How do I stop my baby from only going to sleep if she nurses?

Question

My 7 1/2 month old will only sleep if she is being nursed. And she's teething and likes to use me as a teething ring. I don't want to use a pacifier either.. any suggestions?

Answer 1

She will eventually sleep if she gets tired enough.  I am afraid the best thing to do is to just ride out the storm and not give in and nurse her.  If you know she is not hungry, let her cry herself to sleep a few times and she'll be weened from it.  Not easy to do, but sounds like it'd be worth it.

Answer 2

Sorry but this is something that you have taught her in regards to falling asleep on the breast.  It comforts them.  Try not laying down with her during the feeding or associate sleep with the feeding.   If you want to stop her from biting your breast then when she does it take the breast away and give her a stern no.  Do this evertime until she gets the idea that if she bites she does not get the breast (La Leche League recommendation).  

Answer 3

My 5 month old would always fall asleep when I fed her. I began feeding her and then sitting her up right away to burp her and she naturally woke back up. ( I really didn't have to burp her after she ate however it gave me a way to get her up)  She did not always like being woken up however it helped her to learn that she can not fall asleep while eating.  Now when I feed her she gets really relaxed and usually doesn't fall asleep.  I walk around with her for a little while after eating and she goes down for a nap by herself usually after feedings.  My daughter definitely takes less naps now but now my husband can put her down for a nap or to sleep without me being there.  Good luck.  Teething can be a battle. My little one has two teeth already.  I put pressure on the tooth that is coming in and she bites down on it.  It seems to help.  Just be sure that you wash your hands really well first. Best of luck with your little one