HVs and CIO

[ktmum]

WTF Why is it that almost EVERY Health Visator in the UK feels the need to suggest controlled crying as a sleep training method. GOD IT REALLY ANNOYS ME
Story is that FINALLY had a check with non existant HV re DD as we are moving and although to be fair she was a lovely lady When i said that I sit with DD for about 10 mind before sleep ( yes naughty i know ) she said I should use Controlled crying. TBH I know letting her doze off in my arms is naughty but it works for me at this rather difficult time in my life and she only ever takes 10 mins to settle. I have got her to the point if she wakes in the night she settles herself ( 9/10 times) except if shes unwell or bothered about somthing.
I know what i am doing is wrong but i really cant get my head around why health professionals in the uk insist on CIO to enourage indepandant sleep.
Even in the NHS manual it suggests leaving them.
I really wish they would broaden their views abit and maybe read Tracys book!!!
Sorry for rant it just really annoys me ( No disrespect to the Mums who have done it and it worked for you)
Karenxx

[Petunia]

And why is it such a terrible thing if she's out in ten minutes in your arms and it's not causing any other problems?  Is that not a million times better than having her scream and cry for who knows how long??  Why is it that CIO seems to be the only answer in medical publications  ?  Thankfully my ped recommended Tracy's book!  I totally agree with you.

[Johno & Aurelias Mum]

Its certainly not 'wrong' to do what you do if it works and as Petunia said its a lot better to have a happy and secure child than one who spends ages crying for their mum.

I know what you mean in the UK, my HV has insisted its the only way right from birth.  At a post natal class we went to, she asked who had sleep sorted and who had problems.  I said we were fine and she was convinced I must be using CC.  I said no I wasn't but she just wouldn't get that there was another way!

[tylersmommy]

It's not just on your side of the pond, gals...out of the 9 or so docs Tyler has seen for his checkups, all but one has pushed CIO or CC on me. And it was totally unsolicited advice, too, because I've never asked for a doctor's advice on Tyler's sleep (I always come here  ). Our last dr's office even had a handout that they distributed at each checkup (unsolicited, of course) explaining how to do CC, as if that's the only way to do things. Grrrr...

[Nikki~Nathanamp;Danielle]

yep, it's standard advice here too from birth!!!!  I don't think people think there is actually any other way to get children to sleep.  I am the only mum I know who doesn't use CC or CIO - even friends that have read BW take everything else out of it except on how to settle a child "gently" to sleep.