Co-Sleeping Pros And Cons
Co-sleeping: A New Mother’s Guide to Understanding Bed Sharing
Salisha Wood
BEHS 343
University of Maryland University College
March 10, 2013
__SW____ I have completed the UMUC modules on How to Avoid Plagiarism and APA style.
ABSTRACT
This research paper will touch upon the family bed and the pros and cons of co-sleeping. The words co-sleeping and bed sharing are interchangeably used when referring to the act of infants or children sleeping in the same bed as their parent(s). This paper will provide advice to a first time mother who has questions about sleeping arrangements for her soon to be new baby. As a registered nurse, the topics that will be addressed include …show more content…
Babies wake numerous times at night for the first few weeks, giving mothers the opportunity to nurse their newborn. Tennessee State University conducted a study to see if there were any correlation between co-sleeping and breastfeeding. Participants for the study were chosen from Clarksville OB/GYN clinic because of the high number of births. The study found that there was a significant connection between co-sleeping and breastfeeding. Of those who participated, 50% of the infants who co-slept with their mothers were breastfed for an extended time (Gorman, …show more content…
Waterbeds, egg crates or pillows were not suggested for your baby to sleep on because this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. If you are extremely tired or have consumed alcohol, it is not recommended that you co-sleep with your baby. Extreme tiredness or alcohol can lower your alertness and could potentially put your baby in danger. Avoid sleeping with clothing that has loose strings, jewelry or excessive blankets or sheets to prevent suffocation or strangulation. One way to eliminate extra blankets is to dress the baby warmly. Be careful not to dress them in too much clothing as this may cause overheating which is also dangerous for newborns. Many parents have found that attaching a bassinet or crib close to their bed was better (BabyCenter, 2011). This too is a form of co-sleeping as the baby shares the same sleeping environment as the parent. Whichever form of co-sleeping you choose, be sure to follow the guidelines mentioned above in order to keep your baby safe as possible while he or she
Salisha Wood
BEHS 343
University of Maryland University College
March 10, 2013
__SW____ I have completed the UMUC modules on How to Avoid Plagiarism and APA style.
ABSTRACT
This research paper will touch upon the family bed and the pros and cons of co-sleeping. The words co-sleeping and bed sharing are interchangeably used when referring to the act of infants or children sleeping in the same bed as their parent(s). This paper will provide advice to a first time mother who has questions about sleeping arrangements for her soon to be new baby. As a registered nurse, the topics that will be addressed include …show more content…
Babies wake numerous times at night for the first few weeks, giving mothers the opportunity to nurse their newborn. Tennessee State University conducted a study to see if there were any correlation between co-sleeping and breastfeeding. Participants for the study were chosen from Clarksville OB/GYN clinic because of the high number of births. The study found that there was a significant connection between co-sleeping and breastfeeding. Of those who participated, 50% of the infants who co-slept with their mothers were breastfed for an extended time (Gorman, …show more content…
Waterbeds, egg crates or pillows were not suggested for your baby to sleep on because this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. If you are extremely tired or have consumed alcohol, it is not recommended that you co-sleep with your baby. Extreme tiredness or alcohol can lower your alertness and could potentially put your baby in danger. Avoid sleeping with clothing that has loose strings, jewelry or excessive blankets or sheets to prevent suffocation or strangulation. One way to eliminate extra blankets is to dress the baby warmly. Be careful not to dress them in too much clothing as this may cause overheating which is also dangerous for newborns. Many parents have found that attaching a bassinet or crib close to their bed was better (BabyCenter, 2011). This too is a form of co-sleeping as the baby shares the same sleeping environment as the parent. Whichever form of co-sleeping you choose, be sure to follow the guidelines mentioned above in order to keep your baby safe as possible while he or she