You may have encountered the term “breastsleeping” recently and found yourself curious about its meaning. Contrary to what you might think, it doesn’t refer to a new breastfeeding aid or a concept created by an overly tired parent. The term was introduced by Dr. Samuel Thompson, a sleep specialist and anthropologist from the University of California, who studies mother-baby sleep behaviors.
Dr. Thompson is an authority in the field of infant sleep and advocates for co-sleeping. His recent publication, co-authored with researcher Lisa Green, titled “Breastsleeping: Understanding Infant Sleep Patterns,” explains the dynamics of breastfeeding while sharing a sleep space. Breastsleeping essentially involves nursing your baby while you both rest (ideally). According to Dr. Thompson, bed-sharing with a breastfeeding infant is a natural and beneficial practice. He asserts that nursing mothers are more in tune with their babies, often remaining in a lighter sleep state, which allows them to respond quickly to their baby’s needs.
Dr. Thompson emphasizes the advantages of breastsleeping for maintaining a mother’s milk supply. Babies who co-sleep with their mothers tend to breastfeed more frequently at night, leading to a greater likelihood of prolonged breastfeeding. As noted in his study, “bed-sharing has been shown to increase the frequency of night feedings, and the positive correlation between extended breastfeeding and bed-sharing is well documented.”
You might be thinking: “That’s great, but I need restful sleep. Why would I choose a setup that turns me into an all-night feeding station?” Dr. Thompson argues that breastsleeping can actually facilitate more sleep for mothers. While your baby may wake often, they are typically easier to soothe back to sleep, and you won’t need to leave your bed to care for them.
Concerns about safety often arise in discussions about bed-sharing. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against it, suggesting that infants sleep in the same room but not in the same bed as their parents for the first six months. However, Dr. Thompson has a different perspective. He believes that bed-sharing can be safe for breastfeeding families, as nursing mothers are more likely to awaken to their baby’s sounds compared to those who bottle-feed.
Research supports Dr. Thompson’s view, indicating that many breastfeeding mothers end up sharing their beds with their infants at some point, whether throughout the night or during early morning hours. He advocates for educating parents on how to make bed-sharing safer rather than simply discouraging the practice. His findings suggest that, when done safely, bed-sharing does not significantly increase risks, and it can even offer protective benefits after the first three months.
So, what does this mean for breastfeeding mothers? Is breastsleeping a must for maintaining milk supply or ensuring your baby’s safety? Not at all! The best advice is to take what resonates with you and disregard the rest. Personally, I found breastsleeping immensely helpful during my own parenting journey. Yes, my babies woke frequently to nurse, but after a few weeks, I could easily latch them on in the dark, and we would drift back to sleep without much fuss. Although it wasn’t always perfect—frequent awakenings can be exhausting—I appreciated the closeness and it was essential for breastfeeding success. Moreover, the convenience of not having to get out of bed made a significant difference.
For those breastfeeding mothers who prefer not to co-sleep or only want to do so occasionally, there is no absolute requirement to engage in breastsleeping. However, if you are uncertain or worried about safety and sleep deprivation, it’s reassuring to know that experts like Dr. Thompson advocate for its safety, provided all guidelines are followed.
As for when your child will stop sharing the bed, that varies greatly. Many children, like my four-year-old, still enjoy snuggling at night. But remember, no child is still breastfeeding or co-sleeping by the time they head off to college, so there’s that comforting thought.
In summary, breastsleeping can be a beneficial practice for breastfeeding mothers, aiding in milk supply and promoting a closer bond with their infants. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons and choose what works best for your family.
Keyphrase: Breastsleeping benefits for breastfeeding mothers
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