Is my child ready for EASY? ~~HELP!~~

[hooperdan]

First of all, Thanks to everyone who is taking the time to read/respond this post. I'm brand new to this community and I find it to be an amazing resource and forum of support. Thank you.

Now for my question...

My son was born about a month premature and underwent surgery for atresia of his small intestine. He remained in the NICU for about 3.5 weeks. When we brought him home, the Dr. instructed us to feed him on demand to help him gain weight. Poor guy didn't get a drop of milk the first 3 weeks in the hospital! 

As of today, our 4 mo. old son has put on some serious weight and has successfully made it past his first ordeal, but is unfortunately contending with a myriad of other issues. During the day, he does not nap longer than 40 mins, and at night, wakes up 3-5 times. My wife and I are struggling and desperate to get some rest and want to implement EASY with PU/PD, but are wondering if our son is ready and able to as he is currently dealing with eczema. We have noticed that every time he wakes up, that our son is pawing at his head and face trying to itch himself. It's quite sad and we believe it's the reason why he has sleep issues as the amount of sleep he gets has decreased as his eczema issues have gotten worse. Do we need to resolve his eczema issues before trying EASY and PU/PD (who knows when that will be as we've tried EVERYTHING) or should we start right away?

Thanks again!

Dan

[lynners]

Can I just say big hugs to you and your wife. Sounds like you've had a tough time. Although I'm no medical expert I would say that putting your baby on EASY can only help and at 4 months (if I can remember correctly!!) you'd be looking at about a 4 hour EASY...BUT even if you can't be that 'regular', EASY as a concept eg. eating, activity and then sleeping rather than eating, sleeping then activity can only be good whatever your situation.

I think also about 4 months as an age is about the time which changes between suggesting using shush/pat and PU/PD, but I think the general concensus would be to try shush/pat first. 

Anyway would be great to hear from other ladies but meanwhile just to let you know we are here for you..and soooo lovely to hear from a man.

[muddyfeet]

Yes, I think your LO is ready for EASY! Tracy recommended starting newborns, so you should be fine at 4 months, even if your LO was premature. Definitely start. She also recommended switching from shh/pat to PU/PD around 4 months, but the prematurity may change that to 5 months.

The eczema does need to be addressed as that kind of itchy will not let your LO sleep. Is it the atopic eczema and is it being treated by a doctor at all? My LO had a little of it, and we went through several vegetable based baby oils until we found on that worked. We also got a humidifier which help with her skin too.

[kitcat]

For the eczema I have had some success with spectro kids eczema care. Maybe that could help. Also, if your lo is bf you may want to see if some foods trigger it. Soy, dairy and wheat are amongst the big contributors.