Just - why? So frustrated!

[katie80]

We'll survive - as long as I can hold it together during the nights. 3am is dark time.

And that's why BW is so great, there's always someone on. We're here for you, Anna.

Love and (((hugs))) for your sick kiddos and you. Hope they feel better ASAP!

[essexlemon]

Hope you had a better night Anna.

[anna*]

Well, she's better. Last night was just a run-of-the-mill bad night. She woke at 12.15 and I tried just cuddling her back to sleep because Stan was poorly and I didn't want him waking up with crying. But after half an hour she was still not settled so I fed her. Then she woke up again at 3.30, not hungry but not settling so I brought her into bed with us. She went straight back to sleep but woke up at 5.30 and couldn't be settled back, wouldn't feed either so that was us up for the day

Now I need to decide how to approach the next week. If I talk to this sleep consultant next week Monday and show our weeks' sleep diary, she is going to see that every night I am bringing her into our bed and will assume that is at the root of the problem, yk?

[clazzat]

I'm glad that last night was normal, but sorry it wasn't very good - I would assume that the main issue last night was probably ot.

I'm not really sure what to suggest wrt the sleep consultant. Do you have any sort of sleep diary for the last few weeks so that she can see that there is more to it?

[skatty]

Sorry, I have been out all day. Our regular doc did the pressure test, sorry I am not sure what the instrument is called but she only used it for the first time when L was nearly 2 and I realised she couldn't hear us! Before that docs had only had a look in the ear with another instrument but I presume this is a regular piece of kit in the surgery, it only takes them 5 seconds so definitely worth ruling out  So glad she is better though, I hope Stan is too 

I would hope the SC with all the money you are paying wont make that assumption  I think if you do go the SC route you need to make her aware you are very knowledgble yourself and it is not like you haven't tried everything!!

[anna*]

Last night was OT for sure - she can't use that excuse tonight. She did wake up early but she had 3 naps and a good day. I wish wish wish she would start sleeping better this week - but this madness has been going on so long I fear that is completely unrealistic.

You are right re the consultant, I think I will basically have to write an essay giving all the background! I don't really log NWs, but I can trawl back through these threads and get the info. They only ask for one weeks' sleep diary but if I am not in sleep training 'mode' that isn't going to be particularly representative. I can't help feeling like this is going to be hundreds of £s down the drain...

[skatty]

Anna I will be honest I don't what she can suggest that you don't already know or have tried yourself  I hope after a good nap day you will get a good night and maybe that would at least point to and OT OS problem rather than a medical one.

[Peek-a-boo]

Anna--I'd be inclined to go into sleep training mode for the next week so that your sleep diary reflects that.  

[*Becky*]

I agree with Bethany Anna. Hugs hun xx

[anna*]

Anna I will be honest I don't what she can suggest that you don't already know or have tried yourself  I hope after a good nap day you will get a good night and maybe that would at least point to and OT OS problem rather than a medical one.

I know. But we're desperate here. We have had a few good days (not many, I grant you) and still get bad nights following them. Most days aren't *AWFUL* (i.e. they will be one short and one longish nap). Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get a consistent enough routine that we can see what happens to nights if she gets a good run of good nap days.

[anna*]

I would much much rather not have to spend £ we can't afford on this - but we have been struggling for so long and not getting anywhere. I love love LOVE this place (can you tell? Have you seen how many posts I've posted?  ) but when you are SO tired and so overwhelmed, and you're getting different advice, it can be really hard to make head or tail of it or figure out what to do for the best. I don't even know what I'd be aiming for if I go into sleep training mode now - as always, the big problem is Stan. Like, if she wakes up at 5am, I don't WANT to get her up and start the day, and I don't WANT to bring her into my bed with me - but if I don't, we will all be up for the day for sure because Stan will wake up, likely turn on a light in the bedroom before coming in to us etc... you know?

He's still poorly so she has one more night's reprieve, then I have to decide whether to just maximise everyone's sleep for the next week, or try (something?) again with renewed vigour. I have the strength and determination, I just don't have a plan.

[*Becky*]

love love LOVE this place (can you tell? Have you seen how many posts I've posted?) but when you are SO tired and so overwhelmed, and you're getting different advice, it can be really hard to make head or tail of it or figure out what to do for the best.

this is me too atm....

[essexlemon]

I know that there is fantastic advice on here, but when you're sleep deprived and trying to make sense of *everything* it can be hard to actually decide exactly what you are going to do and form a plan so maybe this SC could help even if only by helping you to focus and formulate your plan.  If it works, then it's money well spent - even if there isn't anything new in what they tell you kwim.  Keeping my fingers crossed really, really hard for you.

[anna*]

I think the cosleeping has backfired already. She's woken twice before 9.30 and only seems to want to go to sleep in my arms...

[jennandsophie]

Anna, we were going to hire a sleep consultant too because things were going so poorly and then J started settling down almost overnight.  I know the money is tight, but I honestly think it's worth it just to get another opinion.  Is she the kind who actually comes and stays overnight to deal with the NWings.