/Begin Husband Rant
I got no sleep last night. None. Early this morning... about 6:30, The Husband says "Well, I'll get up and help and take The Son to school." If my immediate problem is that I've had no sleep doesn't it make sense that "help" would mean helping me get some sleep? Apparently, not in his world. In his world, simply making the 10 minute drive to school and back is helping me... helping me what, I don't know. I still have The Daughter, still have all the other stuff I have to do as a parent, I just don't have to take a 10 minute drive. I still have no sleep. I'm, frankly, getting rather sick of having no help when it comes to sleep issues. Does this man have any freaking idea what it is like to be up every hour for 15 months and then a "good" night is one where I get 3-4 hours of sleep?
And, while I'm ranting... WHEN does this wierd toddler nursing stage end. It's driving me insane. The Daughter no longer nurses laying down... in fact, she only nurses in a variety of positions which make nursing difficult and chaotic. Her latch, which has always been fine, we've never had a single problem, suddenly hurts me to all creation and I believe it is her teeth... they are very large and I think they are rubbing against my breast while she nurses. I've tried taking her off and having her relatch but basically, I'm always feeling them and it hurts. I don't like it. And, last but not lease, the twiddling. Oh, I hate the twiddling... twiddling doesn't happen around here during the day but at night, she loves it and it drives me insane. Oh wait, and one more thing -- how could she possibly nurse more now than before (and, no she isn't night weaned anymore). Please tell me this gets better with time.
/End rant
Comments
((((Julie))))
I was actually thinking of you today. A girlfriend of mine was up all night with her son last night. He has been weaned, and they are suffering all the same things. He screamed, yelled, jumped around, hollered, etc. until around 3:30, and then slept for two hours and then started again. And her husband was just as supportive. Instead of taking a turn, he suggested ear plugs. She was so tired and close to tears this morning, and I suddenly had a very clear image of how I was two years ago, and how you must feel so much of the time.
Have you thought about setting limits around the nursing? That if she's going to hurt mama, the nursing session is over? I'm not sure. I remember Ethan doing cartwheels at this point, and I hated it. HAAAAATED it. It does pass, sometimes with some rules in place, but it does pass.
I wish I were there, or you here. I would love to give you the night off.
Posted by: Tanya | July 23, 2002 3:14 PM
((((julie))))
Posted by: Christine | July 23, 2002 7:25 PM
{{{{{{Julie}}}}}}}
I wish I could be there to help you! I wish I could take over for a few days so you could do nothing but sleep (ok, and nurse LOL) I wish I could wave that magic wand....
but instead I can only give cyberhugs...that sucks.
Posted by: Jill | July 23, 2002 8:47 PM
OMG I remember the twiddling! I let Kelly do it and then finally I HAD to redirect her... it took FOREVER of moving her hand away. I only let her twiddle because I'd read it would increase my supply. I think the standing nursing phase was more frustrating. ((HUGS))
sleep vibes your way
Posted by: Kathleen | July 24, 2002 12:12 AM
{{{{{Julie}}}}} I understand. I get *zero* help at night, and have actually many times watched DH sleep in after I have been up all night with the baby. It pisses me off more than I can even say.
About the twiddling, I hate it! I have never "allowed" him to twiddle, and honestly this was not a problem at all until about 4-ish months ago. Out of the blue he started trying to twiddle and throws really huge fits when I redirect him or tell him no. I just literally cannot stand, it HURTS really bad.
I hope things get better, I'm thinking of you.
Posted by: Debra | July 24, 2002 10:10 AM
oh jules huge hugs - nak here - a twiddles and it makes me batty, the onl thing i've found that really works to curb it at night when i can't do the tantrum about me redirecting her hand is to switch sides every time she starts. I guess it accomplishes the same thing - more letdowns and she doesn't wake as completely.
Posted by: kerr | July 24, 2002 11:03 AM
oh ((((Julie)))) I'm so sorry love...wish I was there too to help you out or even just to keep you company.
hope last night was a bit better??
Posted by: Lucia | July 24, 2002 11:55 AM