My daughter has never been an easy sleeper. Every nap and nighttime sleep, since birth basically, took cooperation from all involved. Over time, she got to where she would only sleep after nursing or bouncing (on the bouncy ball, ideally) or being worn. Or the car if she was really tired and everything else fell into place.
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For the most part, this has not been a problem. Especially since she would accept nursing OR bouncing, and my husband is very willing to be involved. Lately, though, she is very specific about which she wants at any time, and it's not predictable. Sometimes she gets frustrated after she breastfeeds, wants to try again, and finds no milk. And she is too big now for me to bounce her. (I'm very small statured, and she's not comfortable on my shoulder.) So if my husband is gone and she wants bouncing, it's kind of rough. And I can't leave at bedtime no matter what.
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So... while I am not interested in giving up nursing my daughter to sleep until it's clear that's what she wants, it would be nice if she had the option to fall asleep without breastfeeding or bouncing. I felt the other night that it was time to actively seek that. I'm thinking most ideas, like with NCSS, would require me to temporarily give up nursing to sleep, but I don't want to!
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Hmm. Maybe this is one of the things that just requires patience. But any wisdom from BTDT mamas would be so appreciated!
