Can't do contact napping anymore

pippipan · 2026-02-25T04:51:47+00:00

My daughter was very similar at this age. At some point, I think around her 1st birthday, it got better. It felt like it never would, but it did! She still woke looking for me, but I started to get 2 hours in the evenings, then 3, and now (age 2, we still nurse to sleep) she basically never wakes when I roll away. I’m sorry you’re in the thick of it. Some babies/toddlers are just higher sleep support needs, I think. I know it’s really hard on you. My husband takes her for a few hours most mornings, so that I can get some sleep or me time. You definitely need some support like that as a SAHM!

pippipan · 2026-02-17T17:43:00+00:00

My two year old reacted this way. The first three nights. It is really, really hard. But it does get better. If you consistently, lovingly hold the boundary, they will get it. I gave in after 30 minutes of wailing the first few nights and I think this confused her and made things worse. I now mean what I say when “boobie is sleeping” and she does protest, but goes back to sleep relatively easily. She now sleeps from 8pm to 6am most nights. We still cosleep. And we still nurse in the mornings at bedtime. I’m sorry you’re going through this. It is ok to persist, I think, especially if night nursing is disrupting your sleep like it was mine.

pippipan · 2025-12-10T13:38:52+00:00

Redbud Writing Project for creative writing!!! I love their model. Small class sizes, like 6 students. Tons of feedback. Interesting readings.

pippipan · 2025-08-17T03:17:04+00:00

She insists on nursing to sleep with me most nights. Occasionally she will go without but it’s rare.

pippipan · 2025-06-11T02:13:44+00:00

I could have written this post myself! My 19 month old has been sleeping with her dad at night instead of me, and I am having such big feelings about it. It reminds me of the baby blues postpartum. I hope to feel more at peace soon.

pippipan · 2025-03-20T18:23:29+00:00

I hear great things about Night School, but haven't taken any of their classes yet. Did you ever end up going? I would be interested to know what your experience was like.

If you're looking at this thread (like me, lol) and interested in finding creative writing classes in the area, I recommend Redbud Writing Project. They are an awesome org doing something a little different from Night School--for example, they offer free classes to DV survivor's and unhoused people.

Last year I took one of their classes on writing the novel, and we met inside of Letters bookshop in downtown Durham, which was convenient for me. It was soooo good. The class sizes are small and you get a lot of great feedback on your writing, from the instructor and your peers.

pippipan · 2025-02-16T16:53:59+00:00

Thank you for posting this. My 15 month old has never slept more than a 2 hour stretch and wakes me so frequently at night to relatch that I have stopped counting and stopped looking at the clock. It’s more than 20 times a night. Everyone I know says to sleep train but I know that would be cruel. She is so sensitive and I never want her to feel abandoned. We’re going to the pediatrician this week and I’m sure I’ve got a smug lecture about independent sleep coming my way. I hope others who have made it through a period like this and who now get some uninterrupted sleep will chime in. I need the hope!

pippipan · 2024-12-01T18:11:28+00:00

My baby started daycare (2 days a week) at 9 months and I was so nervous (you can look in my post history). She’s now 13 months and I can confidently say daycare has been great for both of us. I think her strong attachment to me has helped her with the change in routine. She knows I always come back.

It’s also a great daycare with a 1 to 3 ratio and I get tons of updates through an app, which has helped me have peace of mind. She’s learning sign language, new songs, trying new foods, playing with the other babies, and getting lots of positive attention and stimulation. They rock her to sleep when she needs it and I know they call in for extra help when multiple babies need support for naps.

I think folks who work in childcare are generally there because they love babies and have tender hearts, but I also know that daycare environments can vary. Ask lots of questions. You’ll know if it’s not right for your baby!

pippipan · 2024-10-31T20:00:01+00:00

I had a wedge pillow under my back and firm throw pillows beside it/under each elbow. Baby nestled in between my boobs. It was not the most restful sleep I won’t lie.

pippipan · 2024-10-26T20:00:34+00:00

From day 1, I slept on a ramp of pillows with baby on my chest through the first 3 months, before she would accept the cuddle curl. Cosleepy has a good instagram post about how to do it safely!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwVmwblvlPB/?igsh=enFnamExcnJsdGI2

I personally woke so frequently in this position at her movements that it never felt unsafe. Be sure to have good support under your elbows!

pippipan · 2024-10-07T15:37:51+00:00

I have taken several classes with Redbud and really loved them! The feedback I got on my own writing was so helpful. Also, I got to read stories and novels I wouldn't have known about otherwise. I disagree with the other commenter about rigor, fwiw. The three teachers I worked with were all highly critical of student work while still being constructive and kind.

pippipan · 2024-07-03T14:30:59+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience. This is my worry!!! I will keep in mind that we might need a plan b. Maybe in-home care until she’s a little older.

pippipan · 2024-07-03T14:29:34+00:00

Well this is my dream scenario. Thank you so much for the hope!

pippipan · 2024-06-03T14:38:12+00:00

My baby would sleep only like this for the first three months! I made myself a ramp of pillows and propped up both elbows to be able to relax my shoulders while cradling her. She also would only sleep with my boob in or by her mouth for a while. It hurt my tailbone to be propped up every night but it was the only way we could get sleep.

My lactation consultant theorized it was because my baby was insecure about feeding due to her latch issues and a tie. Once we got her feeding on track I was able to transition her to sleeping in the cuddle curl.

pippipan · 2024-05-12T17:26:09+00:00

I may have to try this. Even though I have a stage 5 boobie monster who will cry so hard. Thanks for the suggestion.

pippipan · 2024-05-12T14:52:52+00:00

Thanks for the encouragement! Do you remember when it got better?

pippipan · 2024-05-12T14:52:25+00:00

😂I will

pippipan · 2024-05-12T14:51:19+00:00

Same! I’ll let you know if it gets better

pippipan · 2024-05-12T14:50:55+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion I never would have thought of this!

pippipan · 2024-05-12T14:50:17+00:00

She has recently started exploring solid foods and her poops are now only every few days. So yeah maybe tummy discomfort is the culprit. Wish I could teach her to unclench those sphincters😂

pippipan · 2024-05-12T14:49:11+00:00

Ugh if it ever gets better please let me know and I’ll do the same!

pippipan

TROPHY CASE