how can I get my baby to fall asleep without nursing?

IOANNA - posted on 03/19/2010

I could have written this post myself, a few months ago!
I had the same problems, exactly!
I took my baby to our bed, where she has been sleeping since. I' m going to transition her to a bed in her own bedroom after Easter.
Now that she is 16 months old and understands everything, I speak to her after she breastfeeds at night and tell her that when she finishes her milk, I'll hold her and we'll close our eyes and we'll sleep and it works! Not without her complaining a bit but it actually works!!!

Melinda - posted on 12/30/2009

I don't have any helpful hints, but I'm in the same boat and I hope to figure it out too........

Sarah - posted on 10/21/2009

I know that majority of people say not to use a soother, but it is working for me with my 7 week old son. Right from birth he was able to go back and forth bottle to breast and ocassionally a soother. I wouldn't have done so if it didnt need to be done though. But now I think it helped, because he will take a bottle and soother with no problems, he is 100% breastfed now, and very satisfied, yet he craves that soothing suckling, so I do use a soother. He does not sleep with it, as soon as he falls asleep, it falls out and he stays asleep. I use it to help him calm down so he is able to fall asleep. But it is totally up to the parents what to choose. thats just what helps in my case.

Krystal - posted on 10/02/2009

just keep in mind that what works for one may not work for another. with that being said, the crying it out method worked for my daughter. It was devastating to hear her cry, but she was safe, not hungry, and had a sippy cup of water with her. the first and second night she cried 10 minutes when being put down, the third night was about 3 minutes, and that was the end of it. I didn't go in in the middle of night, either.
i know some moms co-sleep and just allow their children to nurse whenever they want during the night (i couldn't/still can't sleep with my kids in bed, who are now 3 and 2). it works for some!
good luck!

Kristan - posted on 10/02/2009

no idea. but when you figure it out let me know ASAP!! because i am in the same boat.

completely exhausted! i feel your pain!