This is topic Need sleep help for Space Space Baby (in Hospital now) in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.


To visit this topic, use this URL:
http://www.hatrack.com/ubb/main/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=039460

Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
 
Ok, first of all, pleeeeese understand this is not your typical "hmm...have you tried white noise?" type of issue.

Space Space Baby is not sleeping during the day and evening for more than about 30 minutes at a stretch, even when held and not put down in his bed. Space Space Baby feels like sh*t, as do I. I've been to the lactation counselor and everything seems fine there, and the dr. has checked him over from head to toe twice and will do so again this week. We have tried EVERYTHING we can think of, as well as everything various family members can think of. The child actually *fights* sleep at 3 weeks old. You can rock him, his eyes will start to close, and then he forces them back open. Then, if you do get him to sleep, you're lucky to get 30 minutes of sleep (a lot of the time it's more like 15-20).

He does have a slightly longer stretch of sleep at night - sometimes 3-6 hours. Or sometimes only 2. Also, normally when he does sleep it's a "poor" sleep, not your typical sleep-through-anything newborn sleep - he wakes very easily. Any unique suggestions or insights would be appreciated. Thanks, guys.

space opera

[ November 17, 2005, 11:56 PM: Message edited by: Space Opera ]
 
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
 
How's the tummy doing? Gas? Tried Gripe Water? Ginger?

Does he get enough sunlight? Babies exposed to more natural sunlight sleep longer, apparently. Do you maintain a "natural" light cycle for him? Light during the day, but make sure he's only exposed to low light starting at twilight? That really worked for a friend of mine whose little girl wouldn't sleep, although it's harder with other kids around.

I wish I had more advice. (((hugs))) Mine fights sleep, too, but at least once she's down, she's down.
 
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
 
Tummy is good. No sign at all of any troubles, and I've even tried cutting dairy from my diet.

The sunlight is a good idea, but I'm pretty sure he gets tons of it. Our front room has one wall full of floor to ceiling windows with the topmost ones uncovered, so he gets a nice natural progression throughout the day.

This is one of my last-ditch efforts to find something that works for him before I give in and wean him. [Frown] I just can't handle the time and effort it takes to breastfeed coupled with his constant high-needs. Even pro-breastfeeding friends have asked me if I need to. I know I'd regret it, but it's driving me crazy to never have a break.

space opera
 
Posted by Theaca (Member # 8325) on :
 
How about pumping milk for use?
 
Posted by Katarain (Member # 6659) on :
 
I don't have a baby... so my advice is from the last episode of Lost I saw. [Smile] Take it for what it's worth.

The baby wouldn't go to sleep, so Locke wrapped him up (swaddled) and talked about how babies like to be restricted. It worked. But TV is "perfect."
 
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
 
Swaddling helped mine when they were little - up to about six weeks old, so it might work for Space Space Baby.

I know how hard it is to deal with a child that just won't sleep - my heart goes out to you.

What worked for mine was rice cereal in the bottle just before bed but she was older than yours, I know you don't want to introduce rice cereal so early. Wish I could be more help. *hugs*
 
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
 
Once again, I'm a killjoy. [Razz]

We have swaddled that child six ways to Tuesday! We've also tried adding a hat and socks under his sleeper.

This morning I was so desperate that after nursing him I had Mr. Opera give him a 4 oz. bottle of formula. Space Space Baby drank almost all of it, slept for 30 minutes...then promptly woke up. If I hadn't given birth to him I'd think he was some kind of android-baby sleep experiment gone waaaay wrong!

space opera
 
Posted by enochville (Member # 8815) on :
 
I am curious as to what you do when the baby wakes up and how you help the baby sleep. Since you have already checked him over with his doctor and he doesn't have earaches, etc., I don't see any harm with letting him learn to soothe himself to sleep. I'd begin a very short routine, right before you put him to bed (like two or three steps). Minimize your comforting of him (still comfort him, but in small ways). For example, after putting him in his crib, sit down in a chair near him, but don't touch him. After a minute of his screaming, reach in and put your hand on his leg for about 30 seconds or some other small thing to decrease the intensity of his screams. After 30 seconds, remove your hand and wait 2 minutes, if he is still screaming, put your hand on him again. Keep doing this at greater and greater intervals until he is quiet. You can leave the room when you think it is safe. Gradually, over days, continue to minimize your comforting; let him learn to soothe himself. You are trying to balance letting him know that you are there and available if he really needs you, but also that he can calm himself down as well.

