Thinking about supplementing to get some sleep

[Violet's mom]

I'm exhausted.  V still wakes 2-3 times per night to nurse.  DH is trying to convince me to try some formula.  I need advice.  V has always had a sensitive/gassy tummy.  She is just over 7 months.  I would have to give the formula in a sippy because she won't take a bottle.  And would it really even help her sleep longer?  (Argument with some family members).  Really anxious about it but I'm not myself anymore...

Thanks.

[Fiver]

Formula doesn't always help LOs to sleep, so that's certainly not a winning argument for going that way.

Could there be some other reason for the NWs other than hunger, do you think?

[Violet's mom]

Went to the pediatrician today to make sure she doesn't have an ear infection - perfectly healthy.  She suggested DH go in and try to soothe her for whatever time frame we decide but I feel like I am abandoning her.  She mostly just comfort nurses anyway. 

[Fiver]

It may be that she's becoming a bit used to having a feed to resettle.  If you can be sure she's not hungry, I might be tempted to send the OH in as well.

[Erin M]

I might be tempted to send the OH in as well.

I agree with this.  Is she nursing at random times or at predictable times?  Is she going as long at night as she is during the day?

From modding this board and NWings, I can tell you that most people have a rough first few nights and then things settle down after that.  Many people use the "do anything but nurse to get LO asleep again" approach and have success.  If you're right there with her, you're definitely not abandoning her -- just make sure you're ready to go through with it before you start -- and think of what a much happier mommy she'll have if you're getting more sleep!

[Miamamma]

My DD did this too until i had finally had enough (she was 10 months old!). First I had a 'not before midnight' rule, getting it down to one feed. Then a week later it was a no feed at all rule. When she woke, I went in and sat with her, gave her a stroke, told her it was sleepy time and didn't leave her till she settled. The first night, she was furious and took nearly an hour to settle. The next night was 20 minutes and after that just a little murmur which i didnt need to go in for. I had psyched myself up for a huge battle but once she understood that she wasn't going to be fed (but I wasn't abandoning her) she was fine. I wished I had done it earlier but I had to be completely sure that I was ready to follow through with it. Im not good at advice but just wanted to share that it probably won't be as hard as you fear it will be!

[Violet's mom]

I'm worried about my supply - was yours ok after that?  Thanks so much ladies!

[Fiver]

Obviously no one can promise you that, but it should be ok

[Miamamma]

 My supply was just fine after that, no worries.

[Violet's mom]

Thanks.  We are down to one night feeding which I think she really needs since she is not eating solids much lately. 

[Miamamma]

Great stuff! I hope you're feeling better for getting more sleep. Once you're totally confident that she no longer needs that last feed, it shouldn't be a problem to drop it x