Dd becoming a nightmare child. Screams naptime, bedtime and will not sleep

[fizzbuzz]

Dd (11 months) was a good kipper from birth, especially at night. She would always go down with no trouble.

Since catching hellish virus aboyt 4 weeks ago (she is better now), her sleeping is awful.

She will never settle on her own and screams if you leave room. Also sits up and can't sit down.

Tried cc for one night. She fell asleep sitting up with her head on her cuddly rabbit which was so awful so don't want to do it again.

Have tried gradual retreat method, but no dice there either.

She is really really tired all the time. She had 10 mins nap all day at childminder.

Has just fallen asleep now after being put to bed at 7.00pm. Even when she does fall asleep at bedtime she wakes up every 20 mins or so. Am really desperate to get her back on track so she isn't tired and gets back to being my lovely smiley baby.

It is complete hell at the moment. Anyone got any tips?

She has a bath every night, but I now wonder if it is becoming a cue for screaming at bedtime.....!

She gets endless pats, strokes etc. I even brushed her hair whilst she was screaming, as this can sometimes soothe her, but nothing works!!! Often she screams with tiredness, and it just goes on.....and on.......and on.

Seems to becoming the norm.....

oh /Fizz I am sooo sorry you are having such an awful time of things at the moment. You and your poor dd . I cannot offer any advice as such. I am sure you are lavishing her with hugs and reassurance during the day. This sounds like a desperate situation sleepwise. have you spoken to a sleep consultant? Raally really feel for you.

Where would I find a sleep consultant?

fizz - ask your hv/docs. My hv put me in touch with another hv who was an 'expert' in sleep issues. As it turned out I called her, got all the information and support i needed over the phone and did not need to attend the clinic. They did say that they don't take babies on under 9mths of age but as i was so desperate they said i could go along even if it was just for support from other mums. Talk to your hv/doc tomorrow. I hoep you get this fixed. poor things both of you

Talked to hv. there used to be a sleep clinic for babies, but has been cut back, so no longer in existance. She told me to go to docs and ask for mild sedative to break cycle.

Doc said no. So now what? Have tried sneaking in odd dose of medised which makes NO BLOODY DIFFERENCE. So back to hv again tomorrow I suppose.

Can I use your hv, they sound much better than mine..

you poor thing. disgusting that such a vital service has been cut from the NHS. Where do you live? I'm SE London. There must be someone you can turn to. How was dd today/last night?

Have just resorted to medised.........she is fast asleep.

However hv told me to give it an hour before bedtime, which I wasn't doing, so hopefully....

fizz - i would still persist with being put in touch with sleep counsellor. Google one in your area maybe? I hope your lo sleeps soundly tonight - you too

What was the title of the person who helped you?

I live up north, but will try Google thing.

Thanks for help

she was a health visitor but worked at a sleep clinic. Don't know that she had a specific title but she did have a specific skill. maybe just type in 'infant sleep clinics in ???????'. I hope you have success.

fizz - how are you? how is it all going? thinking of you