How long does the post-op not sleeping last?

[Mama Musica]

After Max's first surgery, we were really lucky because we avoided most of the sleeping craziness that everyone talks about. He took great naps, slept well at night, and we all breathed a sigh of relief.

We're not so lucky this time. We're about 10 days post-op, and he is not sleeping well at all. The only way he sleeps is if he's nursing, and even then he can't really seem to settle himself down. He was up crying so many times last night I lost count. I've tried having my husband help, but that just makes him scream bloody murder. We're all super exhausted, but me being in the first few weeks of pregnancy doesn't help either. We've tried giving him medication before bed, and that doesn't seem to help eiether.

Suggestions anyone? He's been a cosleeper since birth, and I don't mind him nursing at night, but the constant waking up and crying is making me feel a bit nutty! How long does it last? Is there anything special you did, or did it just take time??

[Lisa]

Try propping him up with pillows so he is inclined. That worked best for Bradley while I was in the bed with him so that if he rolled or anything I was right there to keep him from getting in bad positions on the pillows.

With his big surgery it took about 3-4 weeks for him to get back into a normal sleeping pattern.

I guess I will be going down that road again too.

[Janet]

I'm sorry that you are having trouble this time around, it takes time

[*jules*]

hugs. Alex didn't take long too develop good sleeping habits post-op...he was a horrible sleeper before surgery tho. I think all you can do is give it time, and as Lisa said, prop him on a pillow or something so he's not lying totally flat. hang in there mama and I'll send some prayers that your sanity stays intact during this difficult time ;)

[angeleka]

All I can suggest is elevating his head as the others have said. Sometimes that extra pressure is just too much for them to sleep through. Hope this helps and you all get some more sleep soon.

[Nezzy]

It just takes time. It took Nicholas a good 3-4 weeks.

[evergreenmom]

Xander didn't sleep well before surgery so I was sort of used to being a Zombie. By six weeks post op I decided some sleep training was in order and it went great and was the best decision I could have made!! Dr Fearon's nurse told me most kids are back to normal within a month. I am sure Max is uncomfortable and maybe even scared.... hopefully since he used to sleep well he will get back to himself soon. Good luck Momma!

[Andrea Costa]

since we are on the subject, does anyone know why cranio kids are such horrible sleepers? cristovao only sleeps while nursing, and wakes up after 40 minutes, maximum.. he´s 2 months od and i can count on my hand the times he slept for more than 2 hours! i hope this gets better after surgery! i´m worried this is not healthy for him, never sleeping deeply enough...

[BrendansMummy]

We are 15 days post op and he still only sleeps with the boob in his mouth. I tried elevation but it wasn't successful with him. He slept 2 hours straight last night. That was heavenly.

Hopefully it passes soon

[BrendansMummy]

since we are on the subject, does anyone know why cranio kids are such horrible sleepers? cristovao only sleeps while nursing, and wakes up after 40 minutes, maximum.. he´s 2 months od and i can count on my hand the times he slept for more than 2 hours! i hope this gets better after surgery! i´m worried this is not healthy for him, never sleeping deeply enough...

Both my non cranio babies and cranio babies never went longer than 2 hours between feeding and sleeping until well over 9 months.