If this doesn't work, then he may need more extensive tests.
 
Posted by theCrowsWife (Member # 8302) on :
 
I think Space Space Baby is a bit young to start that.

Space Opera, I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions to add. Here's hoping you find something that helps!

--Mel
 
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
 
Yeah, I wouldn't try that until about 3 months.

I wish I knew some magic thing that would help. [Frown] I didn't sleep unless held for the first year and a half of life. Literally. *sigh*

Are they sure that there's nothing wrong that's making him hurt? It just sounds like misery and pain to me. [Frown]
 
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
 
My mom has in my babybook that the first time I slept for more than 4 hours in a row was when I was weaned, at 15 months, I'm not sure how she did it, I think my mom needs some prize for that one. My parents tried basically everything you listed.
 
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
 
I third not doing the screaming.

Do you sling him? That way he could sleep as you go about your business, at least during the day. Some studies suggest that babies who are slung during the day will also sleep better at night.

Dr. Sears on:

Getting Baby to Sleep:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/T070300.asp

Baby Sleep Facts:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/T070200.asp

Baby Sleep FAQs :http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/T071100.asp

Hope these help, and good luck.
 
Posted by King of Men (Member # 6684) on :
 
He sounds a bit young, but is it possible he is teething? My grandfather swore by a bit of whisky rubbed on the gums.
 
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
 
Boo had a lot of trouble sleeping at first. What worked for him was swaddling his top half and leaving his legs free but covered, and then either holding him (most of the time) or putting him in his carseat to sleep. I know it's not good for them to sit in it so much, but it's much worse for me to not get enough sleep to function. [Razz]

If you need a sling, I'll send you mine. It's a Maya, black, 100% cotton and recently washed. I even havve the instructional DVD. [Smile]
 
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
 
I second KQ's andd romany's suggestions.

Here's another site with suggestions you might find helpful:

http://kellymom.com/parenting/sleep/index.html
http://kellymom.com/babyconcerns/fussybaby.html
 
Posted by rubble (Member # 6454) on :
 
((Space Opera))

Good Luck. Nothing to add to all above, but sure do feel your anguish.
 
Posted by Jay (Member # 5786) on :
 
Bigger Binkie
 
Posted by MandyM (Member # 8375) on :
 
Mine slept in her carseat after the bassinet but before she would sleep in her crib. It was just too much space in her big crib and at that point she didn't want swaddling anymore. She did need some constriction however, so the car seat was the perfect solution. We wanted her to get used to her crib so we would put the carrier car seat in her crib and then put her in it. It was also helpful since whenever she was in the car, she would fall asleep so we could just transport her to the crib. I want to say that this lasted for maybe a month when she was about 3 months old, but it may have even been before that.
 
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
 
Do you have a baby swing?
 
Posted by foundling (Member # 6348) on :
 
I've always wondered if babies get nightmares. I mean, why else would they actually fight going to sleep? Sleeping is so fun, and natural. I dont know. My mom had issues like this with my little brother, to the point where she would have to fight getting truly angry with the little bugger for messing up her sleep schedule so bad.
Apparently, one of the things that worked for her was making a little barley herb pillow with lavender in it, that she would heat up a little bit and slip it into his swaddling with him. He loved that thing. And he always smelled so good! Anyways, the scent seemed to help calm him, and the warmth lulled him into sleeping for longer periods of time.
 
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
 
Mine has had nightmares since she was at least 7 months old.
 
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
 
I'll ask the nurses if they have any advice/ideas.

