Almost four months, fighting Bt with a passion

[ZacsMumme]

So we have always found Bt is Ts nemesis. He naps ok, he sleeps ok (considering all his issues) but BT is always a battle. Sometimes 30 mins, sometimes he wakes, sometimes 2.5 hrs to get him down

We have tried short A times, long A times, average A times. A CN no CN, diff day sleep. Seriously it's like thisbaby has Bt issues.

So...what to do? Try? Just battle through for now and try to be consistsnt with an age appropriate A time?
Or try a super long? Super short? I can't see the wood from the trees right now

ATM we are doing this
Ie WU 7
Nap 8.45-10.15
Nap 12-1.30
Nap ~ 3-4.30
Bt 6.45/7 (but taking forever to get him down)

Basically I'm doing a 1hr45 min A with 2 to Bt now as the CN meant the longest day possible!
I won't be able to extend naps when DH back at work so it will change but this gives you an idea of what we are currently doing

We are really bad ATM due to WW and GS I 'think' but it's hard to tell with a fluxing sensitive tummy boy

[jessmum46]

Hey Sara, I know you're on hols at the moment so will keep this brief

Firstly wanted to say you're actually doing *fabulous* - I would have literally almost killed for a daytime routine like that at that age, and given that T hasn't exactly had the easiest start I think you're doing amazing

I know how draining long drawn out bedtimes can be though so couple of questions - are you waking him from naps in the day or is he waking naturally at 1.5h?  On the EASY you posted last A is 2h15-30 - is that right or have you brought that back a little?  What are your nights like?  Are you cluster feeding?  (Just thinking re:gas/discomfort at end of day).  What time of day does he take his meds?  Are you trying for an independent settle at BT or APing?

(((Hugs))) hope we can get things a little more settled for you soon x

[ZacsMumme]

Ops sorry BT is usually tried at 1hr45 A (I have tried 1.5 and 2 hrs) last night he fell asleep at 2hrs15 which may be why I put that time in as I was trying to calc in my head

Yesterday things were better after a wonky nap. He went straight to sleep.
WU 7
Nap 8.45-10.15
Nap 11.50-12.30 boo
Nap 2-4
BT 6.15 NF 11,4, nw 5.30 WU 6.45

I don't wake him from naps ever now. usually I'm extending at 30 or 40 mins. (z did this rubbish too)

H actually can't feed close to BT, every time we try - cluster, or a top up, or full feed he gets awful wind/gas and is fluxy. When I discussed with my dr she said it may work to feed him when he stirs after BT which he often does, like an early NF. Basically if I feed before bath he's good, after bath he is horrendous!

Usually 2 NF - one before 12 one after. All feeds are 120mls, any more and it all comes out and he also gets pain.

ATM we are splitting the losec 10mg at WU and 10 before last feed. We keep changing between that and all at WU. Problem is if I give 20 at WU it seems to upset his tummy I do think it is more effective though for his reflux

APOP here still. Once home we are starting to try working on independent sleep at BT and first nap. Actually, were going to try tummy sleeping because he is so much more settled on his tummy, and he wants to suck his fingers so I'm going to ditch the swaddle. I know it's not re pm ended but he has been medically cleared for it and we have a movement monitor. All other SIDS recommendations are met.

Thanks Hun.

[jessmum46]

It sounds to me like he might prefer the slightly longer A at the end of the day after a good nap - what do you think?  Z was pretty low sleep needs wasn't he?  (Not that they are necessarily the same ). Nothing else really jumps out routine-wise.  How was last night? It sounds like you have thought of most things re feeds and meds so I'd stick with the feed before bath and then just feed if and when at night.

Tummy sleeping sounds like its worth a try since you have the medical ok . Fwiw I think it's totally ok to be APing BT at this point - pretty sure I was feeding to sleep or very close. 

[ZacsMumme]

Thanks Hun, I'm kind of glad you say that last two nights I've gone for 2hr A and though he's fitful he went to sleep in 10 mins (APOP) and was asleep 90% of the time till I pd after 1.5 hrs (I know, it's soooo long!)
I have noticed a few things that I think is making him so terrible in the evening. His reflux seems to flare then, he coughs, swallows, wants the paci then spits it. Is better if I give him a bit of cooled boiled water (soothes throat) etc. I also think we have hit the 4 mth GS maybe? He is also very spilly

He also did 1 shorter nap yesterday. I'm wondering if I'm trying for too much day sleep for him? He is a very smiley boy when not in pain. We get little tired signs and I tend to find naps easy to settle - so I do think he copes with OT well, accept for this Bt drama. Z was high A times. Though now he is sleeping a ton I think I spent too much time trying to make him sleep more than he needed following no sleep early on YK?

We go home tonight, this am he slept longer on his own age a longer A (opps almost 2hrs) so I think we need to try upping it closer to 2 hrs all round and holding. Sound ok?

Thanks. Ill flick an update in a few days and let you know if things improve.

[jessmum46]

Sounds like you have a plan!  Will look forward to update

[ZacsMumme]

Mmm ok so worked out he can cope with 2hrs15 A to bed after a good nap. 1hr45 after a short. Extending any more than that (not on purpose) results on crazy OT silliness.

Still working on independent sleep but trying the first nap of the day first. Today is day 1! So far...so good

[jessmum46]

Good luck honey

[ZacsMumme]

Yuk. Just had 2 hr scream feast. I'm 99% sure now it's reflux - I think he has episodes come evening (Z always had them 4am-4pm) other than wanting to jump off a cliff tonight I think I've realised (again) I can't fix this one yet

[jessmum46]

Oh no . Poor T and poor you (((((((hugs))))))))

Where are you at med wise at the moment with T?  Any adjusting needed do you think?

[ZacsMumme]

I can't increase the losec, he's maxed out. Dr wont add domperidone whch I think will help a lot but I agree with her that we need a ped to prescribe it as she's concerned about his tummy pains, wheezing and spilling. It's just frustrating waiting YK?  He's so happy when not in pain and when he is the cries are piercing

[ZacsMumme]

Mmm, ok so on a good day (today) I tried settling in the cot. I now think (after epic fail but listening to him etc) that he's OT. so...on a short nap before bed he needs much less A ... I just don't know how much less.

[jessmum46]

What did you try today?  Perhaps go 15 mins earlier if it happens again and spin out winddown a little if it looks like he isn't quite ready?  Have you got a ped referral?

[ZacsMumme]

Yesterday we went for 1.5hrs in cot aiming for 1r45 asleep after the 45 min CN. It didn't work he crashed in my arms at 2hrs15 then one after 20 mins. Then another 20 APOP to get him back down

His nights are better ATM though, 1 NF that's it. 11hr night. Yeah I honk we will try 15 mins earlier tonight

Yes, we have a semi urgent/urgent referral. So top of the que if an urgent is cancelled.

[jessmum46]

Great nights . Thank heaven for small mercies hey?  Think trying shorter A sounds a good plan if you get a short nap before bed and hope that appt comes through soon x