dream feeds

[mthyne]

How long does it take before dream feeds start to work?  I have been doing it for a week now, and my ds still wakes up around 3am every night.  Not always to eat--sometimes I can re-settle him with a pat and his paci, but I thought the purpose of the df was to stop the middle of the night wakings.  It makes me think that I should just go back to waiting until he wakes up naturally. 
Any advice would be great!
Melissa

[Carina's Mommy]

I think the dream feeds help more with random waking times--waking from hunger.  If he is waking at 3 a.m. every day, that sounds like habit rather than hunger.

In her sleep interview (you can download it) Tracy recommends going in early--say at 2 a.m. for a few nights and doing the "wake to sleep" technique.  She also talks about feeding early--say at 2 a.m. and then working backwards earlier and earlier until it coincides with the dreamfeed.

But I have no experience with doing this!

[Jaime]

i have no experience either - but from what i have read, it can take up to 2 weeks to get everything sorted out.  the fact that you are able to resettle at 3am with just a paci is great progress.  i would keep that up, and once he gets used to it you will hopefully see him start to sleep through.

[mthyne]

Thanks for the info.  It makes me feel so good to have a sounding board and input.  I must say I love this website!
Melissa