Exhausted Mommy Can't Get Her Son to sleep....help!

S.-
If you have ruled out any medical issues, I recommend reading "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Dr. Marc Weissbluth. (Pediatrician who specializes in sleep disorders in kids.) It is a great book and goes into a lot of detail about sleep habits and correcting sleep problems in Children. He talks a little about the increase in risk of post-partum (?) depression in women with colicky babies.
If you really want some help, you can try to get an appointment with Dr. Weissbluth. He's in Chicago. Here's the site for the hospital he works at. http://www.childrensmemorial.org/findadoc/doctor.asp?ID=1...
Good Luck!

My daughter was the same way...she cried all the time. If she was not eating or sleeping she was crying!! We had to change her formula 3 times to Alementum?? The doctors diagnosed her with colic and possibly lactose intolerant. It did help some. She stopped the crying around 1 year...good luck and know that you are NOT the only one in those shoes!! Take care.

I've got three kiddos (4 mo to 4 yrs) and it seems that each one handles sleep so differently. I'm sure you've gotten an array of advice so far, but I would do whatever it takes to get him caught up on sleep...and you a break from the crying. It will wear you down!!! If that means feeding once at night, try it. Could it be an ear infection? (My daughter never rubbed or complained, just screamed when we tried to put her down.)

It's amazing how much sleep effects daily life...and how quickly those babies can fall behind on sleep. During the day, make sure you're really reading his sleep cues. Put him down at the first sign of sleepiness...red eyes, a yawn, rubbing his eyes...anything. At this stage, he should still be taking 2 2+/- hr naps a day. I know its hard to cater to the baby when you've got an older one in tow, but sleep is so important. Once he's sleeping better and you know its not a medical issue, you can wean the props...whatever they may be. Crying it out...a decision you have to make if you can do it. It took 10 days for our first at 8 months. It was hard to do. Healthy Sleep Habits is a GREAT book to have.

After reading some of the other posts...I agree with the "give yourself a break" anyway you can. You need it. Also, constipation...(been there) unless its days behind, it'll only hurt when he's trying to go to bathroom. OTC Miralax is wonderful if he does need it. One of mine's been on it for 3 years. Reflux? He's too old...unless this is late onset?? My 4 mo has it, so I know what that's like. Has your son been this way since birth, or is the crying and not sleeping a recent development.

Anyway...hope that helps!

Hey S.,
What you are feeling is totally normal. Have you had his ears checked? I did the same thing to my mom. She said that I didn't sleep through the night until I was almost 2. The reason was because of chronic ear infections. She said that she went to the doctor because she thought she was going crazy. Turns out that it was just exhaustion. Your little guy may be teething too. Call his pediatrition and let them know what's going on. Just keep reminding yourself that him screaming like that is the only way of letting you know that something is bothering him. I know that sometimes it feels like the little stinker is on a campaign to send you to crazy town. You may also want to try putting some rice cereal in his bottle before bed or just feeding him some cereal to fill his tummy up. Listen, I totally understand your thinking about how it's understandable how some mothers can snap. Don't think you are the only one that thinks that. I know I have said that to my sister several times. When you start feeling like you can't take it anymore just lay him down in his crib and go out side for a few minutes to get your mind cleared. It does make a difference. Hang in there. You are doing a great job! Don't forget to call his doctor!

Ok, if your son is screaming while you are trying to comfort him and he never calls, this might be red flag that something is wrong. If you are unable to console your baby, please take him to a MD to be looked at.
If he is able to console, then you need to maybe try a new schedule. When you do put him to sleep, do you talk to him while doing this or even play with him a little bit? I read somewhere that you can't stimulate your babies, when you are trying to put them to sleep. I have twin boys, and we wouldn't even talk to them when we came in the room to lay them down. We would simply lay them down, cover them up with their blanket, turn on their music and then leave the room. This lets them know the difference between playtime and nightime/nap time.
Does your baby take a pacifier? I know some people don't promote these, but sometimes a baby needs that comforting measure, so it might be something you try. To get him to take one, you could put a little bit of something, like sugar water, on the end of the pacifier. This acts as a "runner's high" and will calm your baby. It is harmless, as long as you aren't always dipping the pacifier into this. It will help calm your baby though.

