As you may know, we have had trouble with getting Belen to sleep. I have not been able to let her "cry it out" because I have been hoping other non-crying methods would work, plus the times that I have tried it she sounded like she might die, hyperventilate, and her little face had red splotchies all over. Plus when I tried it a bit later when she was more mobile she would bonk her head on the crib. I just couldn't keep it up. I feared it would lead to not trusting me and others and maybe even self esteem issues - am I crazy? I don't know. Last weekend we tried it again. Again, I couldn't do it, but we decided she could cry with us in there with her, we could help her make friends with her stuffed animals, and basically stay there until she couldn't stay awake any longer. And it's finally starting to pay off! Last night she started talking to her animals right before my eyes, yay! I stayed in there a long time with her and she just kept sitting up drunkenly and then face planting on the bed, then getting up again. So finally I walked out. And she cried. For 30 seconds!!! Now that's the kind of crying it out I can handle. I went to bed and must have gotten her in my sleep because I woke up with her by me in bed. Sometimes I do that when I'm really tired. Kinda freaky.
This morning when it was time for her first nap I hung out with her for a bit, read her a story, sang a song, cuddled and then stayed by her crib for a bit. Then I walked out and crossed my fingers. She cried, but not that crazy "I'm going out of my mind" cry. And after about 5 minutes she cried just every once in a while for about 20 minutes. But it was very light, non emergency crying. And now she's asleep. Which is amazing. Words cannot express my delight. :) I went in to cover her up with a blanket and she was in "child's pose" with her head on her stuffed mouse. Oh, sweet sleeping baby, I hope this is the beginning of the end of our sleep issues.
I am a firm believer in listening to your own mothering (and fathering) instincts, and I think we did that which I feel good about. However, I would like to give special thanks to ideas I got from "The Baby Whisperer" and several friends & family members who have offered support and advice... hopefully she keeps up the good sleeping :)
3 comments:
Oh my gosh she's getting so big!!! She's So adorable. I'm glad I read this post.. I am having the hardest time getting Jack to take a nap during the day. He just can't do it unless he's being held. I've tried letting him cry too and it's so hard!! Great ideas and I'm so glad that Belen is turning a corner.. hopefully she'll get into a steady routine soon. You guys are doing great!
Hi Heather, good to hear from you! I know there will still be rocky times ahead for us because not only does Belen not go to sleep on her own, but then she won't stay asleep even if she's really tired. I guess she just needs to learn to put herself to sleep and that will take care of both. Good luck with little Jack... and number 2 is coming soon too, how exciting and challenging!
What great updates to your blog!
Funny story about Belen and the Nap. And darling pics of her, too.
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