I did my research first, made sure she wasn't teething, and she is not sick. She is ten months old this week and just started talking a lot (blog post to come later about that). So after many prayers and talking about it with her and each other, we decided it was time. Please don't judge me or criticize me for doing the CIO approach. I used to think it was horrible too, but we just can't keep doing this and we have tried everything with her to no avail. Trust me it hurts my heart to do this, literally kills me. My only consolation in all this is to know that holding/rocking her wasn't helping her either to fall asleep at night as she would just cry then too, so I know she is just fighting sleep in general.
I found the Sleepeasy Solution and am praying that it only takes about 3 days like the book says. I don't know if my heart can handle more. I also have no idea how I am going to do this on my own. I probably won't be able to stick to it at naps as Chris won't be here to comfort me. But at least nighttime is a start, right?
Have any of you ever had to sleep train? How long did the crying last if you did?
My heart is breaking for her. Please, please, please say a prayer for both her and I.
So how did it go? I am glad I'm the first to comment, because I am a big advocate of CIO (we did it with my daughter at 7 months last spring) and it was tough at first but SO WORTH it. Those first few nights will be painful, but you'll get through it-- you can do it!
ReplyDeleteI see the SITS button on your blog-- good to have ya in the SITStahood!
~Elizabeth
Confessions From A Working Mom
I was thinking of you guys and wondering about this last night! Hope it went well for you.
ReplyDeleteWith both of my children and CIO, it was less than a week before they were going down fully awake and falling asleep on their own with literally NO crying. :) And they cried a little less each day.
Keep us posted!! :)
You are not alone in making this difficult decision. I too, had to CIO for my oldest son. He was also ten months old and it did only last for three days. I bawled the first night. Each night he cried less and less. It gets easier. I won't tell you about my nightmare CIO for my second son. My daughter lasted about three nights also with CIO, and my youngest, I never had to do it with him. He was so easy (thank goodness). It's so different with each child.
ReplyDeleteI hope it works out for you. Just remember that it's a really short proportion of her life, and you know you're doing it for her own good.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from SITS to welcome you on board :)
Elizabeth-It went ok. She cried two hours, but I think that may have been because we didn't lay her down right on time. Tonight, we will try sooner. Thanks for the encouragment! :)
ReplyDeleteLauren-I'll definitely keep you all posted. It was so hard on me, but hopefully it will get better!
Charlene-I think I remember you telling me your nightmare with your second son! Eek! I pray I don't have that with her. Thanks for reassuring me.
Rachel-So good to keep that in mind. It won't last forever and we are going in to reassure her, so she knows she hasn't been abandoned. Thanks for stopping by! :)
Good for you! Although it breaks your heart to hear her cry now, remember the rewards far outweigh the discomfort. You will all be sleeping better soon! Training and discipline is not comfortable or enjoyable, but desperately needed. Praying for you these next few days!
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain! We are struggling with Remy's sleeping again and my heart is hurting for him and for me, as selfish as that is. Sometimes there is no other solution. Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteAngie-Thank you for praying!
ReplyDeleteRachel-I'll pray for Remy. It's no fun is it? :(