ok so what do you feed your 10 month old b4 bedtime?i have been having the exact same problems with my 11 month old. he was waking up everynight at the same time 12:00 exactly and i would give him some warm water to soothe him and he would fall back asleep. he hasnt taken a naap in like 4 days, in fact today was the first day in a while that he actually took a decent nap. and i have a 3 yr old that wont take naps either. he makes himself play so he doesnt fall alseep. then they both take a power nap at like 6 or 7 pm. i feed my baby a big meal before bedtime. that way i know he isnt hungary and i make sure that he has a clean diaper right b4 bed. what have you tried???

I read the responses thus far and thought I would add a couple of things...
If you think that you may be depressed --- or becoming depressed b/c of sleep deprevation---try and find someone to talk to(I recommend a professional only b/c they don't have any personal investment in the situation)

The crying creates a viscious circle--- it makes you tense - baby feels your tenstion-- it 'scares' him or makes him uncomfortable so he cries even MORE.....whicn leads to more axiety etc. etc..... etc...

THe unfortunate thing with babies is that they can communicate in so few ways....and crying is the main one....some people perceive this as 'controlling' but it really is the only way they have to try and get a need met. It isn't like a baby can get up and fix a bottle or change a diaper--or even say this milk is making me sick.....or whatever.

I agree with the people who suggest investigating medical issues.

Then I would suggest doing anything you can to get sleep...Even if it means going to a hotel and paying someone to watch the kids.I think a well rested mom is better able to handle everything. If you can't do a night...maybe an afternoon break where you can nap and someone else takes care of the baby.

Now when my kids cry I can't sleep...I have to be completely separate from them---as in at another location.....So even when my Dh would agree to deal with them- it didn't help me sleep.

You should contact your doctor immediately!!! Crying for 5 hours is a sign there is something terribly wrong.

S.,

I went through a similiar experience with my son from about 3 weeks of age until about 2.5 months of age. My heart goes out to you and your little boy. What you are going through is very hard.

I would definitely pursue the medical track. As a first time mom, I thought it was normal for a new born to cry 20 out of 24 hours. My pediatrician didn't indicate otherwise. It was my mother who kept pushing me to pursue another doctor. It was the best thing I ever did. Ian was diagnosed with Acid Reflux. I was skeptical as the first two medicines didn't work. However, my second doctor was really good and he was fairly certain that Ian was suffering from this. Even nice enough to call me at home to see how things were going. The 3rd medicine has worked like a charm. Ian started sleeping through the night at 8 or 9 weeks and still does (he is 4 months now). You son may not have acid reflux, but my doctor said that babies should not be crying that much.

So, if you are in the Tulsa area, I recommend Dr. Zetik. Or, if you have a good pediatrician then I would call as soon as possible. Let me know if you want more information for our doctor.

Hi S.,
I can so relate to what you are going through although it's not as long as yours seems to be. So here are my suggestions
1) check the teething. My daughter is 12 months old and when she cut her 1st 2 teeth, she was a grizzly bear in baby clothes, lol. We had to use teething tablets, alternate between tylenol and motrin there for a couple days.
2) Add in a snack before bedtime nothing messy, something little that satisy him. And then continue on to his normal routine.
3) Like Suzi, I have used and still do use the same type of thing when I have a screaming child. You may just have a screamer on your hands. If you have ruled out all of the above and he is not hungry, needing a diaper change, needing something to eat or anything else of this nature then decide what you are gonna do. Here is what I do and a couple variations. When he starts screaming, tell him in a stern voice, low tone voice and loud enough that you are over his screaming, say to him "no, no screaming and then either one put him in a "safe spot" like a corner on the floor or even his bed and tell him when he is done screaming he may get out. Like Suzi if you hear a lower in tone, a softer scream anything go get him and get him out. You may not for awhile get him to stop screaming fully but if you can get him quieter at this point would be better than nothing. For the first couple of days you may only leave him in there 5 minutes but as you go on leave him in there longer and longer and listen for quieter and quieter cries. Also make sure you are reinforcing words, like when you give him a sippy cup let him know "cup", "drink". Let him know it's time to eat, dinner time, breakfast, etc. Get him to try and communicate. Also as you are going through your day let him know ________ it's time for nap now, it's time to eat now, it's time for bed and you need to lay down and go night, night. You may have to get him prepared for shorted periods of time maybe you tell him what he will be doing in 10 minutes and keep going from there. All the while reinforcing that he can't hear you if he is screaming. I hope this helps. Discipline starts when they become mobile. Let him know effective ways to communicate.

