4 Months Regression vs Sleep Training
Hi,
I'm a 1st time mum with an active 15 weeks old baby boy. I've noticed a change in my baby's sleeping pattern and I am not sure if it's because he is approaching his 4 months sleeping regression or that he requires sleep training.
A bit of background information. My baby is both breastfed/formula fed. Nap times are about 40mins - 1.5 hours and I will try to aim every 1.5-2 hours or whenever he is showing signs of tiredness (combinations of being nursed to sleep or carried in a sling).
He hasn't slept well since his birth and he only started to show some improvement around 9 weeks where he would sleep for example 830pm-1230am, then wake 3am, then 5am and then 630am. I would usually nurse him back to sleep with top ups at 1230am with his night feed. Around 12-13 weeks he slept 830pm-230am, then woke up at 530am and then 730am. He would take up to 3 bottles of formula, 1 bottle of express and breastfeed throughout the day.
I thought everything was improving until 14 weeks his sleeping is out of whack. Now he sleeps at 830pm-12.00am and seems to be waking up nearly every 40mins-1 hour till 6am where I've had enough and wakeup myself. On top of this, I noticed he isn't finishing his bottles as previously, however taking a liking to the breasts more (I don't have much milk supply hence why I do combination feeding). I've checked everything on the checklist from soiled nappies, burping, feeding etc - but it seems he is comfortable being nursed back to sleep (for about 5-10mins).
My diet hasn't changed, nor his bedtime routine so I am thinking is he approaching his 4 months regression. My question is - do I allow his to play it out like this for the next coming weeks (is this the norm) or should I introduce sleep training (CIO) method? I am concerned as my nipples are getting very tender and carrying/rocking him to sleep is out of the question as I have sever pelvis pain. Any similar experience or sleep consultants that can assist would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Replies
Search "The Gentle Sleep Book" by Sarah Ocwell Smith if you need guidance in helping your little one sleep better. Babies don't need sleep training, CIO will only raise his stress hormones and teach him you are not coming when he needs you and is a really cruel method. Parenting doesn't stop at night time. follow your instincts and just be there for your baby. It does get better. Independence comes after dependence. You are your little one's world. I will try and add some helpful links on here xx
http://evolutionaryparenting.com/educating-the-experts-lesson-four-self-soothing/
http://www.phillyvoice.com/screaming-sleep/
http://www.phillyvoice.com/screaming-sleep-moral-imperative-end-cry-it-out/