Completely sleep deprived with baby #3 - she won't sleep at night!

[GradysMom]

Hi Everyone,

I am in desperate need of help!  I used EASY with my two boys and now with my new baby girl, who is 3 weeks old, cannot remember what to do regarding sleep issues!  We are on a great 3 hr EASY schedule, but sleep at night is a huge issue!  She has no problem with naps, but is having a REALLY hard time going down at night and when she gets up for her 2 AM feed she often will not get back to sleep until well after 4 AM!  She is sleeping in a bassinet in our room, which was great the first two weeks, but now she cries hysterically and wants to be held - nothing seems to help other than holding her.  I'm at my wits end - not sure what to do.  The boys never had issues going to sleep and now I'm struggling every day and night b/c I'm afraid I ruined her ability to sleep by holding/cuddling her during the day and allowing her to nap in her bouncy chair the last three weeks. She's so little and my last baby and it's breaking my heart to feel like I can't cuddle with her out of fear of not getting sleep at night.  Any suggestions?  How long should I let her cry to see what it means?  Should she be napping and sleeping in her own room at night?  I'm sure my emotionality over this isn't letting me be clear...

Thank you!!
Jill

[sanaya]

hi jill! congratulations on your new addition.
you seem to be having a hard time...huge hugs to you. i know what its like. i too felt like a first time mommy with ds3.
at 3 weeks shes too little to worry about AP. please meet her needs, hold and cuddle her. does she have gas? colic. try to make her as comfortable as you can. put her down when shes not crying.
personally i am a great fan of the swaddle and highly recommend it.
my baby slept in my room (still does) since its easier for the night feeds.
at night, keep the room dark and everything low key, how are day time naps?
have u tried picking her up before her 2 am feed and feeding her in her sleep? very gently pick her up and give her the feed without waking her.
do u breast feed or give the bottle.

i know it must be rough on you because u still have the other two to look after in the day.
hang in there sweety, we will help you as best we can.

love
sanaya