Older baby nursing WAY more at night

[penstamon]

DS is almost a year and over the past few months has been moving toward more and more feedings at night. He is a very frequent waker and we co-sleep but now it is impossible for DH to help with nighttime parenting because all DS wants to do is nurse back to sleep. Even though sometimes I don't let down as he is just comfort nursing. I am a SAHM and let him nurse on demand during the day. I understand that at this age babies get very caught up in activities and forget to nurse so I offer it to him every 3-4 or so hours if he doesn't ask. In addition he eats a TON of solids- 3 very balanced meals, whole foods based, plus snacks, lots of healthy fats and protein.

My problem is that after a year of frequent night waking (~4-6 times, sometimes 8+, always nursing back to sleep- up from 2-3 times a night), I can't keep doing this. DH and I want another baby, I want to work PT, I keep getting sick, etc. We have tried everything, I mean EVERYTHING to get him to sleep better but I am starting to lean towards partial night weaning although who knows if it will help.

Any tips to help with this crazy night nursing?

[ThankfulMama]

Hi mama! No real advice, but I just wanted to let you know that I have btdt. My LO is 13mos and was waking up a LOT to nurse at night around 10-12mos. If it is any consolation, she has now seemingly moved out of that phase and is sleeping a LOT longer at night. Hang in there!

[ps4624]

I night weaned my DD at about 13 months. She was nursing ALL.NIGHT.LONG. I couldn't roll over, go to the bathroom, get a sip of water - I was basically being held hostage. My sleep was effected and I was gong a little crazy from sleep deprivation.

I honestly thought she would not be able to handle it, but she did really well. I slept in the guest room and DH took over - the first few nights were rough, but the 3rd night she slept for 6 hours without needing me. It's been about 4 months and she sleeps from about 8PM to 5AM before needing to nurse.

Long story short, I think I should have given her more credit for being adaptable. You might want to just try it - I think it really helps if you have resolve (I HAD to do it - I felt like I was dying) and a good plan with your DP.

Good luck!

[Truckerdoo]

Originally Posted by ps4624

I slept in the guest room and DH took over - the first few nights were rough, but the 3rd night she slept for 6 hours without needing me.

Congrats on your success! Can you be more specific about what DH actually did in your absence? Rocked? Used pacifier? ETc?

[RhianaW14]

I know what you mean. My dd likes to nurse a lot at night too, and like you said, I sometimes don't feel let down. Then again, I am on my side and its harder to feel than sitting upright. She is also walking (she's 11.5 mos) so I have to remind her to nurse during the day.

I think at night, they just want to be close because they are SO busy during the day.