Our approach for week 15

I'll try to make this a brief summary:

SLEEP - Biggest challenge right now. Went back to shift approach (Rob--early shift, Mary--late shift) and Mary is trying co-sleeping.

Last night was the first attempt, and it went well. Natalie fed at 1:30 AM, Mary spent until 2:30 feeding and rocking/burping/sitting with her upright on shoulder to make sure she was in deep sleep, then moved her to the bed. She nursed at 4 and 6, both times side-lying, and awoke for the day at 7:30 when Rob came in to greet us.

FEEDING - Side-lying nursing at night is the only change. Still nursing exclusively with an occasional bottle of pumped milk for daddy to give Natalie when mom's away. Still on a no-dairy, no-eggs diet (since 10/28). Recording diet and a brief summary of the day every day, with a score of 1 to 5, in an effort to bring to light any dietary problems. Will continue this until 11/28, when we give her a previously-expressed bottle of mother's milk to see if she reacts to dairy/egg proteins in it. Still nursing on-demand, burping frequently, attempting to nurse as much as Natalie wants, but no more.

SOOTHING - Using the Sling E Zee and Moby Wrap, bouncing on the exercise ball, strolling in the Graco stroller. Swaddling has lost effectiveness as a soothing technique, as she is big enough to break out of the swaddle, but it is still effective to keep her asleep once she is already asleep. Mary attended an infant massage class this week; will try incorporating massage as a soothing technique. Still shushing and using movement to soothe. Rob uses pacifier at night. Mary has used pacifier to help keep Natalie asleep during the day, but otherwise Natalie doesn't respond well to it.

PLAY - Still using rings, Infantino lamb, dolly, mirrors. Have used toy bar in carseat, but she's not very interested in it and seems to get frustrated with it. She has mastered the animal toy bar on her bouncy chair and it doesn't seem to hold her interest as long as it used to. Lots of tummy time, which she seems to be enjoying more lately. Tummy time seems to help her pass gas, too. Purchased Bumbo seat this week; she's been in it a few times for 1-2 minutes. Pulling to sit, encouraging turning over (back to side and belly to back). Reading to her daily. Rob is wonderfully creative in his play with her.

OTHER NOTES - She is still drooling a lot and might be starting to teethe. Painful night gas episodes may be reducing now (fingers crossed!) Still on 2.5 mL Zegerid twice daily, although I forget to give it to her sometimes. Mylicon and Gripe Water available in case of severe gas, but we haven't had to use them yet this week. Working on getting Natalie to sleep for the first time at night without extended fussing.