Being a parent you sacrifice a lot. Some things are easier than others. Sleep was one of those really hard things for me to give up. I wrote about our sleep situation here. It took us a long time to get to where we are today, but I'm happy to write that things are so much better!
At Quinnes six month check up our doctor said that around this time in a babes life they don't have to nurse during the night. Or bottle feed, whatever you decide to do. I was a little apprehensive about putting a stop in her nightly feedings. But at that point she only ate maybe two times but was up a whole lot more. I waited until she was a little over seven months and was ready to try. Whenever she woke up she barley ate anything and wanted to socialize more than eat. Super annoying. I would try and force my boob in her face and she would turn away and stick her tongue out and spit everywhere or start crying. I was half asleep and got so frustrated. So it was time. I talked with David and he was on board to try. So for the next few days David was going into her room when she cried to put the pacifier back in her mouth and re-swaddle her. After a while we started taking turns going in to re-swaddle because she would break free every two hours. Quinne was a magician in that swaddle. She could wiggle her way out in a few seconds no matter how tight you wrapped her. It was bad. Sleep was worst than ever and I, of course was having meltdowns left and right.
Last Monday we made a decision to stop swaddling her. I think she was trying to tell us that for two weeks, sorry Quinne. I knew this day would come. I mean I never expected her to go to summer camp and get swaddled, but I thought she would be in that mummy wrap for a bit longer. I really thought that she needed it to fall asleep and stay asleep. Obviously the 'staying' part wasn't really working anymore. It was weird that first night nursing her and just laying her down with her lovie and leaving the room. I didn't have to pin her arms down and straight jacket her like she was in an institution. We left her door open a crack so I could make sure she wasn't going to suffocate herself(and so I could watch how cute she was rolling around). This no swaddle thing was a new experience for her and she took full advantage of the space in front of her. She would roll all over and grab her toes and just have a grand time. After about five minutes she was settling in and drifting off. Amazing!!! I never though this day would come. Not every night is the same and she is still figuring it all out but I know we are on the right track. It feels so good knowing we are doing the right thing for our baby.
Feeling well rested is so so very good. And important. I'm happy to say that there is sleep happening in this house. Now I have to go sew some bumpers for her crib. I know I know! I never made them because well she was in our room, and then mummified for so many months. And hearing her bump her head is so sad. Poor Quinney I'm sorry!
Thanks for stopping by!
Love,
Noelle
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