Nightweaning tips without DP help

[penstamon]

We really need to do something about the frequent wakings which have just gotten worse again. DS nurses more than ever but generally doesn't really eat- sometimes I dont even let down. Last night he flailed around in bed whimpering half asleep from 2:45-5:15 and then only slept until 5:45. DH has moved out of our room and is so pissed off at me, blaming all of DS's sleep problems on me because I won't CIO. Yes, we have been through every suggestion and DS still is up constantly. So we need to at least partially nightwean because my health and marriage will not survive any longer. DH says he will help but lately his temper at night is bad, he is not sleeping with us, and frankly I am afraid he will just let DS CIO or start yelling or something so I think it may be better to go it alone until DH is in a better place.

I have looked at Jay Gordon's protocol, but does anyone have specific tips for how to get your LO back to sleep without nursing if your DP is not available? How long might it take?

Also we are going on a long camping trip starting in a week. Would it be better to wait until we return?

[Louisep]

It sounds like teething. Our DS did not settle sleep-wise until all his teeth came through at 14 months and we night weaned at 12 months. I set aside 6 hours at night where I would not nurse and he fussed but he used a paci and we cuddled and got through it without DH in about 4 days (but he didn't start sleeping better). You could try giving him a sippy cup of water maybe. I think you just have to go for it if you want to night wean. Like I said though, it wasn't a magic bullet for us.

Also, can you get some naps in to regain some sanity? Even an extra hour in the morning kept me going.

FWIW, my DS still wakes 1-3 times a night and he no longer nurses at all. I'm fine with his wakings though compared to what it used to be like.

It's going to get better for you mama. I'm sorry things are bad with your DP. Sleep deprivation makes everything dreadful.

HTH

[LCBMAX]

Honestly, when we nightweaned I really felt I had to do it all. It was one thing for daddy to say "no milkies" but then my son would still beg for me. I just took over, committed, and when I said "no milkies" my son knew there was no other authority to whom he could appeal, so it went faster.

I can't remember how fast, but there was slow gradual and definite improvement over a month, then I left the bedroom and he's been sleeping with daddy ever since.

Dress for success - I wore turtlenecks tucked into my underwear, thick, so it was hard to feel my breasts from the outside.

Good luck!