Co-Sleeping with an Infant
April 25, 2008 by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Filed under advantages of breastfeeding, books, breastfeeding, health of the baby, mothering, sleep
When Los Angeles County officials issued a warning about co-sleeping with an infant, National Public Radio host Larry Mantle opened up the topic for a 35-minute discussion on AirTalk on KPCC 89.3 (listen here). In addition to Deanne Tilton Durfee, director of the Los Angeles County Interagency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect, guests included co-sleeping advocate Dr. William Sears, co-author of The Baby Sleep Book: The Complete Guide to a Good Night’s Rest for the Whole Family
I listened to the radio program and I felt the first lady was pretty intense, I’m glad she’s not my mother-in-law! Then her director got on and mitigated a lot of what was said. Whoever said Co-Sleeping is the “easy” way out never tried to sleep with a squirmy infant, and yet, I know instinctually that this is what is best for her. My husband (who stays up later than us) often says that he hears us breathing in sync with each other, breath pauses and all. I know that she is getting the safe, secure view of the world from my immediate responses to her.
I agree Kelley - it was hard to listen to the first lady. I especially liked what Dr. McKenna said about the difference between dangerous bed sharing (which is what Deanne Tilton Durfee was talking about) and safe co-sleeping.