Sleep Training...Part Whatever
Well, the sleep training thing has been forfeited. Sort of.
It seems that Maura is going through the separation anxiety phase. She cries the moment I cross the threshold out of her room, and she stops crying the moment I step back in. Cries. Stops. Cries. Stops. Trust me, I've tested it. She is not protesting sleep, she's protesting my leaving her. She wants to fall asleep and often will fall asleep on her own, as long as I'm in the room. So I sit in the rocking chair, where she can see me. I don't touch her or hold her. She just watches me as she fades off.
On the other hand, my husband or the babysitter can put her in bed and leave the room, and she's fine.
I can't leave her crying for me. I can't stand to hear her crying, "Mamamamama!" Separation anxiety is just a phase, right? If she were protesting sleep, if she saw me and wanted to play, then I could handle letting her cry it out again. But she wants to sleep. She just wants the security of knowing that I'm nearby.
I've actually been having dh put her to bed. I think that it's better for everyone. But on evenings when he's at work, I just stay in the room and all is well.
Is this crazy??
posted by Christine at 9/26/2005 06:17:00 PM
8 Comments:
Awwwww, that's so sweet. I know it may be a hassle right now and at times a nusance...but the time will come when she goes to bed and closes the door behind her. Enjoy her everlasting love and need for her.
I definitely don't think it's crazy, and definitely see myself doing the same thing before too long. I'm with you -- I can handle the crying for certain things, but that would definitely not be one of them. Hang in there, and give Maura a squeeze for me...oh, and Bella does the same thing re: the coughs!! She has for quite some time -- I'll have to try the cough-versation with her some time. :)
My daughter is starting to go through the separation anxiety phase (she is 8 months old). Oddly enough, though, she is also starting to fall asleep on her own. I used to have to rock her to sleep...every night! Her separation anxiety is reserved for daytime.
BTW, I haven't been here in a while. I found your blog thru Kari(Beari). ;-)
My oldest started sleeping through the night and going to bed problem free once I let dh put him to bed. He was the same way though he always knew the instant I was or was not in the room. Maybe she needs something to focus/soothe her like one of those fisherprice aquarium crib toys? Several of my friends with babies swear by that thing- I said I was going to use one from the beginning with my youngest but of course completely forgot about it.
Totally not crazy. You gotta find what works for you both.
Find what works for you. After all - that's what matters right?
Thinking of you and hoping it eases up soon.
Yet again I posted a comment yesterday and its gone. *Sigh*
I said that we're having sleep trouble, too. Now that Liam can stand up in the crib, he stans up and wails at the top of his lungs when we leave the room. he looks so pathetic standing there, hanging onto the side of the crib and peering over the top while he screams. It is heartbreaking.
These days we're putting on some music and I have to force him to lay down and then I rub his back until he falls asleep. Rubbing his back makes him lay down. Otherwise he'll just stand up. Then he starts to cry because he's so tired, too.
I think if she goes down well for dh then that is a good solution for the two of you. I hope things get better.
Believe it or not I can remember way back to those days. You do need to do what works for you. I was in school at this point & needed study time so I used this chance for quiet time for myself too. I would sit & read while Blake layed in his crib listening to music until he drifted off. Even if I didn't have studies I used it as my unwinding time so I could build up a second wind to finish housework.
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