Hello, I would really appreciate any tips from anyone whose had experience with successfully (or not!) sleep training a slightly older baby, using the NCSS or anything really!
I'm not really sure what the NCSS is as I've gone head first into sleep training & left myself no time to buy the book (limited info online)...
so, here's the deal, my dd is 15 months old & has co-slept & bf'd since birth. I'd be happy continuing however it's becoming increasingly difficult as 1) she'll wake at 10ish & literally demand that I go to sleep with her & 2) she'll wake frequently after 3am to snack feed until the morning. It's leaving me absolutely shattered & I'm also feeling extremely guilty for my older ds1 as it limits my availability for him and I'm often really cranky.
Out of desperation yesterday I went head first and put her into her cot in her bedroom (she was sleeping the first stretch until 10 in her cot) when she awoke at around 10 naturally expecting to go and sleep in the big bed I continually lay her down with intermittent quick cuddles to reassure her (not lifting her out of the cot though) ssshing her and rubbing her back. After lying her down over 100 times & over 2 hrs later she settled & woke twice more until waking up at 7am.
She's incredibly strong willed and has been attached to me since birth. Today I tried to carry this technique forward to her daytime nap (she was absolutely shattered) but failed miserably. The whole night & day has been filled with tears which is eating me up inside- she's normally so happy I'm really questioning whether this is right for her, however the alternative doesn't seem to be doing her much good either! also she only sleeps about 45mins-1hr in the day (in buggy or with me) but generally seems okay with this.
Wow that was a long post, I would so appreciate any wise words from anyone with experience to share...
Ps - I did CC with my ds which worked amazingly well, I gave frequent reassurance and he took to it really quickly & was so much happier for it. With my daughter having attempted it in the past, she becomes fearfully distraught & I have no shadow of doubt that this is not the right path for her...
Thank you mumsnetters - toasting you with a large glass of something & wishing you a lovely Sunday evening or tv series' & sleep...x