Toddler waking every 3 hours screeching

Hi mums,
My little one is 17months old, since the 10 month sleep regression things have not been the same. Most days I can cope with the sleep deprivation but today I am feeling defeated.
Most nights he will go to sleep after his milk not too much fuss, cuddle till he falls asleep transfer to cot and he sleeps well for 2.5-3 hours. Then he wakes crying, or maybe more like screeching, he will have a cuddle or some water and then settles again. Sometimes for another 3 hours sometimes for only 40 mins. This continues on until the early morning, sometimes I give in and give him breast or let him sleep between my partner and I because I just need sleep.
However increasing comments from well meaning family and my partner have me thinking I’m doing this all wrong. I’m being encouraged to let him just cry himself back to sleep but I don’t feel comfortable with it, he screams as if he is being physically hurt all whilst still having his eyes shut and I assume half asleep.
Am I wrong? I’m aware I probably formed this habit but I’m at a loss on how to break it and I’m just out of ideas. I’m back at work full time but not functioning at full capacity because I can’t think most days.
Please no judgement I’m a first time mum and trying my best.