Have you tired having Mr. Opera put him down with you out of the room? Aerin went through a phase where she would get overstimulated if I was around and wouldn't sleep if I was there.

If you do end up pumping, I highly recommend the Medela Symphony. You can rent one for about $60/month or buy one for around $1,200.00 (I'm renting).

I'm sorry y'all are having such a hard time.
 
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
 
Space Opera, I spoke to all of my nurses and my lactation consultant (who is also a NICU nurse) about Space Space Baby. None of them had ever heard of a 3-week term baby who fought sleep. Every one of them suggested switching him over to a bottle for at least 1 feeding so that you can get some sleep.

Several of the nurses and the lactation consultant wondered how often you are feeding him. Feedings every hour-and-a-half can be too much for some babies - they don't get the feeling of fullness that lets them sleep soundly and they don't get the empty belly that wakes them up. They recommended that you try feeding every 3 hours. Aerin is on a 3-hour schedule and it works for her, even with her reflux. Even if she fusses for 90 minutes after a feed, she always gets at least an hour of good sleep.
 
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
 
Hmm...I would disagree with that feeding advice for a 3-week term baby, which is a very different situation from a premie.

However, you have made me think of something which is related: Make sure the baby is nursing as long as he wants to on one side, as long as he is actively swallowing and sucking, before switching to the other side. That will ensure that the baby gets enough hindmilk to satisfy his hunger. Sometimes if you switch sides too quickly, the baby will get too much foremilk, which fills the tummy, but is thin and watery and doesn't satisfy hunger well. Letting the baby decide when he is done on one side before switching can ensure that the baby gets enough of the more filling hindmilk to satisfy his hunger, and may help him sleep longer.

This gives a good description of foremilk and hindmilk.
 
Posted by sweetbaboo (Member # 8845) on :
 
Have you tried one of those vibrating bouncy seats? I second the gripe water and suggestions of kq's, romany's and mrs.m. Will Space Baby go to sleep in the car? We used to have to drive around for hours and hours and hours. It's amazing what you'll do.

And if you have to stop breast feeding, it's not the end of the world. I had to stop and felt so badly about it---GUILT. My Dr. finally told me that "there is enough guilt in the world" and to let it go. For some reason, that helped. All three of my babies have been bottle fed and are just fine.

Hugs, prayers and well wishes for some much needed rest.
 
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
 
That's nifty Ela - I never knew there was any difference in breastmilk.
 
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
 
Breastmilk is a wonderful substance, with lots of interesting properties. [Smile]
 
Posted by Samarkand (Member # 8379) on :
 
I have heard rave reviews of this book. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0071381392/qid=1132128928/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-0251060-6105771?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

I'm sorry, I don't know how to do linkies. [Blushing]

Most of the info is aimed at older children learning to sleep through the night, but it's supposed to be helpful for newborns too.

I second what kq said - it sounds possible that despite the repeated physicals, something is really bothering poor Space Space Baby. In your postion I migh seek out a second opinion or a reputable alternative care professional. *shrugs* Anything's worth a shot at this point, your life must be crazy!
 
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
 
Space Opera, you might also want to consult with a La Leche League Leader. I know you've said you have seen a lactation consultant, but some times LLL Leaders may think of things that the LC hasn't, just cause she is coming at the problem from a different perspective.

It's certainly worth a try. [Smile]
 
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
 
quote:
Hmm...I would disagree with that feeding advice for a 3-week term baby, which is a very different situation from a premie.
I did mention that the baby is a 3-week term baby. One of the nurses and the lactation consultant mentioned that that advice is contrary to what La Leche teaches, but that they've had many cases where it worked for the (term) baby.

BTW, I'm pumping as I'm writing.
 
Posted by Samarkand (Member # 8379) on :
 
Her website is www.pantley.com
 
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
 
I understood what you wrote, Mrs. M. I still disagree. [Smile]

And hope your pumping goes well. [Smile]
 
Posted by aspectre (Member # 2222) on :
 
I dunno about slinging SpaceSpaceBaby, SpaceOpera. Next thing ya know, he'll wanna be catapulted from a trebuchet. And if you think you've got problems now, wait until neighbors start complaining about the noise ya make shooting him out of a cannon.
 
