Does anyone have any idea why nursing moms usually have such a long period of night waking with their children? I am a mom of two (17 months and almost 4 years). My son is still nursing through the night and I am in love with him and happy to do it, but I would love a nights sleep now and then. I am also a Bradley childbirth teacher and almost every student I have taught is nursing and waking up. I look around at formula fed babies and find that they are sleeping through the night at earlier ages. What is it? Are formula feeding moms doing the Ferber thing and letting their babies scream at 6 months? I know that breast milk is, of course, more readily absorbed. But my son eats all day long both breast milk and food. It is hard for me to imagine that hunger is really the motivating factor. Ideas? All rssponses welcome. From someone who has been pondering one good nights sleep now and then..