A Family in Need of Sleep

Does she have any food allergies? Just wanted to throw that out there, my daugher has a milk allergy and she often times has terrible stomach aches (and diapers) if she accidentally gets some milk in her diet. Maybe try a bland diet until you can get her into the gastro dr

You may need to have your daughter seen by the ENT for the snoring, adnoids or tonsils out. Just an idea.

Hi S.:
My son and I did not sleep for the first 18 months of his life, and it turned out that he has multiple allergies. After consulting with many pediatricians & specialists, the person who helped us the most was our chiropractor (Dr. Majors in Plainfield) - w/ adjustments, change in diet and some lifestyle changes we are finally getting much needed sleep. Do not give up in your search for the reason(s) your little girl is unable to do what is a natural biological function - something is bothering her, and your determination to find some answers will pay off greatly. I wish you all the best!

I feel for you. I too have been there. Usually it was with my son but sometimes it could be a combo between all 3 children. Could she be having night terrors? When you go in there are her eyes actually open? If they are closed real tight she is probably having night terrors. Which usually are because of room temp (either too hot or too cold)or pure exhaustion. Does she remember that she is waking up in the night? She would also have no idea that she is doing this. They do say that it is normal at this age to wake up in the night because of nightnares and terrors but that doesn't help you when it is happening to you. My advice is to kind of make a mental note of everything during the day and see if anything is different in her schedule that could spark these night awakenings. Good luck!

I cannot say if this will affect her sleeping but the grouchy, miserable part could be the constipation. My son went through this and it was tough !! He went to see a ped. gast at Park Ridge(Lutheran General) They put him on Miralax which did wonders. It is now available over the counter!! I would highly recommend it. It is non habit forming. If you want more details on the "recovery" from constipation please email me and let me know. I won't bore everyone else with the "fun" details.Good Luck!

I don't mean to take this angle... but just in case... is she in daycare or with a nanny? Perhaps something is happening at daycare or with the nanny that is causing her psychological stress (or a family member) and thus causing her to not nap long (nightmares/etc). I do hope that this isn't the case... I hope it gets better for you soon!!!!!

You don't mention any naps, or how she does with naps. At her age, she should be getting about 13 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period. Sleep begets sleep, so if she's not napping and not getting enough sleep, she will actually be MORE awake and crabby, no sleepy. Unlike adults, who get sleepy when sleep is lost, children commonly have the opposite reaction. Can I recommend the book "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child"? I has some good information on getting your child restful, restorative sleep. Best wishes to you...

Hi S.- One of my daughters also snored and was up a lot. After many questions about allergies (which she has) we also determined she had huge andoids that needed to be removed. The did a soft tissue xray to determine the problem. You might want to talk to your Dr. about the possibility. Good Luck
B.

S.,

I've been going through this same thing with my 13 month old. His ped just says not sleeping is a "bad habit." Terrible answer! I finally talked to a chiropractor and had him examed. He's been under chiropractic care for 3 weeks now and is doing so much better! We still have off nights when he won't sleep, but it is getting better.

It's definitely worth looking into. We're seeing Dr. Maryam and Dr. Brian at Chiro One in OakBrook. They are very gentle with him. Their website is www.chiroone.net and they have several offices around the area.

good luck!

Sounds like your mommy instinct is telling you that something is definitely going on beyond what your doctor is telling you. There might be a quick fix or it could be a more complex issue. The fact that you're seeking out solutions to the problem shows great strength. If it turns out not to be a medical/physical problem, you might make an appointment with Dr. Weissebluth (www.sweetbabies.com), who is an expert on children's sleeping issues. Good luck!

I have had friends that have had success with music that is sung to a heartbeat. It sooths the baby down. I have also known people that bring in a sleeping bag and sleep next to the crib.
Good Luck.

S.:

constipation is NOT normal... Often it is allergy related/

Snoring is an airway issue...

there is obviously a lot more going on - you are welcome to call me.

P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group, Inc
www.lactationsupportgroup.com

S.,
The issue is the constipation. Go find another doctor and get another opinion. For now, you can try giving her natural foods to get her to have a BM. She may be so blocked that it may be too hard to push. Seriously, any doctor who says that there is nothing wrong with a chronically constipated baby should have their head examined. Two weeks is a long time so until then, try to get in with a chiropractor. Maybe he can recommend a colon hydrotherapist. A little water up the wazzoo to get things moving should make your baby feel better. :) Do not cry Momma, you will figure it out. Check out www.Mercola.com and try getting in to see him. People travel far and wide to see him and he is in our backyard. Good Luck and relax, you will figure this out and your baby will feel better soon.

Hi S.,

Your daughter may have Celiac (gluten intolerance) which is causing the constipation and sleep issues. If you suspect this contact Dr. Guandalini at the University of Chicago.

Or she could be hypoglycemic which causes a dramatic drop in blood sugar in the middle of the night.

My daughter has hypoglycemia and we give her a high protein snack right before bed and it helps (usually a large amount of natural peanut butter and cheese with some apple or banana).

Best wishes.

Our middle son would or could not sleep through the night in his bedroom I put him in the livingroom in a playpen and he slept through the night. We later found out there was black mold under his carpet and after we removed his carpet and replaed the flooring he slept in his room through the night strange but true. I also have always had white noise going in the form of a air cleaner. It drowns out any other sounds and is always on so the sound doesn't change. At this point I understand you are willing to try anything I know I was
I hope this helps.
Take a nap and have a great day
M.