Moms, Give Me Your Advice

Lincoln is 8.5 months old and does not sleep through the night. He has a bedtime routine and always goes to bed at the same time. On a good night he will wake up once, and then again for the day some time after 6:30. On a bad night he might be up several times.

In the past week I have allowed him to CIO if he has been up within the hour.

Generally speaking, CIO is not always a winner with him. I am learning that it works with some kids, not all, and that it is not to be relied on as a tried-and-true strategy for us.

Lately I am reading conflicting information from various doctors on when it is appropriate for a child to sleep through the night. I haven't asked my physician, but he was the one who told me to CIO to begin with so I am thinking that is what he might say. I have read from multiple sources that breastfed babies never fully sleep through the night till they are weaned.

When he only wakes once, I don't mind it too much. I know it won't be forever. I'm just not sure how I feel. He is stirring as I write this and he has been down for a mere hour. I read an article last week where the physician author said that babies do not have coping skills prior to 9 months so basically you're just hoping they wear themselves out.

I know I have sought advice on naps before, and we are doing better in that department, but I would really like to know what other nursing moms have experienced. (I know formula babies burn their food off slower.)

An Update

I went to the doctor yesterday regarding my, ahem, "issues. Here is the conversation as best I recall it:

Dr: So, no bleeding, no pain, etc.?

Me: Nope.

(The she examines me.)

Dr: Huh.

Me: Uh...?

Dr: Well, you had one of the most severe tears I've seen. I really figured we'd be scheduling you a surgery today. I didn't think the treatment plan would work.

Me: Uh...?

Dr: Well, you're healed. I didn't think you would!

Me: I'm glad you have a good poker face! I would've been despondent at the thought of another surgery.

Dr: It's incredible. A miracle, really.

**************************************

This FANTASTIC news really makes it much easier to continue pounding laxatives for the next year (long story.) And when I do get around to another pregnancy, you can bet your life's savings that I will begin scarfing milk of magnesia waaaay before I deliver and for a lonnnnnng time after. Lesson learned!

Oh, and I will not be having a colonoscopy. Praise Jesus!