Hi guys! It's been awhile since I posted on this thread, but I have still been continuing on with the GW sleep training and am back to give an update and ask for some more advice!!!
We have now been doing GW for 7 weeks!!! Whew, this seems like a long time when I type it out and think about it; however, it is been going GREAT!!! DS has responded much better than I thought he would. In 7 weeks, we have gone from DS needing to be rocked to sleep every time he woke up to DS falling asleep independently! We have gone from maybe 6-7 wake ups every night where he had to be rocked back to sleep....to usually 1 wake-up at the most (where he can usually put himself back to sleep!)...and sometimes none! Yea!!!
So, now for the questions.....
I started out on a mattress by the crib in his room (lying on the side closest to him so I could hold his hand, pat, etc.). I did this for 2 weeks until he got comfortable and quit reaching for my hand to fall asleep. Then, I moved to the other side of the mattress (where he couldn't reach me, but could see and hear me) for 2 more weeks. Once he was again comfortable, I moved to sitting right by his door and not talking to him as much anymore. For example, I may say our sleep phrase to get him to lie down. Then, he will usually fall asleep as long as he can just see me (may need to say a few more times some nights but never have to go over to him). This has been going on for 2.5 - 3 weeks. The past couple of nights...I have tried to tell him I had to go do something, and I'd be right back to see what he would do. Sometimes, he whines for me to come back. Sometimes, he is quiet, but stands in his crib like he is not going to lay back down until I come back!!!
I am nervous because I feel like we are to the point where I need to try to move out of the room now but do not know how he will respond. Do I just sit right outside his door and still talk to him? Do I sit where he can see me...or not see me?
Also, have any of you Mommy's out there had a hard time "letting go" of your baby while at the same time knowing that you are teaching them to sleep independently because that is what is best for them??? I finally made the decision to do GW because everyone's lack of sleep was not healthy for anyone! However, since I have been sleeping on the mattress in DS's room, I have never been apart from him at night in 16 months!!!! I am having a hard time letting go and allowing him to be independent. I know it is time for me to leave the mattress and head back to my room.....but I'm just having a tough time doing so!!! Any words or encouragement or understanding out there?
Thanks for everything!!!