Should I be doing controlled crying? How does it work?

[missbumpy]

My 8mo LO used to be a great sleeper but hit 6mo and it all went a bit haywire. I can't put her in cot awake, I have to bf or rock and sing her to sleep and then put her down. She doesn't go to bed until 9pm by which time I'm shattered and only have an hour to quickly do housework, have a shower and fall into bed myself before I pass out with exhaustion!
I spoke to an HV today and she suggested I try doing controlled crying. TBH, I'm not sure I'll be able to do it. I'm too much of a softie and I can't imagine letting LO cry and not going to her. Not sure the neighbours would appreciate it either as we live in a flat where sound travels really badly.
Has anyone got experience of controlled crying? How did you do it? Did it work? Any tips?

Please don't. She's a baby. It won't go on forever. Have you tried putting her to bed earlier?

Sorry - I hope that doesn't sound unhelpful!

I didn't us controlled crying but I think you can go to them, you don't have to leave them to scream forever.

I 'think' idea is, put baby down settle and walk out, saying night night (or whatever)....leave room, if crying go back in after a time (5 minutes?) lie baby back down, re-assuring hand on tummy, I think the idea is not to pick them up. Leave room again, carry on first few nights might take a while of going in and out but have heard good things about it.

Get a copy of the No Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley

a gentle alternative to CC

link here

Have also seen people on here recommend a book called No Cry No Sleep or something like that....again never read it but name does seem to pop up quite often, maybe worth a read?

Have you read the 'No Cry Sleep Solution' ? Its very gentle, but very effective IME - does take a little time to work though, but lasts.

its a bit of a harsh technique, i think it can work if you can stick to it, but don't do it if you think you'll cave in, it's just confusing for them.

i would try starting her bed routine earlier, so even if it takes a long time you'll have more time for yourself in the evening.

i feel for you, it's crap when your knackered all the time.

That was quick! Thanks MNers! I do have a DP but he's working literally every hour of the day and night at the moment so he's no help at all. If anything I'm really conscious of trying to get LO to sleep with minimum fuss so as not to disturb him.
I do sometimes manage to nap when she's napping but I'm not very good at having short naps so more often than not I just watch telly while she's having a nap during the day.
I'll try to get hold of that book. Thanks for the tip. I'd try anything right now but controlled crying sounds a bit harsh to me. My natural instinct is to pick her up when she cries and it's hard to do anything that goes against that instinct.
Off to google that book now

Missbumpy, I was in exactly your same situation. DS slept really well until he was about 6 months and then started waking every couple of hours. This went on for a good six weeks and I thought I was going to go mad with sleep depravation, in fact I kind of did and so we tried CC despite the fact that to me it felt wrong. It was horrid, it didn't work for DS, he would cry for two hours with us going in very regularly. We lasted two days!! I know friends for whom it worked a treat within a few days, but if it doesn't feel right for you, don't attempt it. We used the NCSS and it is a slower, gentler way to get there. Good luck!

Thanks. I've ordered the book after another bad night. I'm just so exhausted and I really don't understand why she's waking up so much when she used to sleep through