You know, it really makes me mad when mums are made to feel this way, like there is this "one" way for your child to sleep and if you don't conform to it, you have somehow failed. Its just not right.

I certainly felt that way. Until Peter was about 6-7 months old, I was rocking him to sleep. Then we decided to do some sleep training and it worked fantastically. Now he settles himself like a charm. But I can tell you, I tried to do it when he was younger and he just wasn't ready. He had to be a certain age before he could do it, and all the months of rocking him to sleep didn't ruin his developing the ability to self-settle.

What I have learned is that you should do what works to get through. There is plenty of time to develop different habits when they are older and more ready for it. You are NOT creating some "forever" rod for your back- you are doing what works for you and your baby right now. Over time you can work at developing self settling, when you both are ready. It will happen eventually. Don't be hard on yourself, your baby is still very young, there is HEAPS of time.

BTW, now that Peter self settles, he will NOT sleep in my arms. I really miss it!! Try to appreciate if you can, instead of feeling like you are constantly swimming upstream. I know that feeling, like you are fighting nature- much easier to go with the flow!

Big hugs, you are doing a great job!