Lamaze Magazine 2008 - (Page 26) Elation Parenting A sk anyone how much sleep you’re likely to get after your baby is born, and they’ll all tell you the same thing: “Not much.” But ask where your baby should sleep and you’ll probably get quite a few different answers. Even the professionals can’t agree. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents not to take their babies into bed to sleep at night (“bed-sharing”) due to the belief that it increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The AAP recommends that babies have a separate but nearby place to sleep, such as a crib in the parents’ bedroom. However, many other groups (including those that advocate and support breastfeeding) question the AAP’s advice. There is no research to support the notion that it’s healthier for babies to sleep alone, or that those who do become more independent than babies who sleep with their parents. In fact, some studies suggest that bed-sharing may actually promote selfreliance and self-esteem. At the end of the day (literally), the choice is yours. ROOMING-IN Since the beginning of time, women have needed and wanted their babies close to them. Today we know that this yearning is a physiological need shared by both mother and child. Studies have shown that a minuteold newborn who is placed skin-to-skin on his mother’s chest will adjust more easily to life outside the womb, stay warmer, cry less and breastfeed sooner than newborns who are separated from their mothers. So it’s important that your baby stay as close to you as possible in the days following birth. When you share the same space (called “rooming-in”), you’ll quickly learn your newborn’s needs, as well as how to best care for, soothe and comfort her. Rooming-in also offers the best start for breastfeeding. The nearer your baby is to you, the sooner and more abundantly your breast milk will come in and the more likely you will be to breastfeed for more than a week after birth. BED-SHARING Many new parents are concerned that if they sleep with their baby, everyone will wake often and no one will sleep deeply. In truth, this may be a good thing. Infant sleep experts believe that lighter sleep states and frequent awakenings are normal and healthy for babies and may be related to a lower risk of SIDS and suffocation. They Sleep Tight One bed … and baby makes three. How to decide if your newborn should sleep alone or with you. By Jeannette Crenshaw, MSN, RN, IBCLC, LCCE, FACCE LAMAZE MAGAZINE 2008 26 LAMAZE.ORG http://LAMAZE.ORG
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