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
 
Ooooh, catapulted from a trebuchet. That sounds like fun! [Big Grin] Cannons? Cool! [Razz]

Um, but no, I have nothing useful to add, so I'll leave now.
 
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
 
Ela, much as I respect you and your experience, I've actually known a baby for whom that advice worked. A term baby. Who had not really slept well in a month. They switched to two bottles (pumped milk) a day, the mommy felt better, the baby was fuller, and they're all alive and happy. SO doesn't have to try it, of course, but it could work.
 
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
 
>>Ooooh, catapulted from a trebuchet. That sounds like fun! Cannons? Cool!<<

Waste of a perfectly good dinner, IMO.
 
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
 
Space Opera, I wish I had some advice. We're still having problems getting BabyDot to sleep on a schedule and we're closing in on nine months of it.

Perhaps a lullabye? Doesn't work for my daughter, but then again, with my voice...
 
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
 
Space Space Baby, please watch for the mailman while mommy sleeps, I sent you a package yesterday, coming from just a few hours away.
 
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
 
I suppose drugging a baby would be morally reprehensible?
 
Posted by Enigmatic (Member # 7785) on :
 
Every time I see this thread title I think of the ending of 2001 A Space Odyssey. Which, now that I think about it, might be a good way to put the baby to sleep. Works on lots of other people...

--Enigmatic
 
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
 
I just have to say that just because somethiing could work, doesn't make it a good thing to do. I mean, opium would work, but that would be wrong. I'm not so much comparing the pumped breastmilk idea as saying "It could work" doesn't make every idea OK.

(edited for c&p gone awry and speeling errors).

[ November 16, 2005, 07:31 PM: Message edited by: romanylass ]
 
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
 
I would suggest rocking her to sleep, but that all depends on the size of the rock you use.

Sorry I can't be more help. Just sending soothing relaxing vibes your way.
 
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
 
[Big Grin] at Enigmatic.

I love this baby's screen name too. I don't have any advice, but I'll keep your family in my prayers. It sounds like a really tough time and I hope you can figure out what's troubling your babykins. [Frown]
 
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
 
Have you tried massaging his feet? I'm not sure why but it will frequently calm a baby down and help them go to sleep. I've seen this work on babies that are a little bit older and get too wound up to sleep. It's at least worth a try.
 
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
 
In related news:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10056203/
 
Posted by dawnmaria (Member # 4142) on :
 
Oh I really don't like that man! [Mad] I am refraining from saying what I really want to since this is a family show.
I really don't have any advice, only what we did with Leslie. She also wouldn't sleep for any length of time and one night in a moment of desperation I laid her in bed next to me. She slept for 4 hours. Then she slept in my bed with us until she was 9 months old. An unfortunate trade off but I did get some sleep. Not good sleep but again I was very desperate! We won't even go into having to get her out of our bed and into her crib! I really think that for some babies it's just too big at first. I wish you luck with your little one.
 
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
 
Ela is right about the different properties of breastmilk and the importance of letting baby nurse to completion on one side before trying the next. Those last bits are the part that really fills 'em up . . .

Nathan slept abominably for about the first year. He'd start to drift off and then jerk and scream. Unless he slept on top of me, or cradled in my arms. I thought it was maybe related to all the trauma of multiple hospitalizations, life-saving interventions, invasive procedures, but maybe not . . .

What did I do?

Partial bundling helped.
Slinging helped.
Tie a blanket to a door handle, swaddle baby and lie down in blanket, pick up untied end and swing slowly and gently back and forth.
Dim lights, very soft soothing music (think Enya or celtic harp) - not just at sleep time - during wake time also. Babies overstimulate VERY easily, and calming things down at bed time just may not work, they may need it to be very calm and soothing during their waking hours, too.

Basically, I just decided that I needed to let go of all the non-essentials such as clean houses, etc., and sleep in short bursts when he did, and let him sleep with me.

