Ladies and Gentleman, it's official. I have a night weaned baby.
I know, I know. Most of you with children around Camden's age (or, let's face it, several months younger than Camden) night weaned them a long time ago. But I'd also venture to guess that many of you aren't co-sleepers. And night weaning a co-sleeping baby? Let's just say it's challenging. I mean, how do you explain to a 13 month old that the buffet is closed even though he can still smell the aroma wafting out the window all night long? It's not an easy message to convey, that's for sure.
The night I cut out his very last overnight nursing session was brutal. And that might be an understatement. We were up from 11:30pm-3am. There were tears. And rocking. And some singing. Then there were more tears. And there was also a little voice in my head saying Just give him a boob. Then you can both get some sleep. Do it. You can night wean him later. But I ignored that pesky little voice & stuck to my guns. Victory!
So, I now have a night weaned baby who sleeps through the night-- 12 hours straight!
Okay, I'm totally lying. Sorry, other breastfeeding & co-sleeping moms out there who might've gotten their hopes up for a second.
He's still waking up a few times during the night. But, most nights, he settles back down quickly & easily with minimal intervention. And keep in mind that this is the same child who, 4 months ago, was nursing every 2 hours at night. All night long. I'd say we're making progress, yes?
And just because I adore this post from another blogger (who you should totally follow if you don't already), I'm going to link to it. It's the best post I've read about co-sleeping in a long time. You're welcome.
Monday, January 10, 2011
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7 comments:
Yay!! That's awesome! Way to go. I know how hard it is. And I'm in the same place right now with Will that you were in 4 months ago. I'm dreading the work ahead of me.
I followed your link, but have already read Murgdan's post. I love her blog.
Congrats! I never really actively weaned Alana, she just magically slept through the night without needing me and it was amazing! Ava on the other hand, is still dependent on me, plus she's been sick so she's extra clingy to me. Maybe I'll try my luck!
Wohoo! Way to go Camden, and Mommy too!
Kerri, that is wonderful!! All of your hard work totally paid off. And I can only imagine how hard it would be to night wean a co-sleeper. You rock! Good for you for not taking the easy way. I know how it feels to just think "oh if I just went back to our old ways, things will be better and I can do it later". There is always some sort of excuse to not move forward and change. I've thought that and regrettably DONE that many times with Lexi, but it's the times I've pushed through that have really made the difference. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That is NO easy feat!
Okay, so he isn't quite sleeping through the night yet. But I would have to say that closing the boobie bar was an absolute sucess. I know (especially after reading your last post) that dropping this feeding is also an emotional journey for you - so CONGRATULATIONS on making it through and sticking to your guns.
Hi Kerri! Thanks for stopping by my blog! Your son is such a cutie! And WOW, I am so impressed you have night weaned him!! It sounds like my daughter and your son are/were very similar in terms of attachment to the boo.bie. Eliza is still very much attached to BFing, especially at night. I give you major props for being able to night wean AND continue to co-sleep! Way to go!
Way to go Camden and congrat's to mommy! No more over-night milk bar :) Love you guys!!
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