Sleeping in the Same Bed

The Breastfeeding Co-sleeping Connection

By Gwen Morrison

Many mothers who breastfeed their babies discover the benefits of co-sleeping. While experts and parents debate this often controversial issue, more and more mothers are convinced that co-sleeping is the answer to those midnight feedings.

Studies have shown that breast-fed babies wake more frequently than formula-fed babies. The reason: Breastmilk is the natural food for infants. There is no harsh ingredient that requires extra digestion time. Breastmilk is "processed" quickly and efficiently by Baby, prompting the need for closer feeding intervals.

"Babies are nocturnal animals," says Jolenne Short-Porter, R.N., IBCLC from Exeter, N.H. "In the early months, they need to nurse frequently for their growing needs, as well as mom's milk supply. Nighttime nursing is necessary. Unfortunately, in our culture, we want our babies to sleep at night."

Short-Porter reminds new parents that a baby who sleeps a lot is probably not nursing enough and could lose weight, which causes a new set of problems.

During the night, there are several ways to help ease the disruption when it comes to nighttime nursing. Short-Porter suggests that Mom nurses while lying down so that she can doze while the baby feeds.

"I have always practiced co-sleeping," says Tina Warren, a mother from Tullahoma, Tenn. "I wasn't exhausted all the time because it wasn't like I was up for hours at a time. The baby would nurse and go back to sleep."

Warren admits she likes her sleep but looks at the time spent with her infant as their own precious time. "It's a wonderful bond," she says. "It's really easier than bottle-feeding. When you nurse at night, even if you don't co-sleep, all you have to do is get the baby and hold him close and let him nurse. You can even do this lying down if you like."

Want to see more?

• Bedtime or Breast Time?
• The Social Myths of Breastfeeding
• Midnight Nursings
• Talk about it!