High Maintenance Baby Check-In

[yummeecookee]

How are all you mamas coping these days?

How are his and her highnesses sleeping these days? And where are they sleeping?

Any improvements with your LO? New tactics to get him/her to calm down?

Any new mamas joining us? I've been seeing a lot more complaints about non-sleepers!

[yummeecookee]

I'll kick us off....

How are all you mamas coping these days? Still rough times. I still feel like I'm in "survival mode" like from newborn days :/

How are his and her highnesses sleeping these days? And where are they sleeping?
C has been waking up about 3x a night. I usually just need to nurse him and he'll go back to sleep- so I suppose that's a plus. He sleeps in his crib but I usually bring him into my bed after his 3rd time up (around 5). I'm just so tired by then and it's easier to nurse him while lying down.
Naps range from in his swing, his bouncer or someone's arms but never last more than about 45min.

Any improvements with your LO? New tactics to get him/her to calm down?
So C really played me last week. I had taken him to the pedi for a little rash. She said he had mild eczema and told me a whole skin care routine to follow plus prescribed a hydrocortisone lotion. After a couple days, he was a brand new baby! He just seemed content and sweet and even fun. So I thought all his fussiness was due to his skin and those days would now be behind us.
By the wknd, he was his usual cranky self. Back to the normal pouting and crying and constant need to be held. Womp womp.

[winogirl]

yummeecookee, boo, sorry he tricked you! hopefully he will revert back to happy baby soon and permanently.

AFM - F had about 3-4 really good days before yesterday. Slept in the swing or rnp for all naps and they were 25 - 45 minutes long, which is a huge improvement over his previous naps. He also started to sleep for 3-3.5 hour stretches at night. We thought - yay! getting the longer naps is helping with night sleep and maybe we could start trying to transition to PnP or crib for night sleep to get him off me.

Unfortunately with me back to work yesterday that all came screeching to a halt. F was on a complete nap strike - did maybe one 20 minute nap in the rnp and all other naps were max 10-15 minutes. He was crying and screaming and I could tell DH was absolutely exhausted by the time I got home. He also chugged down 16-17 ounces during the day which led DH to call me frantically at 3pm asking if I could come home to feed him as we didn't have anything else thawed.

Today- DH is letting F nap on him and he is getting much longer and more consistent naps. I think we'll let that go on tomorrow and then try to transition back to naps in the swing or rnp. I want to give him a chance to acclimate to the new schedule - I'm guessing he just needs the extra comfort since I'm not there all day. Hopefully he is also comfort eating because there is no way I'll get that much pumped - I only got 11 ounces yesterday and am on track for that same amount today. We've got enough freezer stash to last probably until next week at that rate and then we'll have to supplement with formula, I'm trying not to stress about it.

It's going to get better - right? That's what we've been telling ourselves! At least my manager is being really understanding and letting me have a flexible schedule / WFH as needed.

[winogirl]

And I just checked my app and he is apparently in Leap 3 and maybe a growth spurt. Makes sense.

[winogirl]

And now according to DH we are at only 12.5 ounces as of 30 minutes ago! that is so much more manageable - here's hoping he stays there.

[younglove316]

yummeecookee I'm sorry things didn't stay that way for you.

It depends on the day for us but overall I still feel like she is hard to please. If she's not eating or sleeping, I don't really know what to do half the time. She's currently just fussing at me and I have no idea why.

Nighttime sleep thankfully has gotten better but naps are still hit or miss. One day she will give me 3 hours in her rnp and then the next day she will go a half hour if I'm lucky. It's still a lot of being held and generally being cranky about it.

[younglove316]

I really dislike this time of the day. It seems like it's always about this time when she is the worst. Nothing will satisfy her so she's just crying.

[pickles4prez]

Feb 16, 2016 16:59:26 GMT -5 younglove316 said:

yummeecookee I'm sorry things didn't stay that way for you.

It depends on the day for us but overall I still feel like she is hard to please. If she's not eating or sleeping, I don't really know what to do half the time. She's currently just fussing at me and I have no idea why.

