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Is this separation anxiety or something else??

5 replies

jenweber630 · 07/08/2005 23:01

Hi -

Just wanting a bit of advice from someone who has been there... My son is almost 8 months old and up until about a month ago was sleeping at least 6-7 hours at his first stretch of sleep and 2-4 hours for his second. I've hardly gotten any sleep in the past few weeks - it seems like everytime he wakes up he immediately starts screaming. I'm getting up anywhere from 3-6 times a night and depending on the night, sometimes I can put him back down once he's back to sleep but sometimes he starts screaming all over again only to stop once I pick him up again. I've tried a variety of things - I've gotten a bedtime routine down pat. He's up to 3 meals a day as well as nursing in the morning, before naps sometimes, and before bed. Nights that he goes nuts when I put him down, I wrap him in a huge, light blanket so he doesn't keep waking himself by rubbing his eyes etc. I've got white noise in the background... I've tried controlled crying, even though I didn't like it, and he just wails himself sick and after the second or third time I go in to calm him it makes him even more upset and I can't stand it. Luckily I'm not working out of the house so I can take naps with him in the afternoon - which is great though the housework is suffering (luckily dp is understanding...). Anyone have any ideas? Or do I just need to stick it out as this is a phase he's going through?

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hunkermunker · 07/08/2005 23:01

Is he teething?

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overdraft · 07/08/2005 23:03

i think it is about this time that babies start to realise you are not connected to them and they get a little like this sometimes and it wont last forever.I hope you get some rest tonight you poor thing

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jenweber630 · 07/08/2005 23:13

I forgot to mention - he cut his first tooth yesterday... It certainly could be that - I've been using pain reliever and baby orajel (from the states) to numb his gums when it's seemed bad. Anyway, any further suggestions are welcome!!

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hunkermunker · 07/08/2005 23:21

Is he thirsty? Can you try giving him a drink of water? Does sound v teething related - poor boy. DS is cutting four atm, so know how horrible it is for everyone concerned!

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jenweber630 · 09/08/2005 18:34

I hadn't thought of water - that may help get him off the bfing at night anyway... The past few nights have been better though - whew!!