[Camellia]

Hi everyone,

We co-sleep with our 6 week-old baby and I don't think any of us could have it any other way. The only problem I have found is that twice now after nursing her back to sleep I have woken up and it seems like my size G boob has been crushing her chest! It scares me to death! I am half asleep still when I realize it so I can't tell if I have woken up from her gasping or if she was just making a normal sleep noise. But, both times it seems as if its my breast crushing her. Naturally this freaks me out. Has anyone else experienced this? Any ideas how to make co-sleeping safer for a large breasted mama? DH and I are both overweight as well. I don't think this should make it less safe, but wdyt?

TIA

 

[summerblu]

We cosleep also. I make a conscious effort to sleep face to face with my babe, i.e. not boob to face. I usually remember to make the adjustment. Also, I am so much more aware that he's there now (8.5 weeks old). Also, maybe you could try sleeping with the babe's back to your chest (makes for good cuddling) and just turn your dc over when ready to nurse???

 

[Piglet68]

I think that your baby would definitely wake you if she was being crushed. Even a day old baby is capable of flailing around. So I personally would not worry so much, though the other suggestions here are great, too.

 

[crazy_eights]

Not sure what to tell you. I know there was a case in a hospital here where this did happen - mom with very large breast fell asleep (sitting up actually) while nursing her baby and the day old babe wound up suffocating under her breast. I don't know if she had taken pain meds which made her sleep more soundly or if there were other factors, but the nurses now have a paranoia about babies in bed with a sleepy mom.

 

[geekgolightly]

I have J cups and brought home a babe less than five pounds and I was very worried about this very thing, so I know how you feel, momma!

I made sure to either keep his face near mine, or to keep about six inches between us with my hand on him to keep contact. Also I always wear a nursing bra to bed and rehook after feedings so that they are under control. I also sleep on my side facing him and have not once rolled over on him. I have woken up on my back, but never on my tummy, which is when I would be in danger or squooshing him.

He is now seventeen pounds and feisty, so I'm not nearly as worried.

congrats! and try not to worry.

 

[Camellia]

Thanks for the tips and reassurance.

Oh, and how awful for that woman who suffocated her baby

I am usually good about tucking my breast away from her face after she nurses, but then it rests on her chest and if I roll slightly it puts pressure on her chest. I think I will just try to be sure and move her up closer to my face after she eats.

 

[MyTwoAs]

When my babe was a wee little one I wore a super soft-cup bra to sleep. It was really just material with very little structure. When she was done nursing I'd tuck my size-G back inside. Like the others have said, I also tried to keep her up around my neck/face level when not actively nursing.