Help, I'm becoming a dummy!!!!!!!

[hollysunrise]

I have 2 daughters, the first of which I breast fed for only 5 weeks (a downhill slope from day one) & the second who's only 4 1/2 mths. Because the 1st time was so difficult & I ended up giving up so soon, I was really pleased that I managed the 2nd time around.

The only problem is that I've become a dummy. Unless I'm out walking or in the car DD2 doesn't seem to be able to fall asleep alone. I try to leave her to cry but after 15 mins / 30 mins I go into her room determined not to feed her again & then just give in as it is the easiest thing to do. This is ok, but means I haven't been able to go out in the evening on my own as she is so reliant on me (& I have been invited to something special that I would really like to go to). It is so much easier with DD1 who I (or DH)can just give a dummy when she gets upset, but DD2 won't take one (as I'm it!!!)

In the night it's the worst as when she wakes up I feed her & she falls asleep but as soon as I try to put her back in the cot she wakes up crying & starts again. Then I feed her again & I usually find I've fallen asleep & it's already morning & my boob has been used as a dummy half the night.

I don't know what to do as most of the time I end up sleeping in the spare room where DD2 is (as the cot won't fit in our room) as DH can't really sleep when there is a baby in bed with us as he's scared of squashing her.

Will she grow out of this or is it something I need to nip in the bud? I love breastfeeding, but am getting a bit tired of all of the nursing in addition to the actual feeding.

[hermykne]

hollysunrise - would u take a look at the EASY routine by tracy hogg, its v good at helping recognising the babys signals and Eat Activity Sleep You time is the idea. do u know of it?
at 4 1/2 mths i wouldnt be bowing to feed her all the time, how long does she go between feeds? 2 1/2hrs would be pretty good and normal.

she will go to sleep if she is tired, so dont go walking or in the car if she is alert, maybe just for a few days to see if u can see a pattern to her. i know its tiring and exhausting but to figure her out u may need to just watch her over a couple of days.

u can get her to slleep for you without resorting to feeding her.
hth

[hermykne]

ps welll done breastfeeding

[hollysunrise]

Hi Hermykne, thanks, I have got that book I think if it is called 'the baby whisperer'. Someone bought it fot me when I had DD1 but I thought I knew better this time & haven't had it out - to my peril!!! I will go & see if I can find it now & hopefully it will help. I'll let you know.

[hermykne]

great good luck