Co-Sleeping or Bed sharing
See Dr James McKenna's website for his research and info on co-sleeping. Also check out his book "Sleeping with Your Baby, a Parent's guide to Cosleeping".The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends having your baby in close proximity to where you are sleeping. Breastfed babies feed frequently and need comfort around the clock, so many babies wake frequently at night - sometimes until they are 2 years old or older. Most adults really need solid sleep, although new mothers have a greater ability to awaken frequently at night. Remember during the last few months of pregnancy when you had to pee several times at night? That's a natural way to get your body ready for this change. Babies wake up at night for many reasons, but mostly because they need you. Infants need to be fed at night during the early months to ensure they are getting enough calories. Sleeping through the night too early can affect your milk supply and can cause early return of fertility. You can get rest at night, meet you and your baby's needs as a breastfeeding mother and still provide a safe sleeping environment. Co-sleeping or bed sharing is not for everyone though. Studies show that around 70% of mothers have their child in bed at one time or another, you might be one of them. Be prepared to provide safe sleeping arrangments for your baby by reading Dr. McKenna's book and or checking out his website above.
