The Nursing Baby - Q&A

First, I want you to know that you're not alone. It is very common for 6 month olds to awake at night. My best recommendation to you would be to family bed, if you aren't already. Many moms find that baby wakes up less in the family bed - they realize mom is right beside them, and fall right back to sleep without needing to nurse. And some moms find that they don't even know if their baby nursed during the night, because they sleep right through it.

Most 6 month olds nap during the day. I know with my youngest, that her naps were about 10 minutes of sleep while I nursed her on my lap in my nursing pillow (working at the computer). That was all she needed then - but when she dropped down to one nap a day at 8 months, she actually began taking 2-3 hour naps. Once she could allow herself to sleep by herself, she could fall into a deeper sleep. Perhaps your baby is the same. Certainly don't give up hope of your baby taking naps - most need it at this age.

Be assured that your baby is likely getting all the sleep that he needs to grow healthy and strong. He may be growing through a growth spurt right now and actually need that extra milk. He may be a very sensitive baby and wake up during his sleep cycle uncomfortable from a wet diaper. I do not recommend that you began withholding milk in an effort to get him to sleep with other comfort methods, unless you have a partner willing to help you in this. A father can 'father-nurse' a baby down with rocking and holding, but it requires a committment, and some confidence that baby's not in the middle of a growth spurt or any illness.

If you are already family bedding, one trick to try is to place baby on dad's side of the bed. Some babies are less likely to want to nurse in the middle of the night if they don't smell mama's milk right beside them when they wake.

Hope you have happier nights soon!