Cosleeping: Nurturing The Powerful Bond Between Mother and Baby

As a new mother, the thought of your baby sleeping peacefully in his or her own crib can be all too appealing. After all, the very Western ideal of sleep training often emphasises the importance of a baby learning to “self-soothe” and sleep independently. But for many mothers, the idea of physically separating from their newborn during sleep can be emotionally overwhelming and difficult.

Cosleeping, also known as bed-sharing, refers to the practice of sharing a bed with your baby. This can involve simply having your baby in a bassinet or crib next to your bed, or it can mean physically sharing a bed with your baby. Cosleeping is a common practice in many cultures around the world, and it has been shown to have numerous benefits for both mothers and babies.

While the idea of sleep training can be controversial and emotionally difficult for both mothers and babies, cosleeping offers a different approach that can help to foster a strong bond between mother and child. In this article, we will explore the origins of cosleeping, the benefits of cosleeping for both mother and baby, and the idea of sleep training. We will also discuss the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for your baby to sleep and grow, no matter which approach you choose.

What is Cosleeping?

Cosleeping, also known as bed sharing, refers to the practice of sharing a bed with your baby. This can involve simply having your baby in a bassinet or crib next to your bed, or it can mean physically sharing a bed with your baby. Cosleeping is a common practice in many cultures around the world, and it has been shown to have numerous benefits for both mothers and babies.

There are different ways to approach cosleeping, and it’s important to find what works best for your family. Some parents may prefer to have their baby in a separate crib or bassinet next to their bed, while others may choose to physically share a bed with their baby. Some families may also choose to cosleep in a family bed, where multiple children share a bed with their parents.

Cosleeping is a common practice in many cultures around the world, and it has a long history. In many cultures, cosleeping is seen as a natural and important part of the bonding process between mother and baby. While the practice of cosleeping may not be as common in the Western world, it is becoming more popular, with many parents choosing to cosleep with their babies.

No matter which approach you choose, it’s important to create a safe sleeping environment for your baby and to follow the Safe Sleep guidelines.

Is Cosleeping Safe?

As a parent, the safety of your baby is your top priority. When it comes to cosleeping, it’s important to understand the potential risks and how to mitigate them.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

One of the main concerns with cosleeping is the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also known as crib death. SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants under the age of one, and it is often associated with infants sleeping on their stomachs or with loose bedding or soft objects in their sleep environment.

However, research has shown that cosleeping can actually reduce the risk of SIDS. In fact, the World Health Organization recommends cosleeping as a way to reduce the risk of SIDS. This is thought to be due to the fact that cosleeping allows for more frequent feedings, which can help to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Safety Precautions when cosleeping

While cosleeping can be a safe and nurturing option for some families, it’s important to follow safety precautions to ensure the safety of your baby. These precautions include:

• Using a firm and flat surface: A soft surface, such as a couch or waterbed, can increase the risk of SIDS. It’s important to use a firm and flat surface, such as a mattress, to reduce this risk.
• Keeping the baby smoke-free: Exposure to secondhand smoke has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS. It’s important to ensure that your baby’s sleep environment is smoke-free.
• Keeping the baby away from loose bedding and pillows: Loose bedding and pillows can increase the risk of SIDS. It’s important to keep these items away from your baby while they sleep.

Benefits of Cosleeping for Mother and Baby

There are numerous benefits to cosleeping for both mother and baby.

Benefits for mothers

• Make breastfeeding easier, more accessible and less disruptive. Cosleeping can make breastfeeding easier, as it allows for more frequent feedings throughout the night. This can help to establish and maintain a strong milk supply.

• Mothers who cosleep report feeling more rested. Cosleeping can also help mothers get more sleep, as it allows for the opportunity to feed and comfort their babies without fully waking up. This can be especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from childbirth and adjusting to the demands of caring for a newborn.

• Enhanced parental emotional regulation and feelings of closeness: Cosleeping can lead to enhanced parental emotional regulation and feelings of closeness to their baby. Close physical proximity can help parents feel more connected to their babies and better able to respond to their needs. This can, in turn, help to reduce stress levels for both parent and baby.

Benefits for babies

• Provide a sense of security and comfort. Cosleeping can provide a sense of security and comfort for newborn babies. The close proximity of their mother can help to soothe and calm them, leading to better sleep patterns.

• Promotes bonding. Cosleeping is a natural and important part of the bonding process between mother and baby. The close physical proximity allows for a strong emotional bond to form, which can have long-term benefits for a child’s development.

• Promotes breastfeeding and leads to better sleep patterns. Cosleeping can make breastfeeding easier for both mother and baby. Being close to your baby while they sleep allows for more frequent feedings throughout the night, which can help to establish and maintain a strong milk supply.

• Has been shown to have physiological benefits for babies through various studies. For instance, it can synchronise your baby’s breathing with your own and help regulate their body temperature.

• Reduces the risk of SIDS. Cosleeping has been shown to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The close proximity of the mother allows for more frequent feedings, which can help to reduce the risk of SIDS.

The Western Idea of Sleep Training

Despite the many benefits of cosleeping, the Western ideal of sleep training often emphasizes the importance of a baby sleeping independently. This can involve techniques such as “cry it out,” where a baby is left to cry in an effort to learn to self-soothe and fall back to sleep on their own. However, this approach can be controversial, and it can be emotionally difficult for both mothers and babies.

It’s important to note that cosleeping is not the right choice for every family. Some mothers may prefer the more traditional sleep training methods, and may find that some gentle sleep training techniques work well for their family.

This is completely okay and should not be shamed. Every family is different, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s important to find what works best for your family and your individual situation. Whether you choose cosleeping or traditional sleep training, the most important thing is to create a safe and nurturing environment for your baby to sleep and grow.

Our Take Away

As a new mother, the decision of whether or not to cosleep with your baby is a personal one. It’s important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of both cosleeping and sleep training, and to choose the approach that feels right for you and your family. Whether you decide to cosleep or sleep train, the most important thing is to create a safe and nurturing environment for your baby to sleep and grow.