BabyWhispererForums.com

SLEEP => Night Wakings => Topic started by: mrsjenf on June 25, 2006, 00:44:14 am

Title: How to dreamfeed effectively? I'm a newbie....
Post by: mrsjenf on June 25, 2006, 00:44:14 am
I read the book and loved it ! We were doing some of those things, but the book made it so clear.  Jack is very good for being only 7 weeks old.  Just when he's "regular" he  has a bad day but I'm happy he is a good napper.  I'm wondering how to do an effective dreamfeed without stirring him and making a bad night.  How do I pick him up?  Do I scoop him up?  Do I need to burp him?

How old is your child?
7 weeks
What’s his/her daily routine?
E 7
S 8

E 9
S 10

E 12
S 1:15

E 3:30
S 5:30

E 8:00
S 9:20


What’s nap routine? How long are naps?
He varies with 1 hour naps to 3. 5 hour naps!!!

What's bedtime routine? Time?
We put on his jammies and have a bath and then rock a little and eat.  He goes down around 7:00.

Do you bottle or breastfed??
Exclusively breastfeed.

How much? or how long?
10-25 minutes...he's a good, quick eater!

If breastfed.. one side or both?? (at each feed)
Usually one side unless he eats alot and wants more (rare)

How many wakes per night?
2:  1/2 am and 4/5am

What’s your LO like when waking at night? How long is he/she up?
Fusses and then eats right away and falls back asleep.

When you go to him/her is she fussing or crying? Or is it a mantra cry?
Little fussy.

What have you tried to settle??
He settles as we walk to his room from ours.

What do you do for A time and how long is it?
It's anywhere from 30 min to 3 hours!!! We read, talk, sing, stare, he watches me do stuff.

Are there developmental issues such as teething or milestones?
NO
Have you introduced cereal? Why, how much, and how many times a day? (for LO’s under 6 months)
NO

Do they have a prop? If so what is it?
He takes a pacifier only when he wants to suck.  He doesn't need it for sleep.

Do they have a lovie?
What is a lovie?

THANKS
Title: Re: How to dreamfeed effectively? I'm a newbie....
Post by: Zoey on June 25, 2006, 03:36:04 am
Well hello there and welcome and your LO is adorable!

Ill start by saying the dreamfeeding is one of my most favorite times of day with Owen.  Here is a great link to a message about how to start Dreamfeeding (DF):  https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=54662.msg382717#msg382717.  That should help.  Ill also tell you what I do. :)

I go in with a tiny flashlight, find Owen in the crib (lol) turn the flashlight off, scoop him up and sit in the chair, I can pop the bottle in by feel now - but you may have to use a little flashlight to find his mouth the first couple of times, feed, then pop him back in the crib as gently as you can.  I do not burp Owen - and never have for the DF.  You may want to gently pat/shh him a bit if he needs help to settle after the DF.  The idea is to have it be really dark, really quiet, no talking, no changing the diaper - just feed then put him back down.  You may want to have yourself all ready to BF before you pick him up to make it smoother.

Good Luck!   ;D

Hugs,
Zoey

Oh, a lovie is like a safe stuffed toy, or a safe blankie they use to fall asleep with for comfort. lol  ;)
Title: Re: How to dreamfeed effectively? I'm a newbie....
Post by: Kimberly® on June 25, 2006, 04:12:14 am
Congrats on the new member of your Family.  ;D

When we did the dreamfeed we would pick her up as gently as we could and sit in the rocker and let her eat as much as she wanted to take. We always had a night light in her room and just used the light from that. You'll need to see what works for you :)

I would also suggest that you move bedtime to 7pm instead of 9:20, this will prevent your LO from getting overtired. When he goes down at 7, make the routine different from naps and make sure you don't wake him at all, if he wakes inbetween bedtime and dreamfeed resettle and don't feed, unless its 10pm or later, then feed and resettle. Within days you'll notice he will stop wakeing inbetween. 
Do bedtime routine at 6-330 with a final feed right before bed, then into bed, and dreamfeed at 10:30-11. This ensures he is topped up for the night and that as I said he isn't overtired. Earlier bedtime is always better for LO's.
Is it possible at all for you to pump and do a bottle? I ask because its an excellent way to let dad participate in the feedings, and also many LO's will feed easier on a bottle then the breast. Its just a thought :) He is right on track of where he should be for 7 weeks, but what you will find is as the dreamfeed is established that 1/2am feed will slowly move later and eventually the second waking wont be a night waking anymore :) Then as he gets older you can work on the final night waking. One waking at a time is always easier :) When he wakes now you can start waiting as long as it is only a fuss. Give him about 5 minutes or so to try and resettle. If he starts to cry go right to him, if this doesn't work or makes night wakings worse, stop and try again in a week or so. But if you give him the chance he can start learning to self sooth, I know its not easy,  but its well worth it.

When you feed him at night do you do it in your room or his? if your doing it in yours start doing it in his. Also avoid diaper changes unless he is durty or soaked through. The less stimulation the better to not start bad habbits.

Try to avoid 3 hour wake times, not easy I know, but it'll prevent overtiredness and cranky baby. Out him down 30-45 minutes after he wakes to avoid overtirdness and encourage naps. The goal at this age is 3 1.5 hour naps. As he gets to between 3-5 months, depending on your LO,  it'll be 2 naps of 1.5 and 1 45 minute nap. You want to try and avoid A times that are to long and nap times that are to long. Its a balenceing act, but it is workable.

Doesn't sound like paci is a prop so thats great :) I wouldn't worry about a Lovie, he's still a little young for one. You can introduce that at 3-4 months time :)

You sound like your on the right track and your doing a wonderful job.

HTH