On Becoming Babywise

I definitely need some baby wisdom. We have been struggling with nursing issues and have been trying to help MJ get the sleep she needs since the very beginning of her life. She started out sleeping for an hour, then eating for an hour, etc. Slowly, her sleep lengthened, and she began sleeping for three-four hours at a time, then periods of five hours. We were ecstatic!! Then, just as suddenly as she started giving us this gift, she stopped. Now she's back to sleeping for only two-three hours at a time. It's like she dangled the most glorious carrot in front of us, and then snatched it away. Sometimes she will nurse for twenty minutes and be satisfied during the night, and then sleep. Other times, she will nurse for up to two hours, and still take a four-ounce formula supplement afterward. Gah!

My plan of attack is twofold, because clearly whatever we're doing now isn't effective for either of us. This week, we will make a third visit to Judy, our lactation consultant, to see what advice she has for us. Judy is wonderful. The first time I met with her, she talked me off the ledge after three nights of the most awful screaming I have ever encountered. How was I supposed to know that I had been starving my baby due to latch issues? It was a very dark time, but Judy, and my mother, got us through it. The second time, she gave me a nipple shield. Now, we can nurse without the shield, but I don't know how much she's really getting. Maybe I'm having supply issues? MJ's eating is just so inconsistent!!

My second step is to try the Babywise system. I've heard and read conflicting things about Babywise, but the anecdotal evidence I've heard from those who have implemented it is overwhelmingly positive. The bottom line is that we all need to be getting better sleep, and MJ needs to organize her eating a little better. If it works for us, then that's great, and we'll be on our way to a much happier baby (and mommy!). If not, we'll try something else.

Pray for us. I remain optimistic.