Morning all,

I'm really struggling with Caitlin's night time feeding. I'm suffering awful sickness and am absolutely exhausted and am really struggling to feed her whenever she wants to at night.

So last night I bf when she woke at 11:52 and then when she woke again I sang to her and cuddled her. She was very upset that I just didn't roll over and feed her, but thankfully for her and for the neighbours! her crying didn't last that long. She was awake for a long time just trying to get herself back to sleep - she likes to play with my hair and eventually she went off. I didn't feed her again when she woke later and just kept cuddling her. When she woke at 7 I let her bf and I have to say I do feel a bit better this morning.

I feel really selfish for not perservering and going for self weaning, but I don't feel I can be pregant and also be a good day time mummy too. It doesn't feel very AP.

That was our first night, so we'll see how we go. I thought DP would have to take her, but I reckon she calmed down and was less upset being with me than being taken away from her mummy!

Anyway, not looking for advice, just needed a space to get my thoughts down.

xxx

Hi Jools

I expect many here will disagree with me, but hey!

I think there is a big difference in fulfilling your babies needs and fulfilling their wants. By that I mean you are providing her with the mummy milk she needs by continuing to BF in daytime and late night. She wants more through the night - whether at 14 months she *needs* it all night long is a different story. It's not like you've said no more BF.

Anyway, like you say, you can't deal with that and still be a good daytime mummy, so something has to give. And if that means no milk but still plenty of cuddles and comfort, then I honestly (personally) believe she'll be no worse off - if anything better off as she'll have a better Mummy in awake time :)

Julie.xx

Thank you everyone for your messages of support.

Last night wasn't too bad, she woke more frequently but just rolled to cuddle me. She woke once and was very upset but again soon accepted my cuddles.

I defo think she still needs her 7pm, 11-12pm and 7am feed, but I think she would have put up more of a fight and signed for milk at the other times if she really wanted it. She always signs at the other times, so I know she does understand.

I am feeling a little better again today, could be a coincidence but I don't think it is. I agree with Kate that you do have to protect yourself - I had a horrendous bug on top of morning sickness and being run down and pregnant you are just prone to more illnesses - I very rarely get ill so I do need my strength!

Caitlin seems fine, not extra clingly so we are still firmly attached!

XXXX