Email from Aimee to Grannies (our moms)

I was copied on this email message and think it is good for posterity:



Subject: Sleep training (for Stella AND Matt & Aimee)


Moms,

Tonight we embarked on a harrowing but ultimately (HOPEFULLY ) satisfying teaching program to get Stella to sleep on her own. A couple of nights before I left for TX, at my wits' end, I purchased a program/training manual from a sleep trainer.

As you all know, we've had a great deal of trouble getting Stella to sleep and have been waking up with her at least a couple of times a night. According to the trainer, we have been doing all the wrong things (duh, do wrong things, get unwanted results). First, we have been using sleep 'crutches'-feeding to sleep, rocking to sleep, sleeping in our arms. So tonight we began the program not knowing what to expect (possible crying for up to 2 hours in some cases).

We chose the 'Leave the Room' method, putting her down awake but ready for sleep after a bedtime routine. After 25 minutes of screaming, crying, flailing and face scratching, we suddenly heard nothing. After I went into her room and checked for pulse and regular breathing, we realized she was asleep! Now, we realize the night (and process for that matter) are far from over. I am fully expecting to wake up in the middle of the night again to crying but will wait at least 10 minutes before I go in to check on her. I am still reading to figure out what to do then!

So. . .I will read on and keep you posted on the process as I know you are very interested and will be participating in bedtime rituals with Stella at some point in the future. Hopefully, it will be a peaceful one for you due to our initial hard work!!

Here is the link to the trainer that I am using:
http://www.sleepsense.net/

Think of us and send happy sleepytime vibes our way!!

Aimee
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