First of all-- have you talked to your dr. or pediatrition? Sounds like your baby might have gas. There are over the counter homeopathic remedies that are melt away (smaller than a pea size) made just for babies. You might try that, there has to be a reason for the screaming-discomfort. My son went through alot of gas problems until he was off formula. Good luck

S.,

I had a colicky baby for six months and I do understand exactly what you are feeling. You're not crazy and you're not alone. You don't mention anything about asking the pediatrician about this. I do think it is time to consider if there is something going on that is causing him pain. You are doing all the right things. The other thing I want to encourage you to do is take care of yourself in the midst of this. During our colicky season a friend offered to watch our little one and I told her no because I knew she would cry the whole time I was gone and why would I want to do that to my friend? She responded with "You deal with this 24/7. Do you not think I could handle a couple of hours? You need to take some time for yourself. YOu need to take some time for your marriage. Because this child takes so much physical and emotional energy, make sure you are doing some things that will fill up your physical and emotional fuel tank!

S.,

Given that you DO seem to be doing the right things, I think it is time for a talk with your pediatrician. You do want to rule out such issues as persistant ear fluid (which can cause irritability when you lay them down), and gastric issues like internal reflux.

Also, if you have a good pediatrician, even if nothing is medically wrong they may still have some good ideas for you. Good luck and keep us posted!

M. (Mom of 3 boys 4 1/2 year old twins and a 3 1/2 year old)

I remember my nephew was a horrible baby, just cried all night and was a real pain in the butt! He was also constipated ALLOT! He would make these odd noises sometimes, like you would if you were taking a huge one and it hurt. And his poop would often be hard round pebbles. I think that there was something wrong with his formula, because as soon as he got off the bottle life was normal.
You mentioned constipation, so I would look into that and gas pain first....see your doctor and be persistant, because I have seen way too many doctors lately that hardly seem to care.
And it is perfectly normal to be miserable and even angry when a baby won't stop crying...it was so bad for my sister that when she got pregnant with her second child she cried, and worried about what the baby would be like. Use your friends and family as much as they will let you, gotta give yourself a break and peace of mind.

Hi,

I feel for you I know how it is... I had a different experience than you however it could provide you with some ideas of things that you could seek out. My daugthter had problem with wheat/gluten and she screamed the first 4 months till I found out she had a problem. She outgrew it but I do think it's possible that he could have a allergy or intolerance to a food. I would see out that route. I know for my daughter she became a totally different baby after the wheat was out of her system. I was breastfeeding her & she would turn back to that crying baby if I had wheat or gluten by accident I could always tell & would read labels & always found what I had ate on accident to explain her change. Whatever you do you have to seek help the crying can cause depression and problems in your marriage and with your other child as well. I would seek for help from your pedicatrician and if you don't get answers or help that satisfy you go somewhere else. There is a reason why he's crying & acting like this. For me I went the routes of the Dr's and she was sent to Childrens Hospital etc and they couldn't find anything. I ended up getting the best help & advise from the LLL and they gave me the best & correct information for my situation. I hope you find the answers & solution you need for everyone :)

L.

