Frequent nightwaking....any advice?

Thank you for all the advice! Certainly nice to hear from real moms and not a dozen articles My baby girl slept a whole lot better last night, doing 4 hour stretches which might not sound like a whole lot but was great for me and I got some rest. Thank you for all the links to various websites. Will most definitely take a look!

Hi Bunnyhugger

I know how exhausting it can be, especially being a working mom as well.

As Hantielab says sleep training is a controversial topic, and it is up to you to decide what works for you and your family. No one exactly knows each other circumstances, and I do not like to judge other mom's choices. We are under so much pressure already as it is

What I can suggest is a book by Elizabeth Pantley called the No-cry Sleep Solution. You can get is on Kindle too, if you have one.

It is NOT a cry-it out method by any means, but rather gives you some tips and tricks, such as taking baby off the breast when sleepy but not asleep so that breast isn't automatically associated with sleep, etc, etc. You can get more information here: www.pantley.com/elizabeth/books/0071381392.php

All the best

It sounds to me that she is going through a sleep regression which is entirely normal and usually coincides with certain developmental changes and growth spurts. There is a definite one at around 4 months, and another one at 6 or 7 months. Please please please do not try to resort to things like sleep training. Google sleep regressions and read up on them. All you can really do is ride them out. They feel like they last forever but they do pass within a few weeks. You are not doing anything wrong, she is just growing up and developing like a normal happy healthy baby

I don't want to start a debate on this very controversial topic. Just want to say that you must explore all options and decide for yourself what works for you, your baby and your circumstances.
I have a healthy, very content and rested 2.5 year old and as a bonus I'm well rested and sane as well

Hope you get peace of mind soon!

Hang in there! it will pass. Why is it that babies need to learn how to self sooth so early? Do we expect them to talk at 5 months?? It is a developmental milestone. It will happen. And i second the ISIS website - great information, based on science.

Hi there,

I replied on the breastfeeding post where you asked for help. So, I'm just going to add on here.

Babies go through a lot of major changes in their life. There are a few growth spurts along the way and usually a sleep regression at 6 months. Most people expect babies to sleep through the night and a lot of research shows and prove that it's unrealistic expectations that we have. It is in fact, NORMAL for babies to wake up during the night. Be it due to teething, illness, hot/cold, comfort, hunger and also when developmental milestones are going to happen for example, sitting alone, crawling, rolling over, walking etc.

There are also 10 wonder weeks that happen before the age of 2. You can google it for a bit more info.

I know it can be tiring but your lo will sleep through EVENTUALLY. If there is no medical problem like middle ear infection or even reflux, don't stress about it. I don't believe in sleep training. I trust my child and I just make sure that I'm always there. This is just my personal opinion.

You can even google ISISONLINE. Excellent website regarding sleep in children. What is normal and what is usually the normal age for them to start sleeping through, which is usually only after the age of 2 onwards.

We also co-sleep, still bf on demand and my boobies are my son's pacifier which is the original thing

You are not creating bad habits. There is a reason why your lo is waking up. She is also making up for missed boobie time and wants to be close to you. YES, it is exhausting but it will get better.

Hi Bunnyhugger

Do not fret, help is on the way!!! Please contact www.goodnightbaby.co.za. They are also on facebook! It is an amazing team of sleep consultants that will help you sort through the problems and get a solution for your specific situation.

We called in their help when my boy was 5 months, he slept ok at night but the cat naps was getting me down. After we did the program he was sleeping 2 hour stretches at a time during the day. He is now 2.5 years and still sleeping like a dream and sleeping 2- 2.5 hours every afternoon.

Do not hesitate to get help, it will benefit your child, your relationships and definitely your sanity!!!!

Good luck and please keep me posted!!!