I am trying so hard to be a sensitive Mom who recognizes that she has a very sensitive son who requires extra attention. But I'm only human, and I am so frustrated. But then recently there was one tiny glimmer of hope. We got in to see a Pediatric Behavior Specialist at Kaiser. I was hesitantly optimistic to talk to her and get a professional suggestion on what else we could do. What method would she suggest we try? After evaluating Ryan and talking pretty extensively with me, she suggested something pretty controversial. We are now drugging Ryan in order to get him to fall asleep.
I guess it's not as bad as it sounds, but I realize it's not something every parent would do. The Dr. told us to give Ryan melatonin before bed to aid in the falling asleep process. She said it isn't usually suggested for someone his age, but she felt that in his case, it was worth a try. So what did I do? Drove straight to the store and bought melatonin. And gave it to Ryan that night. And guess what? After nursing, rocking, and patting, Ryan fell asleep in his crib!! And then woke up 1 hour later!! Oh wait, that's not good.
See, melatonin provides a short burst of sleepiness, but then quickly wears off. So he's still up 2-4 times per night after waking up 1 hour after falling asleep. And after that initial wake up, he refuses to sleep again in his crib. He will only go back to sleep in bed with us. So we obviously still have some issues. But my hope is that by falling asleep in his crib initially, it will become a less-threatening place for Ryan. And he will gradually learn how to put himself back to sleep upon waking. It's my tiny glimmer of hope that I'm clinging to. Let's hope the drugs work! 
I think it's a great idea - and melatonin is what your body naturally produces, it's not a scary drug at all. My grandmother takes it to fall asleep all the time, and we take it sometimes when we're jetlagged on England trips. So don't feel bad, and I hope it works so well for Ryan!
ReplyDeletegood luck! I hope it works for him!! You have definitely been through more than your share of sleep troubles!
ReplyDeleteI think you have tried a lot and if this is what works go for it. It is natural and it will hopefully help him realize the crib is a safe place.
ReplyDeleteJust out of curiosity. How have you tried desensitizing Ryan to his crib? I mean making it a more positive place. I.E. if he lights up with Riley around, maybe have playtime with Riley in/on/around his crib. Is it possible to remove/lower one side so that it isn't as scary for him, as cage-like if you will. Then you could place him in it and hang out with him w/o the barrier between him and you. I don't know about kids, but I know about the basic instinct of positive reinforcement and of positive association. I could be way off base here, but just a thought that formed in my head.
ReplyDeleteMaybe make him mashed potatoes with lots of turkey gravy!!! It has melatonin. Or try this. Forget his crib. When Jessamy was a baby/toddler and we would travel, my friend leant us this contraption that was low to the ground and made from mesh and fabric and had a pad in it. Jessamy slept in that. Maybe find something that works as bedding and is safe BUT NOT his crib? Aunt Susan
ReplyDeleteI think the melatonin idea is great and I hope it starts working more for you guys!! There MUST be an answer somewhere.
ReplyDeleteAw you poor Mommy! I think if I went through what your going through I WOULD BE THE ONE NEEDING TO BE MEDICATED!! Have you tried to put his crib in your room? Then he knows both of your beds are together and can see you when he wakes up.
ReplyDeleteLittle ones are smarter than we give credit for & can manipulate us. He'll learn that he will be fine in his room, in his own bed. It's that or years of him sleeping with you and that's not healthy for anyone. Let him cry it out. He'll be fine.
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