scared of creating bad habits...

[alunrau]

My LO is having some tummy troubles right now and we're working with a naturopath to hopefully sort things out. In the meantime though, she's been having more NW than normal. I'm pretty sure it's her tummy that is bothering her, because I try to settle her in her crib or even by picking her up and cuddling her, and when I pick her up, I can feel her passing gas. The only way I am able to settle her is by nursing. I know she's not hungry, because sometimes it's only been 2 hours since her last feeding, but she won't go back to sleep without it. I'm sure she just needs the comfort. She does have good nights occasionally still, for example, the night before last, she was up at 2:30am, and I ended up nursing her at 3am, then she slept until 8:15am. I believe she is a good self-soother, as for naps and bedtimes, she puts herself to sleep easily by sucking on her fingers or lovey.

So, my concern is, am I going to create a bad habit by nursing her at her NW? Or since she is a good self-soother, once her tummy feels better, will she not need to be nursed during the day so much? Am I worrying for no reason?

[Colin Macs Mom]

Only you can know that for sure.  It's totally dependent on her as an individual. I will caution you though that feeding at night can quickly become a prop, and you did say that she won't go back to sleep without it. But since you are dealing with a medical issue I personally would do whatever gets both of you the most sleep and worry about it after things are back on track.

[alunrau]

once her tummy feels better, will she not need to be nursed during the day so much?

oops...I meant during the night, not day!

Thanks for your input. I'm hoping it's just a discomfort thing at the moment, as like I said, some nights are really good, and others, not so much!

[Colin Macs Mom]

I figured that's what you meant  

It probably is, but there's not really any way to know for sure.

[alunrau]

So last night she woke at 1:45am, after a dreamfeed at 10. So I didn't think she should be hungry yet, as it hadn't quite been 4 hours since her last feed, and she easily goes 4 hours during the day. So I did a sort of combination of shh/pat and PU/PD for 45 mins until she finally went back to sleep. Only to wake up crying around 25-30 mins later. I figured since she woke up such a short period later, that it must have been due to either hunger or discomfort. So I nursed her, making sure she did not fall asleep at the breast, and put her back to bed. She then slept until 7:30am.

Do you think I assumed correctly???

[Colin Macs Mom]

Yes I think that was totally reasonable. Waking shortly after falling asleep again is a dead giveaway for hunger or pain.

[alunrau]

Whew. Thanks for that. I am always doubting myself!

[Colin Macs Mom]

LOL it's funny how the solutions to other people's issues can be obvious but your own, not so much!