Snugglin' Up Close

I'm quickly learning that one of the biggest challenges as a parent is the sincere desire to do what's best for your kids, even when what's best isn't clear.  We've been having some nighttime troubles with the babies which we think are due in part to their acid reflux and gas.  Sometimes it seems that nothing will soothe them other than cuddling with their exhausted mamma.  Even from the very first few nights home, I often felt as if I was doing sit-ups to replace a spit out binky into the mouth of a wailing Julianna in the crib near our bed.

So we bought a "co-sleeper."  This little contraption fits between Mom and Dad in the bed, and allows our baby to rest soundly on a firm mattress, surrounded by a railing to prevent any dangers such as pillow suffocation, or parental roll over.  The challenge though, is that this isn't a very big sleeping space, and doesn't offer much in the way of providing warmth comfort and intimacy for my fussy babies.  Plus, as a mamma of two - there's no room even in a King bed for two of these plus parents.

I've been stuck with such a fear of SIDS, and rightly so not wanting to put my babies at any unnecessary risk.  There are though times that when at your wits end, there don't seem like many other alternatives than bringing baby into the bed.

Our cuddle sessions began (and have largely remained) in the mornings.  After Dan leaves for work at 7, and babies are wide awake, they join me in the bed to extend our morning sleep until at least the next feeding comes.  Lucky for me, this time is some of the most solid sleep I get!  Of course I knew to remove any blankets or pillows close to the babies and to keep them on their backs, but I wanted to do some more research on safe "co-sleeping" as I know many people do this full time with their babies.

I was so surprised to read, after a quick google search, the very credible research done that indicates that co-sleeping actually reduces the risks of SIDS by providing babies with deeper sleep - which allows them to arouse more quickly when dangerous breathing patterns occur in their immature respiratory system.

Doctor Sears, a well known and respected pediatrician gives his very positive perspectives on co-sleeping in a Parenting.com article.  The University of Notre Dame's "Mother Baby Behavioral Sleep Lab" also has research that shows many benefits of co-sleeping for breastfeeding mothers, but sets some limitations for those who formula feed their babies.

For our family, I'm not sure of how often and to what level we'll engage in the practice of co-sleeping, but I was relieved to hear that I'm not putting my children at danger when following basic guidelines for their safety in bed.  It's also so lovely to snuggle close with them, and feel them relax as they're comforted by my presence.  I think that's really what all mothers want - to gave their babies what is best for them.  Whether that's in our bed or out, what's clear as that what's best for them is to be close to their family.