I am exhausted - HELP...

[jemima]

Hi all

DD is now 8 months and has always been a pretty good sleeper - would go until between 5am and 6am have a quick feed then go back to sleep but over the past couple of months she has been waking more frequently and the only way she will settle is to have a feed.

DH is away for work a lot so I have been co sleeping with her once she wakes (survival mode - I need to try and get as much sleep as I can while he is away) and I am wondering if she now will only settle when she is in bed and snuggled up next to me and if she is feeding. She has taken to playing and squealing when she wakes up and kicks her legs and throws her arms about - like she thinks it is play time. I never have the lights on and try not to engage with her. I try to ignore her but it is very hard when she is throwing herslef about in the bed LOL!!

I just want to her start sleeping again - I dont mind her waking once to feed or settle her (although to sleep through would be great LOL) but it has been numerous times - I have been giving her a dream feed and she has been waking about an hour later and if I try to settle her without feeding her (although she often doesnt get much and is really just sucking for comfort) she just screams.

I guess I am wondering if by having her in my bed she is now reliant on having me to comfort her to sleep (days sleeps are fine in her own bed). I just dont know anymore!!

When DH is home I have tried getting him to settle her in her own bed but this hasnt worked either.

I hope this makes sense and I would realy appreciate some ideas! I am not functioning too well during the day chasing after the DS 1 and 2 on not much sleep at all - particluarly when DH is away.

TIA
Jem

[firstbub]

Hi there,

I am actually going through the same thing with my 9 month old little girl. I have actually posted a thread on here called 'Waking in the night still at 9 months'. Maybe you should have a look because there is some good advice on there.

I know how you feel about bringing bub into bed with you. Last night Ella woke at 11 so i gave her a feed and she went straight back to sleep. Then she woke at 3 and she was wide eyed and wanted to play. I gave her a feed and the only way she would go back to sleep was to come into bed with us. It is very tiring though when she just wants to poke me in the face and pull my hair.

I hope things get better for you soon and that you get some more sleep!!

[jemima]

Thanks firstbub - I will have a look at your thread!! I feel so guilty getting frustrated about this but I just NEED to sleep!!! Good luck with your sleeping issues. Lets just hope it is a phase! Take care and sending your DD sleeping vibes!!