Nighttime sleep thankfully has gotten better but naps are still hit or miss. One day she will give me 3 hours in her rnp and then the next day she will go a half hour if I'm lucky. It's still a lot of being held and generally being cranky about it.

I am so there with you! I've been trying to figure out what phrase to Google so I can read that I'm not alone!
LO sleeps well, but is just fussy during the day and has been this way for the last 6 weeks. We get maybe 30 pleasant minutes after she wakes and eat, the next 1 hour is a constant whine. It sounds like she's over stimulated, but if we try to put her down for another nap too soon, she freaks out. One of the few things that works is taking her for a walk in the stroller. She will nap, wake, nurse then just chill in the stroller. I've gone on 4 hour walks the last two days, but the weather is turning shitty again.
Please tell me this is just a long wonder week?

[pickles4prez]

How are all you mamas coping these days?
With support, I'm doing okay. By 6pm I am drained from trying to keep her happy. Thank dog MH is so supportive and takes the reins as soon as he gets home.

How are his and her highnesses sleeping these days? And where are they sleeping?
Sleeping well at night. Only way to get her to nap she got the day is wearing her in the Moby wrap while bouncing on the yoga ball for an hour. Sometimes I can rock her in the recliner.

Any improvements with your LO? New tactics to get him/her to calm down?
Long walks ><

Any new mamas joining us? I've been seeing a lot more complaints about non-sleepers!
I missed the first check-in, so hi!

[Deleted]

Hugs ladies! My 2 year old was in the high maintenance category when he was a baby. Averaged at least 4-5 wakes each night most of his 1st year. Didn't sleep through the night until after he was a year old & we stopped nursing.

Not sure if it had anything to do with it, but just before he turned 2 in December I found that he actually has a upper lip tie. Looking back, I'm wondering if not getting enough to eat when nursing caused some of it. No way to know now, but it was a thought.

[younglove316]

Today is one of those days where I'm ready to pull my hair out. She woke up at 6, it's now 130 and she's napped maybe 45 minutes today. I knows she's tired but she will not fall asleep. She's taken 5 ounces of food and I know if I give her more she's just going to puke but omg just go the eff to sleep.

[winogirl]

Feb 17, 2016 11:13:26 GMT -5 @jen4033 said:

Hugs ladies! My 2 year old was in the high maintenance category when he was a baby. Averaged at least 4-5 wakes each night most of his 1st year. Didn't sleep through the night until after he was a year old & we stopped nursing.

Not sure if it had anything to do with it, but just before he turned 2 in December I found that he actually has a upper lip tie. Looking back, I'm wondering if not getting enough to eat when nursing caused some of it. No way to know now, but it was a thought.

Finn also has an upper lip tie - ugh. We were hoping it would stretch out by itself but if this could potentially go on until he is a year I may push for us to pursue getting it fixed. blah. 

[Deleted]

Feb 17, 2016 13:33:28 GMT -5 winogirl said:

Feb 17, 2016 11:13:26 GMT -5 @jen4033 said:

Hugs ladies! My 2 year old was in the high maintenance category when he was a baby. Averaged at least 4-5 wakes each night most of his 1st year. Didn't sleep through the night until after he was a year old & we stopped nursing.

Not sure if it had anything to do with it, but just before he turned 2 in December I found that he actually has a upper lip tie. Looking back, I'm wondering if not getting enough to eat when nursing caused some of it. No way to know now, but it was a thought.

Finn also has an upper lip tie - ugh. We were hoping it would stretch out by itself but if this could potentially go on until he is a year I may push for us to pursue getting it fixed. blah. 

When I first learned of Carter's, I asked the Parenting group about their experiences & some of them referred me to the FB groups "Tongue Tie Babies Support Group" & I found one for my state of MN. I learned a lot from those groups & even found a provider we were going to take him to... until he smacked his mouth on big brother's head & tore it a little. Seemed to take care of the issue with his gaped teeth!

It may or may not be associated to his high maintenance personality, but worth exploring early on if possible, i think.

