To cry or not to cry, that is the question

We've been trying a new technique with Benjamin, one that I thought I would never do. We are letting him cry for controlled periods of time in order that he will sleep longer and better. I've been doing some reading and talking to friends, Steven and I think this is what we need to do. We (I) reached a definite breaking point last week. After 5 nights in a row of 5 hours or less of sleep (after a cumulative 8 months of sleep deprivation), I knew something needed to change. We are doing what is called the "Ferber method," which involves soothing and comforting your child several times in between crying periods. I am seeing small improvements after a week of doing it. He seems to be napping a little bit longer and wakes up fairly happy (most of the time). Steven gets up with him at night (since Ben would want to eat if I comfort him). We have been feeding him some of the time, but are trying to get him to sleep longer. I really hope it pays off because it kills me to hear him cry. I hope we're doing the right thing. Parenting is tough, and I have a sneaky feeling that this is only the beginning....