Discussions

When my son was born, I immediately made a very large mistake. I picked him up and never again put him down. I like to think that I am just hands on thats all. My son never cries. And I mean NEVER. He is a very happy and social baby. Now where is the problem in all of this? The first moment after my son's birth, after all the people were gone and it was just us, I was supposed to have a sleep. His bassinet was just beside me and he was fast asleep, all bundled up. But to me he looked lonely. He was so new and vulnerable, I thought I needed to protect him and be with him at all times. So I picked him up, cradled him in my arms and went to sleep. He is 5 and a half months. He has never slept alone. Never used his crib. And we don't just co-sleep in the same bed. I still to this day cradle my 19 pound baby in arms and sleep sitting slightly up on the couch. Now, he refuses to sleep any other way. I might get a couple hours out of him on his own but I have to be right beside him! I love him so much but I think he needs to sleep on his own now. How do I go about this without hurting my little guy and without any tears?(not just his but mine too!) It breaks my heart to see him sad but we really need to get off the couch! I know that this is my fault but I really did have the best of intentions.  
 
Any advice on how to create an independent sleeper?