Have you talked to your pediatrician about this?? Maybe there is a medical issue. We have an 11 year old and a one year old. Our one year old started sleeping through the night real good when she was three months old. This past week has been another issue.....im exhausted with little sleep. Come to find out after three visits to the pediatrician she has a double ear infection...and the first antibiotic didn't work. Needed a stronger one. I just kept taking her back to the doctor insisting there were other things going on.....try that. Otherwise, it sounds like you are doing everything right.....can't think of anything else. Sorry if this doesn't help.

I think we've all had those nights, don't feel bad! You are doing the right thing by seeking help.
I agree with everyone's suggestion to rule out a medical issue or allergy first.
As for "crying it out" - not everyone uses that method. He could be teething, having nightmares, but my guess would be it's separation anxiety. If it were me, I'd bring him to your bed and see if that helps things for a while. Brining a 10 month old baby to your bed does not mean you will have an 8 year old in your bed... I wouldn't deprive him of his needs if it's simply to be close to you. I know lots and lots of moms would disagree with me on that one :)
Good luck to you and most important, take heart that you aren't alone and lots of us have been in your frustrating situation!

might be teething.have you tried teething tabs? they are in the pharmacy section and the baby section at walmart.and tylenol.for those that tell you to let your child cry it out for hours, thats just plain crazy.there is something wrong with the child you just have to try to figure it out.teething,constipated,wet hungry or overly tired.adding to there stress only makes them cry more

My son is almost 2 and just started sleeping through the night. When he was an infant, he had acid reflux and would scream forever. Crying it out was not an option because he wouldn't calm down and I felt terrible. After he could sit up and become mobil, the reflux stopped. Then he hit age 1 and the ear infections kicked in. One after the other, no napping, no sleeping at night. He's had tubes in for a couple months now and besides the waking and crying from teething, he's been doing great. Hang in there! The poor little guy is probably exhausted as well...I would take him to the doc, and if they try to brush it off, find a different doc that will investigate it further, because something is wrong with the little guy. Maybe he has tummy problems. Good luck to you, we are all rooting for you to get some sleep!

Just a thought...

My oldest daughter was sensitive to milk, and my youngest has a true milk allergy. Even eating dairy products while nursing made their tummys hurt and they cried a lot. When I cut dairy out of my diet, they both got so much better. When they moved to formula, I used soy.

I don't know what formula you are using, but if kids are sensitive to the milk protein, it can really upset their tummys. I couldn't tell if this was a new problem or if he has been like this since birth.

Anyway, just a thought.

Ohhh I feel your pain. I'd definitely rule out milk allergies or any medical issue that may be causing it. I hope you and your little guy get some relief soon.

I'd take him for a checkup. Make sure he's not in physical pain. He may have infant reflux, allergies, or something similar.

For help dealing with colicky babies go here: http://www.thebabywhisperer.com/smf/ The colic and reflux board was my lifesaver during my youngest's first year. HTH. :)

Hi S.,

I do understand you as every mom who is writing you right H.. We all feel your pain and stress.
I think babies go through phases all the time basically, teething, cold, problems with formulas or breastfeeding, and even when they start walking or crawling or going thru a milestone, babies do not sleep through the night and we,moms, are so exhausted and irritable and lonely sometimes. We do love and adore our kids, but that does not mean that we are make out of iron. We need rest too and that is completely understandable. You have to feel alright in order to give your baby and family all what they need from us. Sometimes husband or families cannot help. But, if you can have your husband taking turns with you, accept it, and accept help from close friends who may want to help you even if they do not do things the way you do. Accept help from others if you feel your baby and little girl are safe and loved.
I do not have too much help with my kids. My family and friends are out of state, and I miss them A LOT. It is hard, I do understand you with all my heart.
Try to rest whenever the baby sleeps, and ask your husband for help. Check if the baby is having colics, or teething, or even a mild cold, check his tummy, check his diapers, may be they are too wet overnight and simply you have to switch brands. If you see that everything is OK, just make an appointment with your doctor and tell him/her what is happening. He/She may have more suggestions.
Take care and good luck
Alejandra

