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Sleep

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Original poster

Newborn sleeping in a bouncer?

14 replies

GwenStacy · 16/11/2013 20:28

Hello lovely people.

I had a baby girl yesterday evening, and she was delivered via ventouse to the back of her head. This has left her with a swelling and a open sore on the back of her head :-(

Last night in hospital she slept on my husband and today on the wars she mostly slept on me, but we've now bought her home and don't particularly want to carry on in this vein! We've tried to put her down in a Moses basket but this wakes her instantly, even if she's been sleeping on one of us. We think this may be due to pain from her head as the one time I got her to sleep on her back in the hospital today her head was sort of over a gap in the mattress so nowhere near as much pressure. She is however sleeping fine in her bouncer…

Is it okay to put her to sleep in the bouncer tonight and speak to the community midwife about it when she comes to check on us tomorrow? We'll be careful to make sure there's no blanket over her face and she's carefully strapped in…

Sorry for the length of this post! Thank you for any advice :-)

OP posts:

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hettienne · 16/11/2013 20:30

Personally I wouldn't feel safe about a bouncer and would rather have a newborn in bed with me if they won't sleep in a basket (many won't btw, even without any head problems!).

Lagoonablue · 16/11/2013 20:31

What a dilemma. I have no advice sorry. Can she maybe sleep on her side just for one night? Am sure you are not supposed to let the. Sleep all night in a bouncy chair.

Poor wee thing. Someone who knows better than me will be along soon.

Congratulations though.

badguider · 16/11/2013 20:34

My newborn slept on his side for the first week as he was all curled up still (was quite squashed in the womb). As long as he couldn't roll onto his face the mws weren't worried.

cupoftchai · 16/11/2013 20:37

Congratulations! I don't know if bouncer is a great idea, however I wouldn't think she'll sleep very long before her next feed so maybe I would let her for a little while.
I wouldn't leave her more than 1.5 hours there as is similar hunched position to car seat and not advised to leave them long in those when new born due to oxygen levels lowering as their lungs aren't in best position for breathing. Or something- sorry for bad explanation!

However it's early so u or dh might be awake or not in deep sleep.
Congrats again!

Maybe look at safer co sleeping guidelines if she will only sleep on one of u, she may be able to lie on bed if touching one of u.

cupoftchai · 16/11/2013 20:38

Again we didn't have head prob but dd slept best partly on side curled against me

omuwalamulungi · 16/11/2013 20:42

My baby will only go to sleep on his side, I arrange him so he's in the recovery position almost, so his leg keeps him from rolling and his arm is by his head if that makes sense. I drove myself demented trying to put him on his back but he just would not sleep, tried putting him on his side in desperation, flat out within a minute. Been doing it since about 2 weeks old and he's now 5.5 months. Might be worth a try if she's more comfortable?

It's not like you aren't going to be checking on her every five minutes often, try not to worry. :)

And congratulations!

happydaze77 · 16/11/2013 20:46

Your poor dd. I think you can get sleep positioners for babies that sleep on their side. I don't know how safe it is compared to sleeping on their backs though.
Hope things improve soon.

CuriosityCola · 16/11/2013 20:47

My ds has always slept on his side and from 4 months (started rolling) on his tummy. I can't find a link but there is a way of rolling blanket and putting it round then to stop them rolling onto tummy. Many babies don't like lying on their backs. My ds had really bad startle reflex if placed on his back. People have started commenting on how nicely his head is shaped.

CuriosityCola · 16/11/2013 20:48

Meant to say, I have an angel monitor pad, so not as worried about what position he sleeps in.

Lorelei353 · 16/11/2013 20:54

My DS just wouldn't be put down for about the first five nights, and he'd no obvious head pain. Many won't when they're brand new. You might just have to ride it out for a few days.

humphryscorner · 16/11/2013 22:04

Swaddle and lie on side ?

Flisspaps · 16/11/2013 22:21

Perfectly normal for babies to not be pleased if you put them to sleep in a cot/Moses basket. They're programmed to only feel safe when next to you - it's how the human race has survived! I wouldn't put it down to head pain, more to being newborn!

I wouldn't advise a bouncer, I suspect they're as bad as car seats for little backs over prolonged periods.

CuriosityCola · 16/11/2013 22:29

Fliss is right. There was some interesting posts on here not long ago about babies needing a fourth trimester. It's strange, after carrying them for months we buy beautiful Moses baskets and can't understand why they won't sleep in them. I blame american movies with their fancy nurseries

DeathMetalMum · 18/11/2013 07:15

It took a few days or so for dd to settle in the moses basket for all naps and sleep, again without any other problems. I just perservered pick up put down and she got herself comfy.

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