Evening (UK 7pm),
What a day!!!
I didn't try the DF BuT my DH did make a good (well what I thought was good) suggestion last night... He suggested that when DS wakes between 12-2am as he usually does, why don't we feed then and try giving the paci when we normally feed between 3-5am. So I tried this last night, this is how the last 24hrs ish have looked like:
E - 1.30am, took 4oz
WU - 6am, a little earlier then normal, wouldn't settle so DH got up with him
E - 6.20, took 3oz (not a lot but better than the usual 1 or 2oz at 7am that we used to get
A
S - 7.50, until 8.30 (usual 40 mins)
E - 9.20, took 7oz
A
S - 10.35 until 11.15
A
S - 11.50 until 12.50, this was an AP sleep, I gave in as he was so tired
A
E - 1.30, took 6oz
A
S - 2.50 until 3.30, this was in car seat as I was out and about
A
E - 4.30 took 2oz
A - inc bath
E - 5oz
S - 7.15
So.... No better :-(
As you can see I have A times ranging from 35 mins to 3 hours and 45 mins. I know the 3 hours + A time is too much, but he just wouldn't settle, not even in my arms.
One positive is that he has taken some good calories in today, for him, considering yesterday he took 21oz in 24 hours and today he has taken 27oz.
I just don't know what to do, my mum has been with me the past 2 days and she said she has never known a baby like this (we know all babies are different), but she works with children too. He fights his naps, he only naps for 40 mins but then wakes up smiling, but half an hour later (sometimes longer) he shows signs of tiredness. He otherwise seems like a happy baby now we have reflux under control, I've just uped his meds slightly.
So does anyone have any suggestions?
I'm winding down up to 10 mins before a nap, this involves going into nursery and changing nappy, poo*ting blinds and putting a lullaby on and having a little cuddle, then putting DS into gro bag in crib. I don't pick up again then as he's never really needed it, yes he does cry a little but nothing that me standing over him and stroking his head and offering paci doesn't resolve.
I've tried sitting in his room to be there when he wakes and try and help him into the next cycle, but when he wakes he's awake and really doesn't want to go back to sleep, I've tried for 15+ mins.
I've offered a light feed before naps to try and fill him up a bit for the nap... Hasn't worked.
Do I just resign to the fact that he is a 40 min sleeper and it might change in the hopefully not too distant future?! Or do I try and preserve with getting him to sleep longer? The frustrating this is is that I know he needs a longer nap, and if I hold him for the whole nap he will nap for up to 2.5 hours.
Thank you ladies... You're keeping me as sane as I can be at this testing time!