My youngest was like this as a baby. He cried an average of 10-12 hours a day. He never napped, but fortunately was so tired for all the screaming, he slept 7-8 hours at night (granted it was in my bed, but..) Finally, at 6 months I was reading something and stumbled upon a milk allergy. A lot of the symptoms fit with him. So, I was nursing and cut out all milk products (not really easy-milk is in everything!). After a couple of weeks, he was actually seeming a bit better. Finally, I gave up nursing and switched to soy formula and he was a different baby! He was actually happy and smiled. I could finally bond with him. Until then, I was feeling just like you. I have 3 kids and never understood how someone could hurt their baby. He made me see glimpses of that. Hang in there and definately check in with your doctor. There could really be a medical reason for all the crying.
Good luck and hang in there. Make sure you find a neighbor or friend who could give you a breather every so often from the baby.

I think there has to be something for anyone who can't get 8 straight hours of sleep. That uninterrupted sleep time is priceless...and needed. Can your husband take turns to help you out? I'm sure you could use some extra help.

I would take him to the doctor. Make sure that there is not an ear problem, constipation, etc. going on. Definitely start there.
Hang in there!

Hi S.,
I don't have any advice for you, but just wanted to give you some support. It is very trying to listen to a screaming child going on and on and on. If your son was younger, I would suggest that he is colicky, but this isn't the case at 10 months. I agree with you.. don't feed him on demand through the night. I would suggest asking his pediatrician for some advice. Maybe he is having some kind of pain, and unfortunately, at 10 months, he can't tell you himself what is going on. Get his pediatrician to check him out. Good luck and I hope you get some rest soon!

Hey S.

I don't think anyone who has children would blast you for feeling the way you do. As much as we love our children the constant noise of them crying when you can't figure out why and the lack of sleep can drive you crazy.

I know at 10mo little ones can start the seperation anxiety thing, so when your not there, like bed time, and when you walk away or out of his sight may be one issue. As you said he has a hard time pooping sometimes, you might add something to his diet that will help with that and chase it with gas drops. The gas drops will help w/ 2 things, one if he can't poop and eats foods or juices to help he may have some gas. And the second thing is if he is crying a lot that pulls a lot of air in their tummy and the constant crying will cause gas. I would also take him to the dr. to make sure he does not have an ear infection. An ear infection seems to affect most kids when they lay down and will interupt sleep through the night. I would also feel in his mouth to see if he is cutting teeth. If he is go for the Motrin. Motrin works better then tylenol for teething, I think. And the only other thing I can think of is make sure he is comfortable as far as his temp. is he over or under dressed. The first time my son had a crying fit he was about 7mo old, I called my mom and asked her to come check him out because I did not have an idea what it could be. She came over and said first get some of those clothes off him he is to hot. And as soon as I took his little pants off she said now loosen his diaper, it's to tight, his tummy needs some room. As soon as I did, he calmed right down. It's just a thought, I know you have probably tried that plus a tons of other things.

As far as the hungry thing, if he has an ear infection or is teething he may not want to eat and he may be getting hungry in the night. Can you or do you add cerial to his bottle as a little extra filler (even if it's just until he passes this stage)that way even if he does not finish it he may feel fuller longer. Oh, and now that I mentioned bottle, the niple he drinks from may be to slow and that can cause gas and frustration (just another thought).

I'm sorry things are so tough right now. It's funny how this time is supose to be so loving, sweet and fun. And as moms we are suppose to "enjoy" the time and bond with our babies and yet some days it's really hard to "enjoy' this time.

Don't forget, if you have family of friends close by ask for help. That is really the best thing you can do for both of you.

Well I hope things get better soon for you and if you can't get help and the crying goes and goes and you feel yourself getting more and more frustrated you can put him in a safe place like his crib and go take a breather for min. away from the noise. I know that does not help w/ the lack of sleep thing but it can help in a pinch with the frustration level.

