[QueenSheba'sMom]

DD is one year old and has been nursed and cuddled all night long her whole life.

The pacifier has been my secret tool for getting some space. I sleep with a pacifier in hand and wiggle it into her mouth when I'm sick of nursing (never when she's nursing strongly, only when she's comfort sucking).

Well, she decided she's not gonna take the pacifier anymore. She's throwing them, hiding them, etc. And she's really mad when I try to give her the pacifier.

I don't think anything will sooth her. She's not crying- she's angrily complaining (increasingly loudly, so I worry she'll wake her sister up) until she gets the breast back. But I have a limit, and I don't want to nurse when I pass it. I just want to roll over and sleep. Untouched.

Anybody have any advice? Been through/going through it?

 

[Peppamint]

.me.

I have had moments like there, you're touched out! Moments like now, when my ds has only nursed twice so far today (!) I can look back and think 'no big deal', but when you're in that moment it sure can be rough.

I wish I had some advice... but all I can say is many times I have gritted my teeth, tried to relax and just took deep breaths. (obviously I didn't grit my teeth while taking deep breaths

)

(((HUGS)))

 

[QueenSheba'sMom]

Y'know what happened?

I asked one of the other daycare moms (we have an onsite daycare here at work, so we spend lunchtimes & breaktimes with our kids) about this as well.

She said it may be one of those temporary periods when they just need us more. As she said it, my baby girl was busying herself trying to walk back and forth from me to a climbing bridge. The timing couldn't have been better. Of course she'll need me more when she takes her big developmental steps!

I felt so wonderful and flattered about it. This baby has a way of flattering me. She has a way of snuggling in and holding me forever when I see her at the end of the day. She needs me more, but she is well worth the time.

Of course, I can say this now, but we'll probably duke it out in the wee morning hours again :LOL

 

[TiredX2]

I think the vast majority of mom's DO feel touched out at sometime.

Sorry you're going through this now.

Looking at your DDs age, though, I have to agree with the PP that there is probably some big milestone your DD is reaching for. I don't know if that is walking, talking, 1st year molars, or what, but that time is definately ripe for change!

Is there anyway you can get some additional (or any) alone time when DD doesn't need you so desperately? Are you getting some untouched time during the eves?

Good luck,
Kay

 

[Embee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by .me. She said it may be one of those temporary periods when they just need us more. As she said it, my baby girl was busying herself trying to walk back and forth from me to a climbing bridge. The timing couldn't have been better. Of course she'll need me more when she takes her big developmental steps! I felt so wonderful and flattered about it. This baby has a way of flattering me. She has a way of snuggling in and holding me forever when I see her at the end of the day. She needs me more, but she is well worth the time. Of course, I can say this now, but we'll probably duke it out in the wee morning hours again :LOL

Indeed, this was what I was going to suggest, but you got there yourself first.

I remember this so well and indeed, it's ok and ever so normal to feel touched out at times like these. And yes, tonight might bring on some of those tough moments to deal with, but I find once I've made a realization as you have here, it's easier to adjust my own attitude, my own response. Knowing that it's temporary, knowing that it's healthy growing, knowing it too will pass.

Hang in there!

 

[QueenSheba'sMom]

My update:
Last night went very well. Especially because dh & dd1 had a slumber party on the couch downstairs & the babe & I had the whole bed. But she took the pacifier again.

Thank you all again for your help and great advice. I will keep it for the next time.

 

[Ruby Pearl]

How do mamas cope with feeling touched out when they can't get baby to take a pacifier and never get some time alone to be untouched. Man, the nights are long and I pray for the break of day. 9 months and counting.

 

[QueenSheba'sMom]

Yesterday somebody here posted a very similar question to mine, and someone responded with a la leche league link that contained a trick- using the index finger to break the suction, and then putting pressure on the jaw with another finger to keep them sucking on the finger- tricking them into believing it was the nipple. Apparently you can feel your heartbeat through both the nipple and finger.