My DD rarely slept as an infant. She would have 10-20 minute cat naps during the day.. maybe two if I was lucky. I would have to nurse her while laying on my bed and then slide slowly away from her when she fell asleep. Of course, I couldn't leave the room but at least I got a few minutes to myself. We coslept until she was 6 months. When she transitioned to her crib she would wake 6-8 times per night, making me rethink my decision to stop cosleeping. She was at least 18 months before she started sleeping well at night. She was unable to self-soothe. Now that she is almost 9, I still see how she has trouble self-regulating her own moods. Everything is just intense with her.
The best advice I ever got about teaching self-soothing was from Elizabeth Pantley's 'The No-Cry Sleep Solution'. I am not a proponent of crying-it-out... it just is not how I parent. This book jived with my view and within two weeks, my little one was able to go to sleep on her own. If I ever have to opportunity to meet Mrs. Pantley I will give her a big kiss for saving my life.. literally!
