I was first introduced to the cry out to sleep method when i had my first child. At that time, i felt whoever who created this method ought to be shot to death. Letting a baby cry on her own was just beyond me. I couldnt it do it. So, i adjusted myself, my husband, our lifestyles, our bed, my boobs etc just so that the boy can be nursed to sleep and as much as he wants.
Now that i have no 2, i thought i would hold the same opinion. But i was wrong. I just adopted the method and used it on her last night. I don't know why is it so different this time, why i don't seem to be strongly against it. I guess, perhaps, exhaustion has gotten the best of me. On top of that, i have now, not one but two children to mind. I dont have the luxury to twist my arms and legs just to suit one child.
That said, even if i turn back time, i still wouldn't apply the cry it out method on Sonshine boy. He was a different child. I knew, and still know, that it wouldnt work on him. In fact i think it would've backfired. If i had train him for say 2 hours, he would cry for that entire 2 hours.
So why did i allow it on babydoll? My hunch tells me, this method could and would work on her. She seems to be a tougher kid than her brother. Yes, she would cry her lungs out but i sense that she isn't as distress or stress as her brother would be. True to my instincts, it did work. Well, actually i might be jumping the gun here. I only tried once which was last night. Babydoll slept for 5 hours for the first stretch but woke up several times thereafter (in fact, it has become a habit for the past nights. She would wake up every 20 minutes after her first stretch!) She cried for less than an hour and eventually went to sleep. She slept for a good 4hours after that!
My conclusion, this method, like any other parenting methods, is not for ALL types of babies. I think we should always carefully choose the method that suits our kids the best and not blindly follow just because so and so swears by it. Follow your instinct i say!
