Hi Sue, If you read my thread (also in night wakings) you can see that I am just going through the same, or was, he has now been sleeping in his crib for a week! It is so great!
What I have been doing is this. I have stopped nursing to sleep totally, try to nurse 1/2 hr or so before nap time or bed. Get rid of the nurse-sleep association. Then, when I know he is getting a bit tired, we go into his room, turn down the lights a bit, read a book (or try to) then I sing him a song (always the same one) and then say my key words (sleepy time, it's ok) and lay him down. It took maybe 3 days and he new nap time was next
When he cries or stands up (don't know if your lo is standing yet) I gently hug him (without picking up) say key words again and repeat. I have been touching him to try to soothe him while he is laying down, but ultimately I will not touch at all, I only touch him now if he is getting worked up again. It will seem very hard at first, trust me! BUT, they catch on very quickly! I think it took 1/2 hr the first time but has been getting better ever since. I did start on naps for a week first, but wasn't all that consistant.
For nights, now that is the harder one. Personally, I have switched to formula for nights, although now that he is down to 2 feedings I do nurse for one of them. I 'think' you should try to cut out every 2nd feeding at first, at least that is how I would tackle it. You may be surprised, he may not wake as much if you aren't there right beside him and available, kwim? You should go through and read up on other threads about the nights maybe. The biggest thing is to stay consistant. He is learning something new, how to go to sleep alone, and it will only confuse him, as you know, if you give in and take him to bed.
This was very hard for me, I really do miss sleeping with him. BUT, I really really miss my sleep! I really think pu/pd will work well for you, babies learn very quickly! my ds knows that if I lay him back down a couple of times now, that I mean business and that it is time to sleep. Or at least I think he knows that
I am quite new at all of this too, so hopefully someone with more experience will post with more advice. good luck and please keep us posted!
Another thing, go and read some of the success stories, (especially when you are feeling like quitting) they really help alot!
take care,
Ruby