My family disagreed, of course, but he's turned out fine. He's 11 and sleeps very deeply and on his own. *grin*

Hang in there and hugs and sleep coming to you . . .
 
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
 
*sigh*

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. romany, yep...one thing Space Space Baby does like is the sling; it's actually where he sleeps best!

Our dr. has been concerned because SSB still hasn't gotten back up to his birth weight (he'll be a month old on Friday) so he's been diagnosed as failure to thrive. The other week he seemed to be gaining well, but we found out he hadn't gained at all this week. Of course, the jaundice at first complicated the weight gain because SSB was so lethargic.

They're running lots of tests and having us supplement with an ounce or so of formula after he breastfeeds in order to get some more calories in him. The ped. who looked at him suspects he might have what they call "silent reflux" due to some of his symtoms. Tomorrow they'll be doing an upper GI and starting him on meds. Right now he's sleeping in an inclined bed and sleeping better and more soundly than he's slept for about a week! Hopefully we'll have some answers soon.

space opera
 
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
 
(((hugs)))

Hang in there, Space Opera. Hope Space Space Baby will feel better soon, and that there are no serious problems!!!
 
Posted by lord trousers (Member # 8741) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by dawnmaria:
I really don't have any advice, only what we did with Leslie. She also wouldn't sleep for any length of time and one night in a moment of desperation I laid her in bed next to me. She slept for 4 hours. Then she slept in my bed with us until she was 9 months old. An unfortunate trade off but I did get some sleep. Not good sleep but again I was very desperate! We won't even go into having to get her out of our bed and into her crib! I really think that for some babies it's just too big at first. I wish you luck with your little one.

Same here. At just a few weeks old, our first fought sleep like she now fights her younger brother. She was also very, very "high-needs" - she couldn't stand to be put down, would never sleep for more than half an hour on her own, etc., etc.

After a while, my wife just pulled her into bed with us. Everyone got a lot more sleep. This, the co-sleeper, and the sling made our lives bearable. Our daughter even slept better during the day. Getting her out of the crib was a fiasco, but it was an acceptable trade-off. We've done that with our other kids, too, and they had a much easier time than the first one.

Of course, our first one - almost six now - still cries when she hears any sort of beeping sound at all. She bursts into tears every time the fry alarm at McDonald's goes off. *sigh* She's a special kid, in an "everything scares me" sort of way. Looking back, I'm not at all surprised by her behavior as an infant.

Anyway, ignore any horror stories people may tell you about sleeping with your baby. If neither you nor your hubby has a sleeping disorder, you're fine. Mommies don't roll over on their babies for the same reason they don't roll off the bed: even asleep, you're aware of what's around you. If you don't trust your partner to refrain from rolling over on the kid, get a body pillow. (They're great for your back in any case.) Make sure there's a co-sleeper on your side of the bed, and a crib when they outgrow it.

Our kids - even our "everything scares me" oldest - didn't have any serious problems with being left with strangers. In fact, it was much, much easier for us to leave them than it was for other parents to leave theirs. Don't worry about overattachment, whatever that means. Kids detach themselves when they feel like it.
 
Posted by whiskysunrise (Member # 6819) on :
 
I hope things improve. *hugs*
 
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
 
Poor Space Space Baby and his poor mama!

It did sound a lot like reflux to me. Almost all of the babies in the PCN have it and the bassinets are all inclined. The more severe refluxers sleep in a danny sling with a wedge under their crip mattresses. If Aerin's reflux doesn't resolve in a few months, that's what I'm going to do. Here's where you can get them:

https://store.childmed.com/Detail.cfm?matrn=91022-C2&clogid=11&categoryID=12&action=search&searchText=&searchCat=&searchPart=&searchResults=5

https://store.childmed.com/Detail.cfm?matrn=91022-W&clogid=11&categoryID=12&action=search&searchText=&searchCat=&searchPart=&searchResults=5

The medications they use to treat reflux are Reglan ( http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a684035.html ) and Zantac ( http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a601106.html ). Aerin has done much better on the Zantac. Holding them upright for 30 minutes after eating helps, too. It also helps if you put them on your chest and lay back with them.
 
