discussion title:
CIO in middle of the night? (longish)
message #:
7002.2 in response to 7002.1
How old is she...could it be time for a growth spurt? (I think if its a growth spurt habits would be changing during the day also)
Clayt can be the same way about food at certain times. (he will scream and scream until he gets more food even if he just ate a couple hours ago) He's 6 months old now and its probably time to start some solids, but I'm stalling, its so much easier to nurse him a little more!
My advice is to keep a journal of her waking up(when) and crying times (how long and to what degree (screaming, fussing etc). If you see a pattern, then it is most likely a habit.
If it seems to be stubbornness, that is a character trait I want to effectively control as early as possible. My motto is the longer I "deal" with it, the more I'm allowing them to practice something bad for them.
One of the biggest clues for me is if the behavior changes immediately when I pick them up. If they aren't feeling well they usually tend to continue to fuss, but if they change their attitude like you flipped a switch then that's usually a case of stubbornness.
Personality traits are given to do good, but generally they need to be tended to and steered onto the right course. Lack of sleep is bad for the entire household. So in this case, the trait is being used negatively.
So, my best advice is that once you've ruled out a growth spurt or sickness is to devise a plan and stick to it for a week, then re-evaluate where you are at. Stubborn babies can take longer to choose to self soothe, so if you are seeing a difference just keep at it, if things are getting worse after a full week you might want to check into having her checked out at the pediatricians office. Our pediatrician advocates CIO, which is rare now-a-days, but I think if you take a look at the youth in America, its in a sad state and I believe it's due to the decline in biblical parenting styles and following what the world has to offer.
One last thing (which should be first actually!)...Praying in the spirit over babies (either mine or in the nursery) works every time for me!
Seek God in everything you do and He will direct your steps better than any person in this world possibly can! (I tend to forget that when I need advice). He will give you wisdom when you ask and peace that surpasses all understanding, because that's the way He works.
Thanks to Terra for my siggy!
