DS Finally Sleeping - Hang in there if you're struggling!

[NEastMomma]

Hi Mamas,

I just wanted to send a message out to encourage anyone who is struggling with nighttime waking/nursing.

I found such encouragement and support on these forums. So now I want to tell you that you can do this and it does get better, even if it takes some time. Out of nowhere my DS 16mos is going to bed fully awake for both nighttime and naps. He is also suddenly sleeping roughly 5 hour stretches! And when he does wake up, he now calls for us instead of frantically crying, even if he was in same bed as us.

Things I noticed/did:

• 3 of the four molars are in
• Super consistent naptime every day
• Sippy cup of milk/kefir mix during bedtime stories (still nursie after that tho)
• DS verbal skills have really started to blossom - perhaps he feels he can communicate his wants/needs better to us?

Despite some subtle pressure from well-meaning family and friends, I just knew that eventually he'd sleep! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support! I have read these forums countless times. Even if I didn't post much, I read your posts and you all helped me!

If you are getting ready to tear your hair out, I want you to know that it will get better. Just succumb for now and do whatever it takes to get everyone sleep. For inspiration, read the "Baseball Babies" chapter of No Cry Sleep Solution - though I didn't actually *do* any of NCSS, I still found it to be a supportive book. You can do it!

[mkksmom]

Thank you so much for this. My 15 month old is slowly making me lose what little sanity I have left. 

[lemontree]

Thank you.

Thank you more than you know.

Thank you.

[Shanesmom]

Thanks for taking the time to share.

[memz]

Thank you...It gives hope!!!

[snadaska]

I"m glad things improved for you. Three cheers for sleep!! Its wonderful isn't it.

I hope this isn't hijacking the thread but I just wanted to add that I too have posted on this board in the past when I was a miserable, desperate, sleep-deprived mama.  Now my 16  month old DD is also sleeping well. OFten she sleeps 8 hrs at a time. I NEVER would have thought that possible 6 months ago. 

The things that helped us were: getting past teething, getting past the whole learning to walk stage, putting the crib mattress alongside our mattress on the floor so that we have more room, making sure DD eats and drinks a lot before going to be so her tummy is full, and last but certainly not least, time.

Good luck to those who are struggling. IT will get better 

[juniper_mama]

Thanks for this.  These forums often provide the encouragement I need to get me through another night!  That and my content and well attached little boy!