Thanks everyone for your replies! I really appreciate hearing other people's experiences and its really good to know that there are other people in the same boat!

I've certainly tried, at one time or another, some of the things you have had success with (such as patting, getting DH to try and settle, co-sleeping etc). Unfortunately, DS just doesn't want a bar of any of it! He either thinks its playtime or gets more and more upset and hysterical unless his mummy is feeding or 'bouncing' him. (The only other things that sometimes works to calm his is watching TV!?).

I think part of me was hoping that DS would magically just grow out of needing to feed/rock to sleep BEFORE he gets too old (and heavy!). This may be the case I guess, as it was with you Leasha, but it sounds like he may also continue to need help to get to sleep for quite some time too? I guess I'll find out!

Most of the time I don't mind it - as Lady-Bug said, its not forever! Part of me even enjoys being so desperately needed by my little man - he can't be without his mummy! Sometimes, as others have pointed out, it can just be tiring or frustrating, particularly if it takes longer that usual and/or if my back is particularly sore! (It also is awkward timing with getting dinner for DH and I etc and evening socialising is a write off!)

Anyway, I'll see how things go. I might have another look at the NCSS, although I have been through all that to limited success in the past...I don't have the inclination to instigate a process that causes heartache with DS, or that requires a week or so of upheaval in the house - maybe that means I'm not actually 'ready' to stop feeding to sleep anyway??

Marcellus - incidently, how did your bub go to sleep at night after they stopped feeing to sleep at 9 months?

Leasha - how did Jazz first start self settling - how did you know when to try?

Thanks again everyone for your replies.