross their fingers!