i fed my DD1 to sleep.. gor 2 and a half years! i was always told to do the 'feed, play, sleep' cycle, but what suited us was 'sleep, play, feed'
when she got older (12m+) if i had to go out at night, or if she spent an entire day with nan/aunty, she would just lay down ans sleep when she needed to. but if i was there, it was 'boobie mum!'
i am determined this time, to not have the same routine. while there is nothing wrong with feeding to sleep, im choosing not to do it this time! so far, we're doing well... a couple of feeds per day, she is falling asleep while feeding (she is snoozing in my arms now) im not going to wake her when she does this, but if she is half awake, half asleep.. i will change her nappy or something to wake her. i have put a dummy in her mouth a few times, this has helped her go off to sleep as well. i wouldnt use the dummy if i thought she was still hungry. my health nurse commented that she probably only needs one feed in her wakeful times, rather than the two i was giving her, as she has put on more weight than average (exactly the same as DD1)
sorry i got carried away a bit, but i just wanted you to know that it is ok to do what YOU want to do! it doesn't hurt to give things a go, sometimes they work, sometimes they dont.
Firstly, you're doing a great job with your baby - they're lucky to have such an in-tune mummy!
Feeding to sleep often divides people, but the advice I liked the best was. Do WHATEVER works for the first 12 weeks and then re-assess if you want things changed.
In the early weeks it is vital your baby learns to trust you and grow an attachment, and one of the best ways to do that is to respond quickly and appropriately to their cries. If that means feeding 24/7 (and boy did I have days like that) then so be it. I know it seems like forever, but seriously those early days are like a blink in the scheme of things.
I strongly believe babies don't form habits until the 3 month mark, so just do your best to survive these early days, and get to know your baby...its all about falling in love at this stage, so enjoy it!!
Also, breastfeeding is only really established at the 3 week mark, so your baby might just be trying to sort out your supply if they're feeding so often (we still have nights like that here, and they usually are a pre-curser to a growth spurt).
Did I have problems feeding to sleep? Depends what you mean by a problem. I try not to do it now, but the fastest way to get my DD back to sleep in the night is...you guessed it..a nice warm boob in her mouth!!
Good luck. You're doing so well! Don't second-guess yourself...and remember, NO ONE knows your baby as well as you do (in other words, the books have nothing on you instinct and your heart!)
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