The other week Max’s “nap” ended with me yelling in frustration and Max not sleeping. Not my finest moment. Actually, I’ve been having a few too many “not fine moments”. I strive to be a gentle parent – one who guides and nurtures. Not one who yells or loses control over seemingly small things. But, sleep and rest and a moment’s peace – I need those things. I need them to function.
While Jemma has seamlessly transitioned from bedsharing to her own bed and waking often to sleeping through the night, Max isn’t there yet. I believe part of this is due to his age and personality, but in my heart of hearts I know we’ve built a poor cycle with sleep, specifically naps. But how to fix it?
Now, I’m a researcher at heart, I know what book I’d start with to find some answers about sleep. But you know what? The last book I read was around the New Year – 10 months ago. So, yeah, a book isn’t really in my immediate future. But sleep for my Bubs. Yep, that needed to happen sooner rather than later. So … help?
I thought a sleep consultant might be a good way to go – someone who could guide me and give me ideas. But sleep consultant equals cry it out advice, right? Well, come to find out, not always. You see, I’ve done enough reading and research to know that I’m not supportive of crying it out or strict training. It’s just not something I’m comfortable with practicing in our family. I mean, I’m a bedsharing/cosleeping mama which is kind of the opposite of cry-it-out-sleep-in-your-crib-all-night-long. I feel like when it comes to sleep my role as a mama is to facilitate a safe environment and teach my children to love sleep as they grow, not overnight.
So anyways, when I found Nicole and read about her experience and training I sensed that she might be my girl. And then I read this, “I do not believe in just one sleep training approach, I believe in what the parent believes in; Their philosophy on parenting is mine. I work to support their style of parenting and will custom tailor a sleep plan to suit the child’s temperament, parent’s needs and concerns.” And I knew she could point me in the right direction. She could give me action items to implement to turn our naps into quality slumber and my frustration into a bit of productive mama time :)
Are you needing sleep guidance in your family? Hop over to Nicole’s Facebook page and read more about the packages she offers here. I’ll be back tomorrow to share a little Q&A with Nicole that includes some sleep advice we can all apply :)
Belly to Bean Sleep Consulting provided me with sleep advice in exchange for sharing our experience.
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Parker's sleep habits tend to change on a monthly basis…we are going through a rough patch currently, but it seems to be the pattern so far. :(
We have occasional disruptions to Seth's pattern now, but nothing to worry about. BUT he was 100% co-sleeping with us from day one and it took 3 years to move him to his own bed. 100% co-sleeping doesn't feel as "right" this time as it did- I'm interested to see how things play out over the next year in our home. I welcome "normalcy", whatever that is, but so don't want to wish my baby's days away!
Isn't quality sleep the holy grail of parenting??Penny recently went through a stint of waking literally every 1 1/2 – 2 hours through the night. Staying in her own bed, but wanting a back rub from mama or a rock in the glider. All of which I am more than happy to do 1-2 times per night, or even every 1 1/2 – 2 hours if she needs it BUT NOT for 2 weeks straight. And while mama is 1/2 way done baking #2. We introduced a new sleeping aid (I'll also be posting about it on The Pierogie Mama) and Penny quickly took to it and understood what it stands for. Now we're back to 1-2 wake ups – a quick rub, reassurance from mama or daddy and quick slumbers. Even a few nights where no wake ups between 12 – 6a. Woo hoo!
I'm so excited to read your sleep aid review/post. I think we'll totally need something like that for Max in the coming year.
Jemma took a good 2 1/2 years to transition from cosleeping to her own bed. It was super gradual and worked really well for her. It's funny how different #2 is though! Max has thrown me for a bit of a loop!
Do you feel like it's tied to her wonder week leaps? Between that and teeth I feel like things don't stay settled for long.
I need to look into her. Ian is dropping his last feed which has resulted in him wanting to start the day between 530-630 instead of his 7-8 usual start time. I am literally not making it through the days due to exhaustion. And that means Ian isn't getting the mom he deserves. I look forward to your Q&A.xxjosie http://www.straightnochase.com