Babies Born May 2006 #25

[Jodie259]

Gentle Parent?......... Certainly not to the extreme that some BB's are. I co-slept with Shaun for the early months. I give him massages, I'm not keen on smacking him. But I don't believe in long term co-sleeping, as it's not good for the parental relationship. I fully recommend sleep schools and some sleep techniques (but not prolonged crying - which is NOT taught at sleep schools anymore). I couldn't breastfeed (although I tried) but many gentle parents see that as bad mummy! I believe that a happy mummy creates a happy child. So I give myself 'time out' whenever I can. I do whatever it takes to get him to sleep, so that I can also get a few hours sleep.... I know this is a "gentle parenting" site - so I was very hesitant to mention medication for sleep. I've been condemned for mentioning sleep school before. But when a parent tries everything (including all the gentle parent skills) - and there is no success - then I say you should try anything. I'm sure 'gentle parents' don't hesitate to give panadol... so I don't see non-prescription sleep medication any different to that. Funny enough - I rarely ever give Shaun Panadol.

talking of sleep... I was recommended Vallergan. Funny enough, I was reading the "toddler taming" book last night - and the doc (who is Australian) also recommended Vallergan. I just mix 5mls into his bottle of milk. It doesn't knock him out immediately. He just goes to sleep as normal - but he stays asleep until the morning - and wakes up all happy.

Congrats Briley for your first tooth!!!!!

Lea: not real keen on the green. Maybe a darker shade would be a bit easier (I'm old, my eyesight is probably going). Fancy dress party - how cool!!! Maybe I will do that for Shauns 2nd.

I just got back from work tonight. I worked two hours, and thought I would hate it. But I rather enjoyed it. I came home and asked DH if he would mind if I work every second Thursday night, and every 2nd Saturday. He seems to think that will be okay.