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
 
Awww. I hope he feels better soon. (((hugs for the Opera Company)))
 
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
 
Oh, I hope they find the cause! My heart goes out to all your family, SO.

I have always believed that babies that can't sleep and cry all the time are in some sort of pain or discomfort that we just don't understand and they are incapable of explaining to us. I can't tell you how many times I've had a baby cry incessantly, I think, "Go to sleep already!" I check, and then discover some previously unseen source of pain or discomfort (like a pacifier pinned under their back, or a pinch in their clothing, etc.) Then once it's fixed, they're fine.

Whether it's tummy pain or something else, I hope you find it and overcome it. Failure to thrive is a sad, sad thing to be diagnosed with. [Frown]
 
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
 
quote:
I'm sorry, I don't know how to do linkies.
You just go the the "full reply form" and there's a button.
 
Posted by Telperion the Silver (Member # 6074) on :
 
((SO))
((SSB))
*smooches*
 
Posted by Fyfe (Member # 937) on :
 
lord trousers--
Mommies do roll over on their babies sometimes. My father works for Child Protection, and he's had cases where that happened. Just thought I'd mention it.

Jen
 
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
 
(((SO)))
(((SSB)))

I hope he gets well soon.
 
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
 
[Group Hug]

This must be so hard. Let's hope and pray this will resolve space space babies troubles and he will soon start sleeping and thriving.
 
Posted by Samarkand (Member # 8379) on :
 
Thank you Anna!
 
Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
 
How incredibly frustrating and worrying! It sounds like you really are trying everything and I'm sorry to hear the wee one is now in the hospital.

The only other thing I haven't seen mentioned here is maybe a wheat allergy? I assume you are not consuming caffeine?

Warm restful thoughts to the Opera family.
 
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
 
That really make sense. It's good to have an idea why it's happening. Olivia was FTT too and it sucked. If your LC has not yet set you up with a nursing supplementer ( the formula is sucked down from a tiny tube taped next to the nipple), I'd highly suggest asking for one. WE used it with Livie for about a month, and I think it saved our breastfeeding relationship.

AMEN to everything lord trousers said.
 
Posted by Theaca (Member # 8325) on :
 
His information is incorrect, though. You might HOPE everything he said is correct, but it isn't perfectly safe for anybody.

Maybe amen IS the right word. Like a prayer that it works out safely. Hmmm.
 
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
 
I know this is scary - but hopefully they'll find what's wrong and you and Space Space Baby will both be getting plenty of comfortable rest soon.

All my best wishes to you.
 
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Theaca:
His information is incorrect, though. You might HOPE everything he said is correct, but it isn't perfectly safe for anybody.

Not all experts agree.

http://www.nd.edu/~jmckenn1/lab/faq.html

http://www.genengnews.com/news/bnitem.aspx?name=1079469XSL_NEWSML_TO_NEWSML_WEB.xml&css=printOnly.css
 
Posted by Theaca (Member # 8325) on :
 
That's very interesting.
 
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
 
Theaca, every single health care professional who has been involved with my children- 2 pediatricians, 2 midwife practices, and my own health care provider- have affirmed the safety of co-sleeping. In fact, the hospital based midwives I had my first child with activeley encourage mothers to co-sleep. There is a huge difference of opinions, medical and otherwise, and they seem to be fueled more by opionion than science. I don't think you can definitively prove co-sleeping is safe, any more than you can definitively prove crib sleeping is safe. While both a drunk co sleeping parent or a recalled crib can be evidence of one unsafe situation, the fact is that most parents are doing the best and the safest according to thier ability and knowledge, and babies still die, and we don't really know why. But whether these baies die in a crib or the family bed, a defect in the autonomic system is probably more likely to blame than where the baby was sleeping.
 
