Thankyou all so much for the replies.

I think my little melt down earlier today was probably very much tired induced. I think I just needed to get it out (the good cry and vent) because I've had such a better afternoon. Savannah had another episode later in the afternoon, but it was much different - not grizzly, but real 'pain' sounding. It broke my heart, but I was able to cope no problems. And after getting her to sleep in the swing, I started to think I wouldn't need to carry her 24 hours of the day.

In fact, she's currently out in the other room with DH...

After reading a lot this afternoon, I definitely categorise myself in the 'gentle parenting' group... I think. From everything I have read (especially on this site *hugs Kelly*), I believe that it only does them good to pick them up when they're crying - that they're crying for a reason. I have a sling which was originally purchased for outings to save lugging a big pram around, but have since decided to start using it around the house too. *I* have no problems with this, but I think let my MIL, SIL, Mother and even the bloomin neighbour down the road get in my head and make me think today that I had "done the rod for my own back". I also co-sleep, something I never imagined myself doing and certainly won't be telling MIL etc about.

It's funny how one bad day can make you doubt yourself so much. I feel in myself that I am doing it right, but after this morning and feeling like I couldn't even put her down to make lunch, I started to worry that this rod I have heard so much about was true...

Thankyou girls for helping me remember and setting me straight again. Especially your post widdle, much love for that!