As a mother who breastfed both of my sons for an extended period, I can attest that not every moment was blissful (the idea that all nursing mothers adore every second is a vast oversimplification). However, one of my most cherished experiences was when my boys would drift off to sleep while nursing.
Life with two young boys was often loud, chaotic, and relentless, leaving me utterly drained. Yet, those serene evenings when we nestled closely together, nursing, felt magical. I would watch their eyelids flutter closed, their tiny hands relax as they surrendered to sleep, and it created a beautiful cocoon of love between mother and son.
In the beginning, I was cautioned against “nursing to sleep” by so-called sleep experts. According to Dr. Sarah Davis, a pediatric sleep specialist, “If you consistently nurse your baby to sleep, he might come to rely on that same cue to fall back asleep during the night. While it may be easier to nurse during nighttime if co-sleeping, it could lead to more awakenings for both of you.”
Sure, it’s true that many children who don’t nurse to sleep still wake up frequently, and that “nursing to sleep” might have been a “crutch” for my kids at times. But honestly, I didn’t mind. Maybe it was my rebellious spirit, or perhaps sheer exhaustion, but I chose to nurse both of my boys to sleep. I co-slept with them, tended to their midnight awakenings, and somehow made it through.
Was I tired? Absolutely. Did I sometimes feel frustrated by those moments of nursing them back to sleep? Yes! Did I wish I had stopped the habit earlier? Not even a little.
Here’s the bottom line: For me—and for countless other parents—the joy of nursing to sleep far outweighed any inconvenience it may have caused. Sure, there were nights when all my sons wanted was to nurse, especially during periods of illness, teething, or learning new skills. There were times when getting them to sleep took forever, and I desperately wished for a moment of personal space.
But those challenging instances were vastly outnumbered by the warmth and closeness that nursing to sleep provided. I stand by my conviction: you don’t get those fleeting moments back.
Whether it’s nursing to sleep, cuddling your child to slumber, rocking them gently, or letting them drift off in your arms, all of it is priceless. Each method of comforting your little ones has its worth.
If nursing to sleep isn’t your thing—whether right away or at any point—don’t feel obligated to continue. Parenting is tough, and just because something feels comforting for others doesn’t mean it’ll work for you.
But for those who enjoy nursing their children to sleep, embrace it! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it, and we certainly don’t deserve any judgment for our choices.
Let’s also debunk a few myths: nursing to sleep doesn’t cause cavities (issues like weak enamel, poor brushing habits, and specific bacteria are usually to blame). If you maintain your child’s dental hygiene before nursing, they’re no more likely to develop cavities than any other child.
As for weaning from nursing to sleep, it can occur whenever it feels right. I personally waited until the habit diminished naturally. The biological urge to suckle is something all children have, and it gradually fades in its own time. Kids who rely on pacifiers or thumbs eventually stop, and the same goes for nursing to sleep. Some kids naturally wean earlier, but there’s no set timeline.
If you prefer not to wait, that’s completely fine too. With a little patience and gentle methods, you can help your child transition away from nursing to sleep. Sometimes, a sippy cup of water or having your partner take over bedtime can work wonders. Just remember that as long as it’s done with love, it’ll be alright.
Ultimately, for those of us who choose to nurse our children to sleep, it’s not about right or wrong. It’s not about whether Aunt May approves or what the “experts” think. We do it because it works for our families. To our children, nursing to sleep is like heaven—a tender embrace that’s too precious to deny. Why would we want to miss out on those sweet moments and lasting memories?
If nursing to sleep feels right for you, trust your instincts and continue for as long as you and your child desire. You won’t regret it. Savor every moment, because before you know it, it will be just a memory.
Summary:
Nursing to sleep is a deeply personal choice for many mothers, offering moments of closeness that outweigh any potential challenges. While some experts caution against it, the emotional bond formed during these times is invaluable. It’s essential to remember that parenting is unique to each family, and what works for one may not work for another. Whether you choose to nurse your child to sleep or find alternative methods, trust your instincts and cherish these fleeting moments.
Keyphrase: nursing to sleep
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