Almost 10 Month Old Increased Sleep Issues Since Being Sick

Nurse her for as long as she needs to... Why not? Sounds like she needs it. She was just sick no? Kids nurse more when they are sick for good reason. Keep her in the bed with you and nurse her as much as possible, and thank your lucky stars she has your breastmilk to make her better. I try to nurse my kids as much as possible when they are sick.
Also I think Liz D is right and she is probably extremely hungry after losing 2 pounds! That is a lot for a little baby. This is probably the worst time for you to be limiting feedings. I am sure that is the main reason she is nursing so much right now.

Hi J.,

I know alot of people believe in the whole let them cry it out thing and I don't believe this method is abusive or anything, but, if you are not comfortable with letting her cry it out. I think it would be fine to nurse her to sleep if you are comfortable with it.

I slept with all of my babies and nursed on demand. All of my children (I have four) weaned themselves before 18 months. I realize this mother/baby relationship does impact a couple's intimacy, but babyhood is not all that long and all of my children transitioned into their own beds without any real difficulty.

Sometimes it is difficult to determine what is causing their anxiety, but your daughter is telling you what she needs.

Best Wishes and God Bless you and your family.

J. L.

I think it is harder to deal with sleep issues when you have another child whose sleep is also going to be affected by whatever steps you take. I would try the Super Nanny approach, which is much as the advice below me says - sit by the crib but do not react to her. Let her see you and know that you are there, but don't interact. Each night, move a little further from the crib until you get to the point where you are out the door.

It worked on TV ... ;)

I have an 11 month old who is a horrible sleeper and he used to wake up his 3 year old sister all the time so I bought a sound machine (babies r us) and I turn the volume up as much as possible and keep it in my 3 year olds room. It seems to be working so I'm not so nervous anymore when my 11 month old starts to fuss/cry at night.

the most logical thing I can tell you is to let her nurse! She is communicating with you by crying, listen to her needs. Letting her cry when she obviously needs something seems cruel to me. Is there any harm in letting her nurse as much as she needs during the night? It seems as though she not only needs the nourshment from just getting over a sickness and losing wieght, she also needs the comfort. Have you read the continuum concept by jean leidloff? also check out askdrsears.com Just let her sleep right next to you and nurse as much as she needs, this too will pass, she needs you right now.

Hi there. I hope this info will help.

Are you sure your LO is getting enough breast milk during the day?

The breast can be very comforting and soothing, and if she is indeed getting enough milk, then it sounds like your DD needs to learn to self soothe in order to sleep on her own.

I too had to o this with my own DD, and it took a few days, and I got it set in my mind to get mentally prepared to work on her sleep, and get NO sleep myself.

So each time she woke and wanted the breast I soothed her back to sleep by talking softly to her, rubbing her head, her belly, etc. I actually slept on her floor for 3 days, and each time she woke I could talk to her and let her know I was there. One time she even slept on the floor with me. My DH took a couple of turns too.

But I gave her NO other option but to go to sleep ono her own, without the breast, BUT I did NOT let her cry on her own. I stayed with her. I pulled up a chair next to her crib and sat there for hours! The first night 2 nights it took over 90 min for her to settle, and it is hard not to give in - especially when you are so tired. But after a few days, she caught on and we all got more sleep!

Good luck!