2 Week Old Has Days and Nights Switched

A.,

This is VERY typical for newborns to have days and nights switched. What I did with both if mine (now 4 1/2 years and 14 months) was to have just enough light to see by, but dim at night. Night time was all about quiet and little to no interaction. When they needed nursing I'd go in, or usually bring them to my bed so I could nap a little while they nursed, feed them, then right back to bed. The light was always dim and the area was always quiet. During the day however, the lights were on the TV was on, there was a lot of noise and interaction.

It took about a month or so, but both of my kids got on the right track fairly quickly.

Hope this helps,
Melissa

Try to sleep when he is sleeping, (I know hard because of the older kid) baby should transition on his own soon.

Hi A.,

You should know that babies naturally have it all backwards to begin with. Do try sleeping with him during the day. Your oldest will help keep the daytimes more noisy and disruptive. And do keep the nights all about sleeping as much as possible. I would highly recommend co-sleeping with your newborn. It is the best way I have found to get enough sleep! The first 8 weeks (forth trimester!) are the toughest as they figure out day and night and work out some major kinks with their digestive system. Keep nursing! It will help you both. Formulas often cause more trouble than they are worth in the short term (gas, diarrhea, constipation) and long term (allergies, asthma) health of your baby. Be patient with both you and your kids. You will be up to snuff by August. It will be OK! Rest, drink plenty of water, and take your vitamins! Is there anybody that can help spell you during the day? Have you thought about hiring a postpartum doula while you heal? Don't be afraid to ask for help. Most people are just waiting for the invitation. Best of wishes.

Oh my do I know what you mean. I thought after my second was born (now 6 weeks today) that I had forgotten everything about bringing home a little one. I have a 5 1/2 year old too. Well the baby had jaundice so we were at first at the doctor everyday to have her tested and I finally asked at the beginning what was going on. My doctor which is wonderful and a mom herself reminded me that babies have growth sperts at about 2 and 4 weeks. So they will start to get in a routine and then it changes so they can grow. I know you are getting little and speratic sleep but it won't last forever. Because of your other child do things as normal have the lights on, tv, talk, etc. But at night low lights and be quiet so they know the change of time. They will pick up on things soon. Also, I am not one for having the baby in the bed but my doctor also said that if you have the baby with you like I did in the hospital and feed and if you both can fall asleep together then that is good too.

My little one had things all messed up and then she seemed to be up all the time 24 hours just eating. I was at the end of my rope and just had to sleep. My friend who is a labor and delivery nurse and my doctor told me to have my husband or son feed her a couple ounces of a bottle if she would take it. Nipple confusion should not be an issue and so I did and was able to get a couple of hours while my husband took his shift at things. That is the best thing I did. I also found she loves the swing so I put her in there and let her either just look at things and listen to it play music and swing. I can get ready and feel good again and my son lets me know if she makes noise or is awake. Also, I can sleep on the sofa next to her and hear her make noise if I need to get her.

If you need someone to talk to :) Good luck!

My only advice is for when he gets older. You have to stop breast feeding and he will start sleeping though the night. Some things we tried (and failed) with my son, but might work for you is. A sound machine in the bedroom with him. Develop a routine dinner, bath, another bit of dinner and then to bed. Feed him rice cereal (when he is old enough) before bed time.

It sounds like though, that baby is just getting used to his surroundings. Sleep training is for older babies. I know that this time feels like it will last for ever. I remember waking up every day saying "please God, let this be the first night he sleeps though." I know what you are going though. Baby will learn on his own time though. Good luck.

Wake him up during the day. Don't let him sleep for four hours during the day. He will be CRABBY at first, but after a couple of days, he will get it. it worked for us!
Good Luck!

I am a Lactation Consultant, postpartum Doula and have done a lot of consultations for sleep. first of all, don't let this baby sleep 4 hours during the day! wake him after 2.5 hours or so so you can begin to switch this. Also make sure you sleep during the day when you can.

look at where he is sleeping, too. maybe where he sleeps during the day is more comfortable than where he is at night...call or email if you'd like more help.

R. Beebe www.second9months.com!