Hi, I'm so glad I found this board. I have a 5 month old daughter. I don't know how Zennifer did it for as long as she did-at this point, I'm exhausted, and starting to have scary thoughts (like "I can't do this".) My dd used to sleep for 3-4 hours at a stretch, but now it's down to 2ish (although last night we did get a blissful 4 1/2hr stretch). Even so, I'm still sleepy and grouchy, and I don't want to be mad/resentful toward this beautiful tiny child. It's so helpful to hear other's stories & not feel so alone- all my friends are CIO adherents, and I just can't do it. I think of her tiny face all red with tears, and I can't. I'm feeling a little frightened, tho-we were already using many of these ideas before reading the book, and we're still having sleep problems-ugh.
A question-EP recommends having regular naptimes. What is the protocol when they won't sleep? Should I get dd up & play with her and try again soon, or wait for the next nap time? Sometimes (like today) it can take 2 or 3hours to get her to nap, so basically she's moved to the next nap cycle anyway. Other times, it'll take an hour longer, but then that impacts the nap times for the rest of the day. Anyone have any suggestions? And thanks so much, just for sharing-it really helps to know I'm not crazy.

Hi dorabee! I'm new too and I feel your pain. We too were following many of the suggestions before reading the book.....but not all of them and I really do feel that once we implement all her suggestions that we'll start seeing some progress. (at least I hope and pray for my sanity's sake!)

After reading your post I was wondering if you follow the "pre-nap routine" like the book suggests? Does your baby follow any "cycle" at all? My baby at that age was definitely doing everything every 3 hours....wake, eat, play, sleep, etc., etc. He was taking 3 naps a day but now we're down to 2 for the most part.

I've noticed this board is fairly new and so unfortunately I don't think we will get many responses right away

Oh well, I probably didn't help much but I wanted to say hi anyway

Margaret

Hi, thanks for responding. I am following most of her nap suggestions (ie-a sound cue, trying to watch for sleep cues, trying at the same time every day). There just doesn't seem to be much of a pattern-for 3 days last week she was napping about 11, and since then she hasn't napped then at all. I never know when she's going to get tired. Oh well, we'll keep trying. That's the whole point, isn't it, to try to be consistent.
I read your post about the hour long bedtime routine-ours isn't that long either, but I do try to limit the activity/noise/brightness starting about an hour before bedtime. It does seem to help.
Thanks for your note. Mostly, it was just really helpful to find other people going through the same thing-helps one feel less alone!
Thanks