We need some help. I'm so exhausted!

[elf]

Sleep during the day, that's funny!

I know - especially when you have 2 of them!  I found that if I kept reminding myself that the week of tiredness form teaching him to STTN would eventually give me more sleep in the long run - helped me be more determined.  Like I said I would only do the first night feed for the first night because you are trying to teach him to go back to sleep without milk.  He won't understand 11pm vs 3am - so to feed at 11pm and then try to teach him to re settle at 3am won't help I don't think.  It's a night time settling skill you are teaching and during night sleep it's likely that he will continue to wake every night and stir during his sleep cycles, so it's about teaching him that ability to resettle at each of them without milk...

[~inbalance~]

Yes, totally right!

And of course I'm kicking myself, because he wasn't always this bad at self-settling.  Even though he's always been a terrible sleeper, he did previously have SOME skills, but continuing to feed has just reinforced the habit!  But I knew that, and I knew the day would come that I would have to deal with it.  Afterall, we've been through so much with reflux, intolerances and the lot, of course I was going to get stuck dealing with some sort of props. 

[clazzat]

I had to go cold turkey on night feeds with E at about 9 months - because I knew she didn't *need* it any more - and I have no recollection of what happened!   I know that I refused to feed her, I assume that she went to sleep at some point, I can't imagine it only took one night - but I just don't know!  So I'm inclined to say that this is very much one of those things where it might be unbearable at the time but it's worth doing because in a year's time you won't remember - but if you don't do it then in a year's time you'll still be up all night feeding him.

[~inbalance~]

Clare, I bet if we go through some of our old threads we can figure out how it went!     (like we have time for that )

Well, E and F sound like they could be related, so if you tried it with her then it's worth a shot with F. 

Now to decide when to start.    I would love to attack it right away while I'm still all gung-ho, but I don't think I have a plan properly in place.  Another thing that occurred to me is that DH is possibly going to California this week for his aunt's funeral, and I don't think it would be a good idea for me to attempt it completely alone.  Starting on a Friday would be ideal, because then hopefully I will have DH around for the first few days/nights.  Just wish I didn't have to wait to start.  I might change my mind and chicken out in the meantime!   

[scucci1979]

Sleep during the day, that's funny!

I wish I too could nap during the day so I can tackle nights.   

[anna*]

Do it! Do it no! Is DH going to be that much help that it will really make a big difference? I dnno - I guess this is just me - but when DH was away I had much more fight and I knew it was goign to be hard without him so I just powered through. Weaned the paci while DH was away OMG it nearly killed me, but really, it's not like he would have been up for hours in the night doing PUPD in my place... but maybe you have one of those real gems for a DH

[~inbalance~]

I think the biggest reason I would want him around at least for the first few days is so that I can get through the night knowing that when morning came, he could take the kids so I could get some sleep. 

But I do want to start tonight....

Managed to get a nap in today!     I'm still going to be a freakin' zombie, but maybe if I spend the day mentally preparing myself it won't be so bad. 

[scucci1979]

i will be thinking of you tonight as I try to wean Alyssa from feeding to sleep. 
Just a note, I do all nights by myself as hubby works early mornings.  I know how difficult it is. Hugs and good luck.

[~inbalance~]

Well, I'm not entirely sure if I should start tonight.     I don't know if I'm totally committed, and I don't want to start and put F through any crying unless I know 100% that I'm ready.  Seeing as how it's 8:30 and I haven't made a decision, well that doesn't bode well.   

[~inbalance~]

I just spoke to DH and we agreed to start next weekend.  I just don't feel ready to do it tonight.  Plus, DH has been up since 3am and had a bit of an ordeal today, so I know he's not in the mood to help. 

Is DH going to be that much help that it will really make a big difference? I dnno - I guess this is just me - but when DH was away I had much more fight and I knew it was goign to be hard without him so I just powered through. Weaned the paci while DH was away OMG it nearly killed me, but really, it's not like he would have been up for hours in the night doing PUPD in my place... but maybe you have one of those real gems for a DH

See, DH would be completely useless in the middle of the night, but I do need his help during the day.  When I had just one baby to contend with I could have done it all without him.  But like I said, I just cannot face the day taking care of both of them on no sleep.  If I do it when he's around, then I know he can take the kids in the morning and help me during the day.  I think that will make it easier for me to commit.

So I have a week to come up with the courage.    Will be counting on you all to hold my hand!

[LizzieN]

Good luck sweetheart,
C has gone back to having a wake at about 9:30-10:30pm again too....having a top up bottle tends to help her get through that one because I think if she is windy and her tummy is empty she can't settle through that transition but if she has a fuller tummy she can!!  It's either that or she is FINALLY going to cut a tooth, she won't let me look!

Will be thinking of you and wanted to mark my spot so I could see how you go and support too xx