The Routine

When I posted the other day about lack of sleep and how long its been since I've slept a solid night I really hope I didn't come off as a major complainer. And even if I didn't come off that way I realized I'm not okay with my lack of sleep. So it is time for a change.

First, I'm not a fan of the "Cry it out," method (CIO) at all. I believe if an infant is crying they are trying to tell you something. I also believe in following your child's ques and that a Mother knows her own baby the best. That said, I can tell when Edee is hungry, tired or not feeling well. And I also know when she is just fussing to fuss, which luckily isn't very often. However I do not believe in spoiling my child and not allowing her to cry at all. I do realize crying is healthy.

Instead of the CIO method I've been looking into and following the "No Sleep Solution." It is not a strict system but instead makes many recommendations, which sits well with me because, as we all know, all babies are different. The No Sleep Solution recommended to follow a routine every evening to help your child recognize it is time for sleep. Then when they are crying use a chosen form of comfort to help sooth them to sleep. Ex. Hush them, pat their back, rock them to sleep.

So, after much thought and advice from friends and our pediatrician I've started a routine for Edee. It is no walk in the park my friends. I commend the Moms who have put in the work at an earlier stage. You deserve those quiet hours of relaxing at night. Enjoy them.
 
Our routine of: dinner time a.k.a. finger foods for Edee, 10-15 minutes of play time, bath time, story time ending with the same book each time, then bottle/breastfeeding in the bedroom with lights off is a great routine. Edee is already starting to show signs of calming during story time. If she is still rather active during story time I give her 10 more minutes of playtime as I know falling asleep during breastfeeding will be a struggle.

However, not every night of the same routine elicits the same response from her. Atleast, not yet. A couple of the nights the routine worked wonders. She even slept well through the night and woke up between 8:00 and 8:30 in the morning. Then there are nights when Edee fights to fall asleep and wants to play, play, play that make me want to give up (and scream my head off and stomp my feet and cry.)  These times make me wonder if the routine will ever work. But, advisors say it takes awhile.

For the most part though, I feel good about trying this routine because I know consistancy will go a long way. I don't have the strength to let my child cry it out until she finally passes out from exhaustion either. So, this choice seems more realistic and suitable for us. Also, I feel like I've been doing something wrong or taking her lead shouldn't have lasted as long as it did. I just know we needed a change. 

I think the most difficult part about our new process is sticking to it. I'm not a strict scheduled person so sticking to the game plan is a struggle. However, we've got one week behind us. So, here's to week #2. Sticking with it for one whole week will have to be enough for now. Advice (and prayers) for mama and baby are welcomed and greatly appreciated on this topic.


Keep loving.