Oh dear. Sorry to hear she's been so poorly and there is so much sleep disturbance.
During illness or recovery from illness, honestly, do not worry about how much help you give. I know it's exhausting and you'd rather she went down easily, totally understand that! But don't add to the stress and frustration of it by worrying about bad habits. Really, trust that she will still return to self settling when she can and/or that it will be a relatively easy wean if any prop/habits persist. You wouldn't believe how much time I've spent helping my DS through certain phases or illnesses, and he is *very* independent when he sleeps.
Maybe try to hold her in a laying position rather than up to your shoulder so the positioning is more similar to laying in her cot. Then when you put her down keep your hands on her firmly, even under her so in effect you are still holding but inside the cot. You can rest your hands and her weigh ton the mattress. This might be more comforting for her than going from upright and held to in the cot in one move. From this position it may also be possible if she fusses to lift just slightly, like a few cm off the mattress to give a little movement, even a small rocking, and again rest your hands back down, you can even use your firm hands to give a little rocking in the cot if she finds this soothing. You might have more luck doing this a little...the aim is the same to get her sleeping in her cot of course.
