As a mother who breastfed both of my children for an extended period, I can attest that not every moment was blissful—despite the common misconception that all nursing mothers feel that way. However, one of the most cherished aspects of breastfeeding for me was those serene evenings when my boys would drift off to sleep while nursing.
Life with young boys can be overwhelmingly loud, chaotic, and exhausting. Yet, during those quiet nights when we cuddled together, nursing, it felt like magic. Watching their little eyelids flutter and their tiny hands relax as they drifted off created a beautiful bond between us, a precious moment in our own little world.
Early in my parenting journey, I encountered advice that nursing a baby to sleep was a significant mistake. According to sleep expert Laura Jensen, “If you regularly nurse your child to sleep, they may come to rely on that association to fall back asleep during the night.” This led to fears that I might create a dependency that would result in more nighttime awakenings for both of us.
While it’s true that many children who don’t nurse to sleep still wake frequently, I chose to nurse my boys to sleep regardless of the so-called risks. Perhaps it was my rebellious spirit or sheer exhaustion, but I embraced this practice. I shared a bed with my children, nursed them during nighttime awakenings, and managed to survive it all.
Was I sometimes fatigued? Absolutely. Did I occasionally feel frustrated with the “nursing back to sleep” routine? Yes! But do I wish I had tried to break that “habit” earlier? Not for a second. The closeness and warmth that nursing to sleep fostered far outweighed any inconveniences it might have caused.
As any parent of young children knows, fatigue is a constant companion. While I occasionally questioned whether nursing my kids to sleep contributed to my exhaustion, it certainly wasn’t the sole cause. The nights when my boys relied on nursing for comfort, especially during sickness or teething, were exhausting, but even those moments were overshadowed by the connection we shared.
It’s vital to recognize that these moments of nurturing—whether through nursing, cuddling, rocking, or other forms of comfort—are irreplaceable. You only get this time with your children once. So, whether you’re nursing to sleep, using a carrier, or allowing your children to co-sleep, remember, it’s all worthwhile.
Of course, if nursing to sleep doesn’t resonate with you, that’s perfectly okay. Parenting is challenging, and you should never feel pressured to do something that doesn’t work for you.
For those who love nursing their children to sleep, it’s essential to understand that it’s not about right or wrong. It’s about what feels best for you and your child. The soothing embrace of nursing can be like heaven for them. Why would we deny ourselves and our children those precious moments?
If nursing to sleep suits your family, trust your instincts and continue as long as it brings joy. You won’t regret it. While it lasts, savor every moment. You may find yourself missing it more than you could ever imagine.
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In summary, nursing your child to sleep can be a beautiful bonding experience that offers invaluable moments of connection. Whether it works for you or not, trust your instincts and prioritize what feels right for you and your little one.