The No-cry Sleep Solution (30 page)

• Is my baby happy, healthy, and seemingly well rested?

• Am I happy, healthy, and well rested?

• Based on the facts in this book (see Chapter 2), what is a reasonable expectation for my baby at his or her age?

• What naptime and bedtime situation would I consider

“acceptable”?

• What naptime and bedtime situation would I consider

“pure bliss”?

Once you answer these questions, you will have a better understanding of not only what is happening with regard to your baby’s sleep, but also how motivated you are to make a change.

Your motivation is a key component to finding success using this plan.

Review and Choose Sleep Solutions

93

Reluctance to Let Go of Those Nighttime Moments

A good, long, honest look into your heart may truly surprise you.

You may find you actually
relish
those quiet night wakings when no one else is around. I remember in the middle of one night, I lay nursing Coleton by the light of the moon. My husband, the other three kids, and Grandma were all asleep. The house was perfectly, peacefully quiet. As I gently stroked his downy hair and soft baby skin, I marveled at this tiny being beside me—and the thought hit me, “I love this! I love these silent moments that we share in the night. And I love being needed by this precious baby.” It was then that I realized I needed to
want
to make a change in our night-waking habits before I would see any sleep success.

You may need to take a look at your own feelings. And if you find you’re truly ready to make a change, you’ll need to give yourself permission to let go of this stage of your baby’s life and move on to a different phase in your relationship. There will be lots of time to hug, cuddle, and love your little one, but if this plan is to
Mother-Speak

“Well, if I’m honest with myself, I must say that I—in no uncertain terms—fit into this category very nicely. I always loved waking with my babies to nurse at night. Snuggling and nursing a soft warm bundle in the semidarkness when the rest of the household is quiet is one of the most wonderful things about being a mommy. We mommies are paid not with a check, but in hugs, cuddles, and kisses. These nighttimes together are the equivalent of making overtime money or maybe a holiday bonus. Is it any wonder I’ve been reluctant to give that up?”

Donna, mother of nine-month-old Zachary