Why I Co-Sleep (Gasp!)

I know, I know. I heard the lectures at the hospital. I read the studies. But, I still chose to co-sleep with my little one. And you know what? I found out I am not alone. Co-sleeping has been practiced for centuries by many, many cultures. When I mention it to other mommies, I usually get the same reaction "Baby sleeps in the bed with you!? Us too!."

The only time baby slept in a bassinet was the one night we spent at the hospital. It felt so unnatural. I kept a watchful eye on my baby, staring at her through the clear plastic walls of the bassinet.

When we went home, we ended up napping together in my bed. The doctors scared me into thinking I was somehow going to roll over on top of her. I knew my baby was next to me and I didn't budge the entire time. Maybe it's a mommy 6th sense. We woke up when she wanted to feed and drifted back to sleep.

Taking care of a newborn is tough, especially with the frequent night feedings. However, I found that it is a little easier if you keep baby snuggled close and safe next to mommy. Nighttime feedings were still hard the first few weeks. However by the time she was a few weeks old, I was able to side-nurse her while we were both still half asleep. It felt like I was almost sleeping throughout the night!

Despite what critics say, I co-sleep very safely and comfortably with my baby. I love feeling her close to me, snuggled next to my chest. Co-sleeping helps us both sleep longer at night. It helps us with bonding and attachment. It also makes nighttime feedings easier. I am also able to respond quickly to baby's needs because I can feel and hear her verbal and non-verbal cues instantly. On the flip side, I can also quickly recognize if she is simply making noises and movements in her sleep, which I will ignore and go back to sleep (in the contrast, if she was sleeping in a bassinet or crib, I would have to get up to check on her.)

I can't speak for all mommies or families. But co-sleeping works for us!