Abstract: The discourse surrounding sleep training often evokes a spectrum of opinions among parents, frequently accompanied by unsolicited judgment. This article reflects on the transformative experience of one mother, Sarah Thompson, as she navigates the challenges of sleep with her two children, ultimately leading to a significant shift in her perspective on sleep training.
Introduction
In recent months, I’ve been following the journey of a dear friend, Jessica, who has recently become a mother. Through social media, I’ve observed that her newborn daughter shares similar traits with my own children—delightful yet demanding. As a first-time parent, Jessica may not fully grasp the complexities of her daughter’s temperament, especially when compared to my own experiences with my son, who was notably easier to care for during infancy.
Discussion
Jessica recently shared her thoughts on sleep training, likely in reference to establishing a nap schedule. However, the comments that ensued were laden with judgment: “Isn’t she too young for that?” “I could never do it!” “Just hold her!” In my own experience, I had once held similar views, critiquing other mothers for opting for sleep training methods that involved allowing their children to cry in pursuit of independent sleep.
I acknowledge that the demands of motherhood are formidable, regardless of the child’s temperament. My son, while classified as an “easy” baby, still required significant attention and care, often waking for comfort nursing every few hours until he weaned at 13 months. Despite the exhaustion, I managed to cope with the situation.
Upon his weaning, we began exploring gentle sleep training techniques, as recommended by his pediatrician. This approach involved placing him in his crib when drowsy but awake, alongside a comforting toy. The initial nights were challenging, with crying periods lasting up to 14 minutes. However, within three nights, he achieved the ability to sleep through the night continuously—a considerable relief for all involved.
This experience fortified my belief in the efficacy of sleep training, particularly as I faced skepticism from parents who had children with different sleep patterns. Their comments often lacked understanding of my journey, leading me to believe that I had been fortunate to avoid prolonged crying.
However, my experience with my daughter was markedly different. I affectionately refer to her as my spirited child—an individual with a strong will and a fiery personality. From her infancy, she resisted sleep, and even minor movements during the night would awaken her. Transitioning her to her nursery proved necessary, yet even with sound machines in place, disruptions continued.
As she began to roll over, the frequency of nighttime awakenings increased. Comfort breastfeeding, which had previously been effective, became less so, as she often grew agitated instead of settled. This led me to consider sleep training more seriously. I joined a Facebook group focused on respectful sleep training and ultimately decided to allow my daughter to cry it out, checking on her needs periodically.
Surprisingly, this decision provided a sense of liberation. My struggle with postpartum depression and extreme fatigue necessitated a solution, and as I turned down the monitor’s volume, I found renewed energy. A poignant blog post I discovered titled “Sleep Training Saved My Life” resonated deeply with me, encouraging me to embrace this choice without guilt.
Conclusion
The challenges of parenting are often magnified by societal judgments. Reflecting on my past convictions, I understand that every family’s situation is unique. While sleep training may not suit every parent or child, it can be an invaluable tool for those who need it. The focus should shift from judgment to support, fostering a community where mothers uplift one another instead of tearing each other down.
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