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Get to Sleep
Monday, May 02, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Co-Sleep? Bassinet? Crib?
Where is your infant sleeping?
The better question is, do you know where your baby SHOULD be sleeping?
The other day I was ALONE in my car. Yes, alone. I had coffee and a radio that only I would control. I savor such moments. These days, times like this are few and far between. These are the moments I tune into NPR, listen uninterrupted, and pretend that I am smart. I am savvy.
As I was driving along, my ears perked up when hearing about the pros and cons of co-sleeping.
Ah, the debate continues:
The medical advice is "DON'T" co-sleep with your infant.
The mom's advice is "DO" co-sleep with your infant.
What to do, what to do, what to do...
I admit it. I occasionally co-slept with my infant. There were times I found comfort (and even wonderful, restful sleep) lying on my side, nursing my little girl in the wee hours of the morning (and day and night). When she had finished nursing, we laid there, content and, sometimes, we fell fast asleep. Ahhhh... Like many, most times, I felt incredibly aware of where my little girl was located. I felt she was safe. I felt there could be no harm done through something that seemed so natural.
Then, there were the few times that I woke up with a panicked feeling of where my little one was. Yes, I know this sounds terrible.
I was fortunate. Everything was okay.
An everything-in-moderation mama, I also used the bassinet, which was located right next to my bed. I loved it. I could easily move my little one into bed with me to nurse. I could also lay my hand gently on her back and "shhhhhh" her back to sleep. A few months into my journey as a parent, I moved her from the bassinet to her own crib. I admit it. I missed her, though I felt the time was right for her to move into her own space.
When it comes to your developing munchkin - of course - the first priority is keeping your little one safe.
On the other hand, when it comes to keeping us all sane, especially in those earliest days of parenthood, much of our concern centers on everyone getting a little sleep.
The question becomes, is co-sleeping worth the risk?
Where is your little one sleeping these days?
