Bed Bugs
by Jessica Bunyard

When my first son was born I dutifully jumped on the independent sleep bandwagon. Night after night, I sat awake in a rocking chair, crying and begging my son to stay asleep. 

But, as soon as I laid him down, his little eyes would open and he'd start to cry. After a few months of this, I was a mess and so was my baby. Then one night I brought him to bed to nurse, and fell asleep. When I woke up and realized what I'd done, I was terrified. All those horror stories I'd heard just had to be true. I was sure I'd rolled over on him or he'd smothered. Fearing the worst, I leaned down next to him...and heard tiny sighs. He was alive. I hadn't killed him! I looked at the clock. We'd gotten full nights sleep! 

I soon got adjusted to sleeping with my little one. I tucked the sheets in tight, used breathable bedclothes, and was careful with my pillow. Breastfeeding was easier, because all I had to do was latch him on and go back to sleep. My baby and I got more rest, and I found I had more patience during the day. Not only did he sleep longer, but also slept more peacefully. His breathing was in sync with mine. Hearing and feeling him next to me put me more at ease. It was a bonding experience I would never have gotten with my son in his crib.
When he was born, it was believed that co-sleeping increased the risk of SIDS.

But later studies have found that it may actually reduce risk. In fact, according to Dr. James McKenna, 90% of SIDS deaths occur during “unsupervised sleeping”. That is when babies sleep in a room by themselves. Babies who sleep with their mommies mimic good breathing patterns and spend less time in stage 3 sleep (the time when SIDS is more of a risk). 

If you try co-sleeping, make sure you have a good firm mattress (no waterbeds). Make sure the rails on your headboard are no further apart than a crib. If a pop can fits through they're too far apart. Back the bed up flush with the wall or remove the headboard. Also, make sure baby is safe from rolling off. You can buy guardrails or place the bed in a corner flush with the walls. Put the baby on the outside of the bed, not in the middle, and not next to an older sibling (an older child is fine in the middle). Lay baby on his back, and never co-sleep if you've been drinking or using drugs. 

Co-sleeping may not be for everyone. Mother's instinct is best at making the decision. If you feel uncomfortable, try bringing babies crib closer to your bed. I like sleeping with my little bed bugs. And the snores of my three handsome guys are the greatest lullaby a wife and mother could want. 

For more information on co-sleeping visit LittleKoala.com or talk to your pediatrician.

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