Have you ever, while he is in the middle of all the crying walked outside with him? That has worked for me before. Something about the fresh air calms them, maybe its the change of things to look at, who knows. Just another thought.

Good luck and let us know how and when it all settles down and what did the trick.

Stay well and hang in there.

T.

Hi S.,

I know what you are talking about. My son, who is 6 now (he did live!) didn't sleep through the night until he was over 3 years old. I remember waking up in a sheer panic because I had slept all night! I had tried all the things you are talking about too. Looking back, I had nursed him the first 6 months of his life and the most he slept was an hour or 2 at a time. When I went to the bottle, he would sleep up to 4 or 5 hours at a time. I think that he wasn't getting enough milk in the first months of his life and he just developed an inability somehow to sleeping for long periods of time. Did you nurse before the bottle? My son still doesn't eat much at a time. Your baby really could just be hungry that often...hope this helps.

Wow, this sounds like a really tough situation. The fact that your son is crying for that long at 10 months of age doesn't seem normal (I'm no expert of course), but if it were me, I would definitely take him to the doctor just to make sure there's not a medical issue. Could he have a food allergy? Poor little guy -- and poor you! Take care and good luck!

S.,
You will not get bombarded with negative e-mails here. I can emphasize with what you are going through. My son, now 12 years old, had colic as a baby. Would not take a pacifier, or even suck his thumb. I remember the doctor telling me that colic meant screaming for 3 hours straight, at least 3 days a week. Sounds like your baby fits the bill, although at 10 months he might be too old, and it might be more like separation anxiety.I would definetly take him to a pediatrician to rule out anything medical going on. If it is colic, he WILL grow out of it. No one knows what causes it, so no one can give you a definitive answer as to how to stop it. Different things work for different babies. I know my boy would not sleep unless he was in his mechanical swing. Many nights he spent the night swinging. I thought for sure he might get brain damage from it , but he is an honor roll student and all around good kid now! I have heard of others that put their baby in the vibrating bouncy seat and then put the bouncy in the crib. Also, I have heard of white noise tapes, or giving the baby something with your scent on it to cuddle. If it is separation anxiety, you might try the Ferber method (look up on internet) . Most of all, try not to let it get to you. If you know he is safe in his crib, it will not hurt him to scream. Take a hot bath, have a glass of wine and relax. You are doing the best you can and your baby will grow out of this phase!

Oh S., I've been there, boy have I been there. And I feel for you. My son was the exact same way. NO naps, and no sleeping through the night, screaming for hours on end. It's exhausting and frustrating.

We finally got through it though. It took 4 solid weeks of CIO. I too had the feeling that maybe he was hungery, maybe he was dirty, etc...he wasn't he just wanted to have things his way. Well, you're in charge not him. I know it's hard, but keep at it, it will get better. Does he have a lovey? I am a firm believer that they need one. I got some fabric and some soft silky ribbon and made a "taggie" blanket. I made sure the material was real soft. I made 4 and put them in his crib. Does he take a pacifier? If so, put 4 in there to so he can find them at night. Anyway, Here's what we did...
5:30-6 dinner-I made sure he had a fruit, veggie, and meat when he was 10 months
6:45 bath time
7:00 quiet house, dim lights, lotion, pajama time
7:15 bottle if he wanted it, usually took about 2 oz, nothing too much, rock for a little bit, did not let him fall asleep in my arms, then place in bed
about 8:00 he would stop crying, sometimes before if he was super tired, but usually 8 or later
The first night we went in every 5 minutes, gave him his paci and blanket. He liked it over his face, I know sounds wierd, but he liked it there. Next night, 10 minutes, same routine. Next, 15 and so on. There were times that I never went in at night towards the end b/c they would only last 30 minutes or so and I knew he could do 30 minutes. But there were nights when we waiting 2 hours or more to go check on him, I think the longest was 3 hours 15 minutes. It's overwhelming at times, but you have to keep telling yourself...HE CAN DO THIS, It's for his own good. Sleep is a requirement.

