United Brachial Plexus Network

My daughter Tara, 6 months old, had her primary almost 2 months ago in Texas. Prior to her surgery, she would sleep about 6 hours at night and at least 2 good 2-3 hour naps during the day. Since the surgery she sleeps about 4 hours at night and I am lucky if she takes 2 - 30 minute naps during the day.

Is it just us? If not, is there something I can do for her? She doesn't seem to be in any pain, or is she?

I don't mind the strange hours however, besides PT 3 times a week, I am the only one holding her the other 20 hours she's awake.

Since my wonderful little girl can't tell me, does any one else have any suggestions? Thanks a bunch!

Brenda - this is a VERY common complaint post surgery. The kids get scared- they went to sleep and look what happened to them while they were asleep.

We tried so many things - warm baths- lavender oil, homeopathy, soft music, lots of snuggles- but it was just something that Maia always went through after each surgery. The last surgery she did not sleep at all for something like 9 weeks - just about an hour or two each day maybe. It was just unbelievable! But after a little while - a few months, it was all back to normal.

I'm sorry you and Tara are going through this - but just do the best you can and when she's ready again, she'll be sleeping for you.

big hugs,
francine

sorry- I didn't answer the question about the pain...

try a baby tylenol...see is she sleeps better - that's the best experiment! maybe give her a couple of days on it...

Hi, well, out of my 3 kids Ive learned that none of them have slept thru the night till they were about 3 yrs old. my 2 boys who were breast fed especially, they came to depend on me as the pacifier, my daughter with the bpi had a bottle so she depended on that.
I guess look at it this way, they will be young and small for such a short time in their lives, so hang in there and be there for then when they need you.
one way I deal with it at night time is to let the baby sleep in my bed, somtimes we have the "whole family bed " by morning time , and I also try to nap in the day with the baby, but that might not be possible if you work during the day right??
good luck!!

Thanks for all your suggestions. It makes sense to me now why she fights going to sleep...I would too.

You are such an awesome person Francine, to personally answer/reply each persons messages. Thanks for all the support.

awesome? NOT

just being proactive to funnel my anger energy

4 years later and I'm still pretty angry if you want to know the truth

Hey all of you

I am obpi - I never slept and still don't really sleep too much.

I had two of my three children not sleep until 2-1/2 and yet I am the only one of my mother's children who did not sleep... In fact no one in the family slept for my first year... so they still tell me....!!!!

I am sure that fear after surgery must be great for a baby...

I hope things work out

And Francine good way to get rid of the anger... much better to put it to good use then to let it eat you...

What will happen when you let go of all the hurt and anger? .... hmmmmm I know the answer... you will still do this work - because now it is your Vocation...not one you choose but one choosen for you... thanks
Kath

Okay a little off subject, but post surgery and to this day my son will not get his picture taken professionally....big lights....O.R. lights...a little in common....anyone else had this problem or is my son just over sensitive....? My son was 8 months when he had his first surgery and he is four now