Toddler breastfeeding in bed and husband not thrilled -- any advice?

Blaine - posted on 12/12/2009

If you've only got one room, there might not be much you can do about awakenings. I do recommend reading that same book. "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Marc Weissbluth, M.D.

It talks about the physiology of sleep, how it affects our bodies and minds, and how at each different stage of development, we need different amounts of sleep.

Your baby probably does need her own room, because just you being in there will cause the awakenings.

Also, if you read the book, and do sleep training (which is a lifesaver when you really need it like we did.) then she will learn to sleep through the night, and can nurse before and after sleeping still.

Most likely, she is waking up when you or your husband make noise in the night, and hasn't learned to go back to sleep on her own, except by nursing. She certainly doesn't need the calories at night, and it might not be the best thing for her teeth, either.

Good luck. :D

Lisa - posted on 12/12/2009

Quoting Safia:

I would suggest reading healthy sleeping habits happy child. This book was an eye opener for me.. although naps are important, I think the best quality of sleep is during the night

I can only give you my opinion with no intention to disrespect you of course. I believe that breastfeeding is something that both parents have to be comfortable with. I can understand his frustration, but it is something that both of you need to discuss. I am wondering however, if you are still nursing because it is what 'you' want. Because you did mention that you work and it is your bonding time. You and your husband are the foundation of this family, and you don't want something like this to come between.

I am glad you've managed to nurse her over two years, I only lasted a year haha. But when i did nurse and had to bring my son to my bed, I would be nursing him at least 4 times at night... but when he sleeps in his room, then it would be about once..

Anyways best of luck! Your husband probably just wants his wife back :)

Thanks for your reply and appreciate your opinions. I understand what you are saying about my husband wanting his wife (and sleep!) back. If we had another room for our daughter, it would have been easier to transistion her out and I could still get up to nurse. We only have one bedroom so any crying is reverberating right next to both of us. I think the close living space is complicating matters. I keep telling him, it's only temporary! We will move into a (hopefully) larger home in the summer, and by then our daughter may just want her very own bed and room anyway. Again, anticipating into the future doesn't necessarily help what is going on currently.

Safia - posted on 12/12/2009

I would suggest reading healthy sleeping habits happy child. This book was an eye opener for me.. although naps are important, I think the best quality of sleep is during the night



I can only give you my opinion with no intention to disrespect you of course. I believe that breastfeeding is something that both parents have to be comfortable with. I can understand his frustration, but it is something that both of you need to discuss. I am wondering however, if you are still nursing because it is what 'you' want. Because you did mention that you work and it is your bonding time. You and your husband are the foundation of this family, and you don't want something like this to come between.



I am glad you've managed to nurse her over two years, I only lasted a year haha. But when i did nurse and had to bring my son to my bed, I would be nursing him at least 4 times at night... but when he sleeps in his room, then it would be about once..



Anyways best of luck! Your husband probably just wants his wife back :)