After we got the evening fixed, we worked on naps. He would sleep 15 minutes at a time. And took 2 naps a day. 30 minutes a day at naptime...not helpful for anyone. So we screamed during those too. And yes, it took awhile for those, but I truely feel that b/c he was used to it at night it didn't take too long. Now he's one of those kids I used to be jealous of. Sleeps 1 1/2 in the morning and an 1-1 1/2 in evening and 11 hours at night. You can do this and so can he. Please feel free to email me if you have any more questions about our schedule or his lovely.Good luck and hang in there, it will end I promise.

First off, you are NOT wrong for having those feelings of depression and anger because it's EXTREMELY trying when a baby won't sleep. Is there any chance he could have an ear infection or be cutting teeth? Just because a baby doesn't have a fever doesn't mean he doesn't have an infection...I found that out the hard way! My best friend also struggled with a baby that screamed "just because." She took him to the doc several times to be told he's just "colicky." Not what you want to hear from a doctor when you are struggling to keep your sanity but he eventually grew out of it. I would first rule out any illness then go from there. Both of my boys battled ear infections as well as painful teething so I can relate to the sleepless nights. Motrin really helped soothe their pain when they were hurting, if that's what it turns out to be. Good luck!

D.
ds Dagen 6/8/04
ds Davis 6/20/06
WAH mommy

First and foremost consult your pediatrician. Crying for hours on end is not healthy or normal. This might be a dumb question but are you feeding him enough? They go through growth spurts at that age and need the solids AND the formula/breast milk. Feed him till his heart's content. I don't think you can overfeed a baby this age. For constipation we used flavored whole prunes cut into slivers not the prune juice and they are the only thing that worked. Also, is he teething? Try the teething gels/ tylenol. There is a sleep method out there I can't remember the name but you "wean" him from needing you at night. You go in and comfort him after so many minutes and then lengthen the time inbetween going in. Check the internet for sleep methods. Good luck! I know this is a miserable experience and I feel your pain. We had twins who had colic. Make sure to rotate with your husband no matter what your schedules are to maintain sanity!

I have written this to others on this board but I would call Nancy Birkenmeier at St. Lukes Sleep Research Center. She specializes in pediatric sleep issues, and after meeting with her and describing in detail your sleep issue, she will give you step by step instructions on how to resolve your issue. It was really a godsend. I was like you...I was at the end of my rope...and even after seeing her I had the confidence that I could do this sleep thing. Good luck. Send me a note if you have trouble findingher number.

Hi S., hang in there.
Let me first say that crying is a baby's only way to communicate. And he is probably trying to tell you something is wrong. Since you said bottle and constipation, I think you're probably giving formula. Formula doesn't agree with a lot of babies in a lot of different ways. I would definately speak to your doctor and if your doctor doesn't take you seriously, find a different doctor. You might need to switch formula and you certainly need to be aware of the constipation, probably has gas too. Mylicon (probably spelled wrong) gas drops work great. The worst they can do in an overdoes is cause diarehha - so you might try those.

My guess is your poor little guy is just miserable. It's not natural to cry that much - and I only mean - something is wrong...

I know you are frustrated, but it concerns me when you say "I will not be in the habit of feeding my 10 month old on demand during the night". I have to wonder, why not? They need to eat more often than we do - if you do feed him, does he go back to sleep? Babies aren't "in control", but each baby is different and you have to adjust somewhat to them.

You have my empathy, I know what you are going through is VERY hard. I think you need help from your doc for the baby's discomfort and help for you (a break and someone to talk to about it), sleep for you... and to just be able to step back and think of it as something you need to investigate.... As for crying it out - even Dr. Ferber has changed his mind about how to do it and he invented the Ferber method... that does not work for all babies.

Hang in there and keep us posted. I'm sure every mom on here is pulling for you. Call the doctor now... If you can even talk to the nurse, sometimes they are more helpful. If they don't take your concerns seriously, find a different doctor. Someone is out there who will help you.

Then your entire family will be much happier and your little guy will be the happy baby he is meant to be!! Best of luck to you!! K.