Biggest Parenting Challenge So Far: Soothing a Crying Baby When You're Sleep-Deprived

It's 3 A.M. You've been up all night. Your 10-day-old baby is crying after meals. Stomach pains presumably. You're in a rocking chair and patting her back. You've got "womb music" purchased from iTunes playing in the background. You're so sleep-deprived, you fear you may fall off the chair, but if you stop this process, your daughter's blood-curdling cries will resume. 

Then there's this: Even if you get her to sleep, there's no guarantee her twin sister won't be up. They may keep you up, one after the other, for perpetuity. 

So far this is the most excruciating challenge of being a parent. 

Comments

[kr]

jeff, i'm sure you are a better parent than i am, just one comment, don't let the wife do it all if you can help it...

[trix]

Just wait until they are teenagers. You'll still be up all night, just for different reasons.

[Paul]

The first two weeks are the hardest. At 4 weeks you will notice things getting better ... hang in there :)

[bd]

If your interested in music, for such situations, try to find a copy of Neroli by Brian Eno.

http://www.amazon.com/Neroli-Brian-Eno/dp/B0000035CM

The music is based on natural rhythms, and has been used during childbirth, among other things.

I read that it has helped some people (or should that be babies?) in similar situations.

[Angelo]

Yes---as bad as one was, I can only imagine being double teamed. But it is absolutely true that you're in the worst stretch right now. It will get better. And believe it or not, one CD that did the trick for us was a children's music CD by none other than Kenny Loggins. Those songs are drilled into my memory.

[Berro]

Count your blessings! and yours are "double" It will be easier if you take turns. If you are involved with most of the action your best bet is to take turns. Start with 1 hour turns and try your best not to get your husband/wife during their "off" time, challenge yourself. First weeks are the most challenging!