So desperate for sleep (baby and me)

[bayleesmama39]

I am new to this website but was referred here by a friend who understands that I need some good advice.  My daughter is 7 months old next week and has never been a good sleeper.  She was born 4 weeks premature due to pre-eclampsia, she had colic, reflux, and was placed on speciality formula.  Ever since she was two weeks old, she will not sleep unless we hold her.  So, for the last 6 1/2 months, I have slept on the couch in the living room with her while my husband enjoys the bed and snores all night.  (My back hurts and I still don't sleep well for fear of dropping her)  I have tried countless times getting her in her bed but she always wakes up immediately or within 20 minutes EVERY time.  She did trick me a couple times a few months ago and stay in her bed for over three hours.  When she goes to bed for the night, she will wake several times and cry out but I pat her or kiss her and she goes right back to sleep and she will do this all night and sleep from 9:00 or so until 6:00 in the morning.  But, if I put her in the bed, she is right up awake and crying.  She is the same with naps, as long as I hold her, she sleeps for about 1 1/2 hour about three times a day.
Everyone tells me to let her CIO but it hurts my heart so bad to think of her feeling alone and scared.  I hear so many different points of view on CIO and I am so confused as to what is even true anymore.  I tried it last night for the first time and 3 minutes was all I could take. 
My marriage is suffering and we have started counseling but I am not sure it will work.  My husband does try to help sometimes in his own way but it isn't really enough to relieve me and I am resentful and I do not want to be.  Now my daughter is only comforted by me and screams when anyone tries to help out.  I have been diagnosed with PPD and I am on medication.  This is getting better and I am enjoying my baby more now as compared to a few months ago.  I am very happy over all but I need to get her to sleep in her own bed and me in mine.  Whenever my husband can help at night and before she starts screaming, I must chose, a shower, eat, or get everything ready for tomorrow.  (Getting things ready usually wins) It seams like I have no life and I am making those around me miserable.  Does anyone have advice that can help me figure out how to teach my precious baby girl how to sooth herself to sleep and how to get her in her bed.  I would so much appreciate any advice and thanks for your time.
:-)

[lilac83]

There is definitely a lot of mixed info about CIO. BW doesn't support CIO as Tracey believed it broke the trust between parent and child. That's not to say though that there won't be crying while sleep training your LO. This will be a new way of thinking for her and it will take a few days to a week before she starts showing improvement. If there's any chance that your husband will help you out (perhaps on a weekend?) I would suggest starting the training then.

Your LO is old enough to start using the PU/PD technique and I think that is where you'll find your best results. Like I said above though, this isn't a quick fix and there may be a sleepless night or 2. However, there's light at the end of the tunnel after that and hopefully you'll both start getting the sleep you need! I would suggest checking out the PU/PD FAQ's and perhaps starting a support thread over there. If you have any questions about any of this let me know!

http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?board=89.0  For PU/PD.

[LeeLeeMelis]

Stay strong!! PU/PD is hard work but it does work.  We're sending you sleep vibes... and a hug!:-)