When a new mother first brings her baby home, she’s usually fairly rested because she’s had the nursing staff to help take care of herself and the baby. After she comes home, though, everything changes. In the past moms would put the baby into bed with them, or co-sleep, so they could rest, too. That fell out of practice but has been making a comeback. Moms of newborns are asking themselves, “Should we co-sleep?”[ad]
There are doctors who agree that co-sleeping is a viable option for new mothers. Others, however, feel there is too much inherent risk of having parents sleep with their children. The pros and cons of co-sleeping have been discussed and debated. Here are some of each to consider when bringing your baby home.
Those in favor of co-sleeping state these benefits:
* A breastfeeding mother need not wake completely to attend to her baby’s needs, therefore both are more rested.
* Breastfeeding on demand, even in the middle of the night, will help Mom maintain her milk supply.
* Co-sleeping babies don’t feel night-time separation anxiety as much as those who sleep in a bassinet or crib. If they wake up, Mom and Dad are right there.
* If you’re not planning on having another child right away, co-sleeping helps to prolong the time between children, both from breastfeeding and lack of privacy.
* Some experts have suggested that co-sleeping may help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome because the mother is more aware of the baby’s breathing.
The other side of the debate states these reasons for not encouraging co-sleeping:
* Lack of privacy for the parents is one of the biggest reasons for not co-sleeping.
* Co-sleeping may be difficult to break when your child gets older.
* If either parent is a very heavy sleeper, they may roll over on the baby during the night and either injure or suffocate it.
* Some psychologists suggest that co-sleeping can cause psychological problems in the child.
Should you co-sleep with your baby? That’s really a decision that you, your partner, and your pediatrician will want to discuss. Ultimately the decision is yours and your partner’s because you are the ones who will live with your decision day after day. Discuss it openly and honestly to make the decision, talking about the pros and cons.
If you choose to co-sleep and then change your mind, your child won’t be any the worse off for it. That’s the great thing about babies. They’re resilient and adapt to changes well when they’re very small. When you wonder, “Should we co-sleep?” think of what’s best for you, your child, and your relationship with your partner. Then make your decision based on that and not society’s view of co-sleeping.
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