Question
Nursing Co-Sleeper waking very hour
Ok, so Abby is still in our bed... I haven't won that battle yet... And now she is getting up about every hour to nurse (and nothing else will do). She only nurses for a few minutes and goes back to sleep until the next time. Now, she is starting to teeth (she will be 4 months next week) so I am wondering if this has something to do with it.
Anyone been there? Suggestions? Mommy and Daddy need SLEEP!!!!
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4 Answers
Teething has so much to do with sleeping! All I can say is This Too Shall Pass! We're going through the same thing with our son right now (he's 15 months). Although I don't like the idea that he's sleeping with us at the moment, he'll start out in his own bed and then wake up and come to see us. I remember when he was getting his first teeth, it was the same thing. He's never been a good sleeper, but it seemed that teething just escalated the problem.
Anita Burnham
www.anitaburnham.com
Anita Burnham
www.anitaburnham.com
Yep, ditto that. We went through this a lot with ours too. Some kids seem more or less unaffected by teething, whereas others really suffer. A nursing baby sleeping next to mom is going to seek comfort the best way she knows how...and when it's right there it's pretty hard to resist.
If Abby was older (like closer to a year) and waking up this often, then I'd probably tell you it might be time to move her to her crib. But at four months, this is pretty normal. I should tell you, though, that you very likely will go through many stages like this as long as she's in your bed. We did. If you're prepared for this and expect it, it might not be so hard. But if you can't stand the thought of going through nights like this ever so often, you might want to consider starting the transition to the crib now (after she's done with this bout of teething, of course). This is a totally personal decision, obviously we opted not to make the switch and I'm comfortable with that decision. I just feel compelled to give co-sleeping parents the FULL story so they can make an informed choice. 
On the other hand, I know there are babies out there who sleep with the folks and don't go through this, and then there are those who sleep on their own who will wake up anyway. Just more food for thought!
Patti
SAHM in SoCal and administrator of the Sleep Forum group, http://www.mothersclick.com/group/sleep-forum
Patti
SAHM in SoCal and administrator of the Sleep Forum group, http://www.mothersclick.com/group/sleep-forum and Tri-Counties Moms, http://www.mothersclick.com/moms-club/tri-counties-moms-sb-ventura-slo-c...
Our little guy slept with us from months 3-7 and he woke 2-10 times a night to nurse. As he got older the amount of wakings were less, as were the duration. Once he was mobile we had to move him to his crib in our room, because he was kicking and pinching us and no one was sleeping. We had a long transition from months 8-13 moving him to his cri in our room to eventually his crib in his room. Now at almost 18 months he sleeps the night through and no longer nurses at night. But it was a long slow road. Some nights I wanted to scream and some I did, but after he got used to sleeping his crib he grew to like it. Now sleep is not an issue, except when he's teething or sick.
I know a few families who co-sleep with their toddlers and older babies. Most experience night wakings, but deal with them by nursing or other ways of soothing like back rubs, sippy cups, etc.
Co-Sleeping is great when it is working for everyone. I loved it when we were all getting some sleep. I don't believe the people who say that if you don't get a baby out of your bed by age 6 months, a year or whatever then they will never want to leave. When the child is ready he/she will go. And you can encourage the transition if you are supportive, caring and gentle in your approach.
UHM, Having just gotten our 4.5 year old out of our bed with bribes, threats, crying,, tears, promises and much much more........... I dont know what to tell you except that our child did not want to EVER leave our bed. She nursed until over 2.5 and she only quit that because I was ready not her. We just had another baby and there just isnt enough room in this bed for 4 of us! I had to bribe her with Build A Bear purchases and after 4 months in her own bed in her own room she still comes out almost every night and I have to get up and tuck her back in her bed. I am going to try and do better with this baby and have her in her own bed soon. Good Lukc to you!