[winogirl]

Feb 17, 2016 14:32:06 GMT -5 @jen4033 said:

Feb 17, 2016 13:33:28 GMT -5 winogirl said:

Finn also has an upper lip tie - ugh. We were hoping it would stretch out by itself but if this could potentially go on until he is a year I may push for us to pursue getting it fixed. blah. 

When I first learned of Carter's, I asked the Parenting group about their experiences & some of them referred me to the FB groups "Tongue Tie Babies Support Group" & I found one for my state of MN. I learned a lot from those groups & even found a provider we were going to take him to... until he smacked his mouth on big brother's head & tore it a little. Seemed to take care of the issue with his gaped teeth!

It may or may not be associated to his high maintenance personality, but worth exploring early on if possible, i think.

Thanks - now to convince DH. He is totally convinced that we don't need to do anything about it (we are both kind of doctor averse but him more-so)

Found a facebook group for our location and I guess I'll start there!

[yummeecookee]

How do you know if your baby has any of these ties? Taking them to the pedi?

MH really wants me to do "something" about C. What, Im not sure. But he is convinced all this high maintenance behavior isnt normal. I keep thinking he is just a little fussy and needs more attention than other babies. I mean he will cry and scream in his swing but the second you pick him up, he shuts up. What that tells me is that he was screaming because he wanted attention and contact, not bc something was actually causing him discomfort.

[pearlvirus]

How are all you mamas coping these days? Most days I'm fine, but I have a lot of help or else I would be imploding. I have a high needs toddler as well.... When they tell you "no two kids are alike" that's true except for stuff you hope will be different the 2nd time, that stuff is the same ok that's overly dramatic, at least 2.0 is not a spitter like my first. I get chills remembering how much that constant drenching vomit sucked...

How are his and her highnesses sleeping these days? And where are they sleeping?
Mostly crappy, with random 3 hours naps thrown in to confuse me. I feel like her nighttime "long stretch" peaked at like 5 hours when she was 1 month and has slowly been getting shorter since then

Any improvements with your LO? New tactics to get him/her to calm down?
Nothing new for her, but I've been getting better at just riding through it. Once I've done all the things and tried all the positions, I surrender. I hold her and she cries until she is done. I've accepted sometimes there is no way to fix it.

Any new mamas joining us? I do need another venue for complaining...

[younglove316]

Feb 17, 2016 15:27:35 GMT -5 yummeecookee said:

How do you know if your baby has any of these ties? Taking them to the pedi?

MH really wants me to do "something" about C. What, Im not sure. But he is convinced all this high maintenance behavior isnt normal. I keep thinking he is just a little fussy and needs more attention than other babies. I mean he will cry and scream in his swing but the second you pick him up, he shuts up. What that tells me is that he was screaming because he wanted attention and contact, not bc something was actually causing him discomfort.

This is us too! If one more person asks me "well what do you think is wrong with her?" I'm probably going to go off on them. I mean it's not like I know and I'm just avoiding fixing it because I love listening to her scream so much.

[winogirl]

Feb 17, 2016 15:27:35 GMT -5 yummeecookee said:

How do you know if your baby has any of these ties? Taking them to the pedi?

MH really wants me to do "something" about C. What, Im not sure. But he is convinced all this high maintenance behavior isnt normal. I keep thinking he is just a little fussy and needs more attention than other babies. I mean he will cry and scream in his swing but the second you pick him up, he shuts up. What that tells me is that he was screaming because he wanted attention and contact, not bc something was actually causing him discomfort.

Our Chiropractor is certified to evaluate and so she checked him when we had our consult. She told us that most Pediatrician only know how to diagnose the major tongue tie and they don't usually check for lip tie or posterior tongue tie. I bet you could call to check though

[Deleted]

I thought that maybe I don't go here anymore but I was wrong. My baby is sooo high maintenance.

I cope by binge watching TV anytime I have down time. I have become a Grey's Anatomy junky. I need an intervention!

L usually sleeps really well at night. His first stretch is usually from 8-3 and then he sleeps till 6 or 6:30.

