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What It’s Like When Your Baby Just Won’t Sleep
Ah, the joys of motherhood! There’s always that one friend whose baby effortlessly sleeps through the night by six weeks. You try to muster up some genuine happiness for her, but honestly, you’re just too drained to even pretend.
She shares her “amazing” sleep-training secrets, and suddenly you’re questioning your parenting skills. You vow to implement these tips and kick your parenting game up a notch.
As night falls, you give yourself a little pep talk. Tonight’s the night you’re going to tough it out. You envision seven glorious hours of sleep, even if it means picking up and laying down your little one a million times.
You tuck your baby into bed, and the moment you leave the room, the crying starts. You try shushing and rocking, then picking him up and placing him back in his crib until your back feels like it might break. You even attempt some rhythmic patting and a lullaby on repeat for what feels like 76 minutes. You really need to use the bathroom but decide to keep going.
After some ridiculous bouncing around the room like a sad rabbit, your baby seems to relax. Maybe you’ve finally cracked the code! You gently lay him down and tiptoe out, feeling a flicker of hope.
As you sink into your own bed, comfort washes over you. It’s been ages since you could lie down without a leaky sippy cup ruining your moment of peace. You drift off into a much-needed sleep.
But just two hours later, that peaceful slumber is shattered by rustling sounds. You try to ignore it, just like the other moms suggested. The rustling escalates into full-blown crying, and you’re torn. Maybe if you just close your eyes, it’ll magically disappear.
But the crying intensifies, and you realize you can’t hold out any longer. You stumble into his room, where he greets you with a grin as if he knows he’s won this round. You feel silly for even trying to resist.
He’s ready to play, and your resolve crumbles. The other moms made it sound so simple, and now you’re convinced you’ll never catch a good night’s sleep again. It’s just not fair!
You and your little one end up playing for another hour and a half, with snack demands and fridge raids. At this point, you’re so exhausted you tell yourself that a smear of ketchup is a perfectly acceptable bedtime snack.
Finally, your baby yawns, and hope surges through you. Maybe, just maybe, sleep is on the horizon. You scoop him up and bring him to your bed, where he settles on your pillow. You curl up around him, and he drifts off without a fuss. Could it really be happening?
As you glance at the clock, you see you still have three hours before it’s time to rise. You silently vow to avoid any chat about sleep with other moms from now on. You imagine all the ways you’ll make him rise early when he’s a teenager, and you even think about how to get your caffeine fix in the morning.
As he snuggles against you, his tiny hand resting on your face, you start to feel that familiar warmth. Yes, these moments make it all worth it, and you eventually drift into a crowded but peaceful sleep.
Summary:
Being a parent is a rollercoaster of sleepless nights and challenges, especially when you feel like others have it easier. This relatable tale captures the exhaustion and chaos of trying to get your baby to sleep, filled with moments of hope and frustration. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey of parenthood, and there are resources available for support, like Mount Sinai’s infertility resources and insights on home insemination. If you’re looking to explore more about artificial insemination, check out Make A Mom’s BabyMaker Kit.