Fact: I co-slept with my second baby. While I cherished those moments with my newborn son, I also felt a pang of anxiety. I loved the warmth of his tiny body against mine, the rhythmic sound of his breathing, the softness of his skin, and the intimacy of watching him drift off while nursing. Most importantly, I relished the sleep we managed to share.
However, I dreaded revealing this to others. I feared the worried expressions, the barrage of questions, and the well-meaning advice that followed. My insecurities about co-sleeping gnawed at me, and I often found myself waking up to check if he was still breathing.
I felt compelled to justify my choice to co-sleep. My blood pressure had been high, and my midwife had advised me to rest as much as possible during those early weeks. I reassured myself that I was taking all the right precautions. This was not a permanent arrangement; it was simply what worked for us at that moment.
After giving birth, my blood pressure remained elevated, and I had a toddler to care for. Sleep was a precious commodity that I desperately needed. Anyone who’s had a newborn understands the struggle of finding rest. So, we co-slept for weeks, and it proved beneficial for both of us. We thrived on the sleep and the bond we created.
Each night, I would settle into our spacious queen bed with my baby nestled between us, careful to keep the blankets away. We nursed and dozed off peacefully. It was heavenly.
I remembered the exhausting early days with my first child, where fatigue was my constant companion. Now, with my second, I felt functional; we both slept well, allowing my milk supply to flourish.
During the day, I researched co-sleeping, often stumbling upon safety concerns and warnings against the practice. I sought advice from friends who had successfully co-slept, all of whom had healthy children today.
My thoughts drifted back to my time in West Africa, where co-sleeping was a norm rather than a debate. Babies and children slept together as part of life. In those moments with my son, I felt a connection to mothers around the world who also co-slept. I thought of women who, before the age of the Internet, shared the same experience without a second thought.
Now, my son is six months old and sleeping in his crib. My blood pressure has stabilized, and our nursing relationship is thriving. We both rest well, but I cherish those early weeks we spent together. I vividly recall moments when he slept in my arms, aware that this was a fleeting season in his life. And indeed, it was one I look back on with fondness and without regret.
Fact: I co-slept with my son, and I wouldn’t change that experience for anything.
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Summary
Co-sleeping can be a nurturing practice for both mother and child, providing comfort, bonding, and much-needed rest during the challenging early weeks with a newborn. While concerns exist, many families find it beneficial. Those precious moments spent co-sleeping create lasting memories and connections.
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