Posted by Theaca (Member # 8325) on :
 
I'm mostly going by the official AAP guidelines. Also, I thought CT had some good links last time we had a thread on this. I don't recall the specifics anymore. *points to Fyfe's post* I'm glad I don't have kids so I don't have to worry about it.
 
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
 
There are LOTS of doctors who dispute the AAP guidelines on this. And LOTS who affirm them. [Dont Know] I guess it all depends. Most doctors I've talked to about it say that whatever works for the family is best, as long as both parents are healthy, neither drinks before bed, neither smokes, neither uses drugs or is on medication that can cause heavy sleeping, and neither has a sleep disorder.
 
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
 
*points to Ela's links*

What Fyfe had to say was rather anecdotal.
 
Posted by Theaca (Member # 8325) on :
 
*Points to AAP policy* We can point links at each other all day or just stop arguing about it.

I only pointed at Fyfe's links to say how scary these choices are and I'm glad I don't have to make them. I wasn't trying to prove anything.
 
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
 
Sorry, I'm tetchy today.
 
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Theaca:
*Points to AAP policy* We can point links at each other all day or just stop arguing about it.

Actually, a pet peeve about the AAP policy is that it was formulated without reference to the AAP members who are breastfeeding experts. They (the breastfeeding experts) disagree with the policy.
 
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
 
Well, just remember, the so-called "experts" over time have also said things like:

Holding babies for more time than just feeding and cleaning will spoil them.

Not letting babies "cry it out" will spoil them.

All babies should eat on a standard schedule.

Pregnant mommies should smoke to keep their weight down.

Bottlefeeding/formula is "better" for baby (as in healthier, more acceptable/easier, etc.)

[Roll Eyes]

You've come a long way, baby . . .

Do what works best for your particular situation.

And yes, parents that drink, do drugs, take legally prescribed sedatives/medications, etc., can roll over in their sleep and smother their baby.

CPS attends FAR MORE cases of parents that intentionally harm their children.

Just saying . . .
 
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
 
Well, as of Friday, Space Space Baby was back up to his birth weight of 8 pounds 4 ounces! [Smile]

We're holding off on medication for now because keeping him inclined is helping dramatically. We're also not letting him go more than 3 hours without nursing - the two times we let him sleep almost 5 hours he was terribly crabby and swallowing a lot of junk back in his throat after eating.

He's both sleeping and nursing better. For most of today he's barely taken any formula after nursing, so that's good news! We go back to the doc on Wednesday for another weight check.

Thanks again, everyone!

space opera
 
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
 
[Smile]

Yay!
 
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
 
YEAY! [Smile]
 
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
 
Thank goodness! I'm so happy for y'all. Reflux stinks.
 
Posted by Samarkand (Member # 8379) on :
 
Oh, good! Sweet dreams, SSB
 
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
 
[Big Grin] I'm very glad.
 
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
 
Oh, that's good news! [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
 
[Smile] Fantastic news! [Smile]
 
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
 
[Smile] I hope everything continues to go well for you!
 
Posted by Theaca (Member # 8325) on :
 
Does this mean he's out of the hospital? Great!
 
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
 
Oh! I'm so glad to see that the little one is improving. I've been so concerned. Space Space Baby just has a different inclination than the rest of us. Who could have guessed?
 
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
 
Yay! Great news! *smiles*
 
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
 
Wooooohoooooo! [Cool]
 
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
 
Yay!!!
 
Posted by whiskysunrise (Member # 6819) on :
 
That is great news!
 
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
 
quote:
Space Space Baby just has a different inclination than the rest of us. Who could have guessed?
Well, he is the son of a Hatracker. [Wink]

Is he still doing better? [Smile]
 
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
 
Yay! Hope things are still going well for you guys.

Daniel had reflux and needed a raised mattress, but as soon as the little bugger could scoot around we'd find him huddled in a tiny ball at the very bottom of the incline! Didn't seem to negatively affect him in any way, it was just funny to find him like that in the morning.
 


Copyright © 2008 Hatrack River Enterprises Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.


Powered by Infopop Corporation
UBB.classic™ 6.7.2