Defending co-sleeping

[HappyLoveMama]

I saw a post on another message board about co-sleeping and it's not really very MDC at all. The judgements were ready to be passed out and I came in and started in all the benefits of co sleeping. One responded that her friend was very adamant about co sleeping and rolled over onto her own baby and suffocated it and I dont know how to respond.

I did say it has to be done the right way but I never thought a mama could ever roll on the baby. I'm stumped. But then again, its really not my job to convince others to do what I do, I just want to educate...

[Kelly1101]

A mom can roll on the baby if:

-She is on medication that causes excessive drowsiness, or alcohol
-She is formula feeding


Probably extreme exhaustion could do it, too, but I've never heard of it.


I'd just outline safe co-sleeping...
-Don't have baby sleep next to anyone except the breastfeeding mother
-Keep blankets/pillows away from baby
-No alcohol, drugs, or medications that can cause drowsiness
-Baby sleeps on back

[dakotablue]

Originally Posted by Kelly1101

A mom can roll on the baby if:

-She is on medication that causes excessive drowsiness, or alcohol
-She is formula feeding


Probably extreme exhaustion could do it, too, but I've never heard of it.


I'd just outline safe co-sleeping...
-Don't have baby sleep next to anyone except the breastfeeding mother
-Keep blankets/pillows away from baby
-No alcohol, drugs, or medications that can cause drowsiness
-Baby sleeps on back

Yes, also I add in extreme exhaustion and any sleeping surface other than bed. (there have been instances of rocking chairs recliners and sofas)

You know I'm skeptical whenever people say I have a friend that XYZ. because it always 'sounds' more real if you know the person, but I'd question whether that persons friend had it happen. Unless they provide detail info such as age sex or names. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, it can and does. I just think a lot of people jump in with things they've heard then make it an argument you can't argue by making it personal.

Oh and I'm not saying you should call her out on it, just that I'd question the validity of her statement.

[akind1]

I agree with the hearsay comments. Often no one actually knows the person who_____ fill in the blank. I am also not saying it is impossible for a mama to do that. there always seems to be that one in a million who it actually happened to.

No one ever comments to me on the safety of co-sleeping. The comment is more like: you will never get him out of your bed!

[marinak1977]

Also, studies showed that a babies sleeping in contact with the mother's body (even not on the back) have better regulation of breathing and fewer stops in respiration - potentially lowering the risk of SIDS.