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3 week old baby and a young mother
I am currently getting ready to go back to school (please don't judge) but my daughter will not sleep at night. I have no clue how I am supposed to get up everyday and not fall asleep in class. It's not even the fact that she cries at night because she's a very quiet baby, it's just she won't sleep and I don't want to go to sleep on her. I honestly don't have that much help either so it's twice as hard. I am young and still have a lot to learn. I just need some advice please.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by EastTexasMommy on -
If you co-sleep I recommend a 'safe n secure sleeper' or 'co-sleeper' one goes in bed the other attaches to bed.
It takes time. At 3 weeks the baby still needs to eat about every 2 hrs. When her digestive system strengthens and her tummy grows, she will eat more and stay satisfied longer. I know this doesn't help right now but there isn't much to do because she's got to eat.
You could get a nanny for night time feedings or have a relative stay to help.
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Permalink Reply by crysalyn5 on -
cosleeping and breastfeeding have helped usto get more sleep than I thought moms were allowed lol. google Dr. James McKenna for info about safe cosleeping. At 3 weeks your lil one probably still had her days and nights mixed up. It probably wont be an overnight fix but have whoever watches her in the daytime wake her up every 2 hours and keep her up for 2 hours at least. In the evening give her a bath with lavender body wash or if she doesnt need a bath give her an infant massage with lavender baby lotion (make sure to warm it in your hands, it will be extra soothing), then put on her jammies and read her a story. I also reccomend reading from the bible or a book of blessings. Theres something about the cadence to it that always settles my lil guu down. Oh if youre not comfortable cosleeping try using the same recwiving blanket when you feed her for a whole day covering over her and your upper body then at night use that blanket to swaddle her, being able to smell you might help her to sleep soundly for longer periods. Also when she does wake dont engage her just silently feed her and cuddle her until she is back to sleep, on the flipside during the day make lots of eye contact and talk to her lots and lots. I hope this helps, I'll be praying for you. Both my sisters and my neice were teen moms so my heart goes out to you. Feel free to message me anytime.
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Permalink Reply by Shannon, Star Mom on
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First thing- this is probably one of the toughest phases to adjust to.... and with time it will get MUCH easier, I promise! Right now your daughter is learning her sleeping cycle and adjusting to it in this new surrounding.... Ways to help her learn night is for sleeping and daytime is awake time is by whatever time you are ready to go to bed (or put her down for bed) keep the household calm and quiet, make sure there is no light where she sleeps (maybe just a night light), soft music, soft voices, etc... during the day do as usual- normal household noises (vacuum, doing dishes, talk normal don't try to talk quietly even if she is napping, tv on, etc.... oh and allow for the sunlight to shine in). Does she go to a daycare or is she at home home w/ someone? If at home, tell them to keep the household 'uppity' during the day (not meaning keep her awake... allow her to maintain her sleeping/feeding interval, but do normal household/day-time activity and don't really make an effort to be quiet about it so that the baby can begin to distinguish days from nights and realize night time is for sleeping). Anyway, it's a big adjustment not just for us, but for the babies as well... we just have to kinda guide them in the right directions with 'signals'. Does she have a bed time routine yet? It's still pretty soon, but I started w/ a bed time routine w/ my boys from day one (twin boys)... wish someone would have told me how beneficial a bed time routine would be long term w/ my first... but anyway, a bed time routine was the best thing that ever happened to us lol! Just an example- I would do bathtime at about 6 pm, then quiet/snuggle time, last bottle, then to bed lights out w/ soft music and night light on at about 7pm... every single night religiously! My boys are now almost 2 yrs old and every sigle night they are in bed by 6:30/7pm lights out no crying, sleep through night, etc.... of course after following pretty much the same routine since they were born! Hope this helps, I promise with time things will get easier on you :)
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Permalink Reply by Jody Cornmesser on -
First, no one should judge you for going back to school!! Good for you...it'll be rough, but worth it in the long run! I think ALL new moms have a hard time with this!
The main thing that helped my LO at night was a 'bedtime routine'. I feed her, we play a little bit,(or when she was a newborn - snuggled) then bath time, play a tiny bit more, then read her a story, Then she goes to bed. And for several weeks, we read her the same story, just to help with the routine.
It's different for every baby, just keep trying, don't give up! Good luck to you!
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Permalink Reply by 4hendrixkidsmom2012 on -
Hang in there! I know how rough it is in the beginning ( i have a 5 week old daughter who refuses to sleep at night too) but it will get better over time. I would suggest trying to put your baby in bed with you with a safe co-sleeper. My children all slept much better when they were in bed with me. I am also in school full time, I work, and I have 4 children so I know how hard it is. Also try and bathe your baby right before you and her lay down at night...a lot of times the warm water will relax and soothe babies and they will sleep better/longer. It is hard with your first child...especially when you are young and dont have much help. Try some of those things and see if any of that helps. Good luck and I hope you both will be getting some sleep soon!
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Permalink Reply by abby on
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Hang in there! I always give my baby a bath before bed and let him relax and play that way it soothes him. Idk how often you feed your baby but I try to wait till he signals to me he's hungry. I remember when he was first born I thought he was hungry all the time but that messed his schedule up. So waiting till they are hungry helps prolong the feedings and sleep times. Good luck hang in there! I'm a junior in college so I totally understand.
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Permalink Reply by SophieSunshine2012 on -
I know your pain. I've been doing the family bed, babies don't like to feel alone and I think when they can see you they feel more relaxed and comfortable.
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Permalink Reply by Graysons_mommy on -
If she isn't fussing, there is no reason why she can't lay in her crib while you take a nap. As long as you are able to get up when she fusses/is hungry/ etc. It is wonderful that you are staying in school. Stick with it, it gets easier. I bought a rock style sleeper for my little one that I put right next to my bed. That way when I need a nap I can sleep and still keep him close. Hope everything works out for you! Stay strong!!
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