Naps have been either hit or miss. Sometimes he will sleep for 1.5-2 hours swaddled in his crib and other times I'm lucky if he sleeps for 15 minutes. All other naps are in my wrap or in my arms.

I can't always nurse him to calm him so I do a lot of bouncing and shushing. I also sing the songs I have always sang to DD and that calms him. He heard me sing those while I was still pregnant with him. I can't use a paci with him bc he can't seem to go between my breast and the paci without problems. So he has started sucking his fingers. Oh well! Hopefully he won't go to college still sucking them.

His vomiting has always been my biggest complaint. It has slowed but suddenly picked up again. He went from 1 vomit a day to 6 in the last 24 hours. He usually loses a pound or so when this happens so I always worry he is getting dehydrated. He screamed for 3 long hours yesterday evening and I thought I was going to die bf it stopped. I had no help bc my H was at work. DD was needing dinner and DS1 was trying to ask me a million unnecessary questions. By the time I got everyone in bed I was shaking on the inside. My whole body hurt and I felt like poo.

[winogirl]

Hugs @babylentilbean sounds like a rough night :-(

[pickles4prez]

So many hugs @babylentilbean

[yummeecookee]

So sorry @babylentilbean. I didn't realize L was still vomiting so much. Does that mean the surgery wasn't as successful as you hoped or was that expected?

[Deleted]

Feb 18, 2016 14:03:14 GMT -5 yummeecookee said:

So sorry @babylentilbean. I didn't realize L was still vomiting so much. Does that mean the surgery wasn't as successful as you hoped or was that expected?

Unfortunately, he has really bad reflux on top of having the pyloric stenosis. So he usually vomits at least once a day. When he is sick he vomits more. I just took him to the pedi and he has an ear infection that is so bad it has caused him to have a blister on his ear drum, which explains all the screaming from yesterday.

We are having weekly weight checks to make sure the surgery was a success bc he dropped a lot of weight 2 weeks after his surgery. So he was weighed on Monday and today. Since his vomiting has picked up he has already lost a few ounces since Monday. My real concern during these times is dehydration.

This little guy just can't catch a break. It really breaks my heart.

[yummeecookee]

Lots of T"s and P's to L @babylentilbean. I hope things turn around for him soon.

[pearlvirus]

I get so wound up, so easily. Today was mostly good, but she fought bedtime for 2 hours and I'm now fighting sleep too because I'm too mad to relax.

[sunfrogger88]

Hugs @babylentilbean !

[younglove316]

Feb 18, 2016 21:45:57 GMT -5 pearlvirus said:

I get so wound up, so easily. Today was mostly good, but she fought bedtime for 2 hours and I'm now fighting sleep too because I'm too mad to relax.

I know how you feel. I get so stressed as soon as it starts going south and then I feel worse once things calm. I just keep reminding myself this will pass, it's just a phase.

[winogirl]

pearlvirus, younglove316, I'm the same. We haven't been having any problems with the initial sleep lately (of course, still sleeping ON me so I guess that is a problem but one I'm not trying to fix this week) -- then of course yesterday he was a crazy man from about 6pm until 9:45 when I finally got him down (he usually naps sometime between 6-7:30, then awake for an hour or so then we try to go down for the night in the chair) - we had an awesome day otherwise but I just got SO stressed out and worked up when he wouldn't go down. then i'm wondering what we did that day that made it harder and second guessing everything. ugh

[younglove316]

How is everyone doing? DD2 is still refusing naps and I feel like I'm slowly going crazy. She's been fussing and crying for the last hour and I have no clue what to do at this point but it's driving me crazy. I really need her to start taking naps.

[pickles4prez]

Mar 6, 2016 16:50:43 GMT -5 younglove316 said:

How is everyone doing? DD2 is still refusing naps and I feel like I'm slowly going crazy. She's been fussing and crying for the last hour and I have no clue what to do at this point but it's driving me crazy. I really need her to start taking naps.

(Hugs) I'm back on the yoga ball, bouncing LO in her Moby wrap for her nap. It's literally the only way she will sleep aside from the car or stroller. I hope you find a hack that works for yours soon