I agree Kelly. I went because I needed support and a bit of confidence in myself restored, not because I had no idea what I was doing IYKWIM?
We really didn't do anything that I wouldn't do at home or wasn't already doing. It was just the assurance that my settling methods were spot on and that eventually if I responded to my baby's signals appropriately and immediately and was there to reassure him and comfort him if he woke that eventually that would build his trust in me and that would make him secure enough to fall asleep happily on his own which is exactly what has happened. He is sleeping great now. He has his bad days like they all do but the stress has been removed from the equation which makes it so much easier for me to enjoy my baby.
Kellie - initially I watched for his tired signs and would hold him and rock him etc till he became sleepy and then I put him down. If he cried when I put him down, I would pick him back up and repeat the process until he was happy and went off to sleep. That might have meant me talking to him (and I might add here that our nurse told us to ignore anyone who went on about the 'no eye contact' crap - did they tell you not to make eye contact?), patting him, ssshhhhing etc. Once he became comfortable with that process (and it took a few weeks) I could put him down fully awake and stay with him until he was happy to go off to sleep. If not, I would repeat the same process as above until he settled and fell asleep. These days I pop him in his cot wrapped and pretty much walk out and he falls asleep without a sound. Occasionally he will grizzle or protest for a second when I close the door but if it goes on for longer than say...10-15 seconds? I know he's upset so I go back in and comfort him. Rarely happens these days though.
The thing to remember with this sort of settling is it's very hands on and intensive and it so it can get tiring and therefore stressful. We were told that if it ever got distressing for myself or DS to give up trying to settle him, pick him up and give him lots of cuddles etc till he settled and to try again later. It's much easier to leave a baby in a room to cry themselves to sleep (well for some people I guess, listening to my babies cry has always made me feel sick to my stomach) because it doesn't require much of you I guess?
I wish you were in Sydney, I would tell you to go and see this woman, she was really great
I'm happy to answer any questions you have and tell you as much as I can if it helps!
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