Lamaze Magazine 2009

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 several different answers. even the professionals can’t agree. The american academy of Pediatrics (aaP) advises parents not to take their babies with them to sleep at night (called “bed-sharing”) due to the belief that this 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. No research is available to support the notion that it’s safer for babies to sleep alone, or that those who do become more independent than babies who sleep with their parents. In fact, some experts suggest that bed-sharing may actually promote selfreliance and self-esteem. at the end of the day (literally), the choice is yours. Sleep Tight Here’s help deciding where to lay your baby’s head. By Jeannette Crenshaw, MSN, RN, IBCLC, LCCE, FACCE lamaze maGazINe 2009 skin-to-skin & Rooming-in Since the beginning of time, women have needed and wanted their new babies close to them. Today we know that this yearning for closeness is a physiological need shared by both mother and baby. Studies have shown that newborns who are placed skinto-skin on their mother’s chest right after birth 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 soon 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 you will make more milk and the more likely you are to breastfeed longer and exclusively. (experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding – no other foods or liquids – during the first 6 months of life.) Bed-shARing many new parents are concerned that if they sleep with their baby, everyone will wake often and no one will sleep deeply. This may be beneficial. Scientists with expertise in infant sleep 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 agree that, despite frequent awakenings, a 30 lamaze.orG http://www.lamaze.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Lamaze Magazine 2009

Lamaze Magazine 2009 Contents Essential Lamaze for Pregnancy Making Connections Body Beautiful Birth Day, Your Way Mother Knows Best Essential Lamaze for Birth Supporting Cast Labor Day Position Statement Comfort Zone Intervention Intelligence The Waiting Game Essential Lamaze for Parenting Nursing School Reality Check Sleep Tight Unforgettable

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