Any breastfeeding/cosleeping expert around? Tough question

[Neome]

It’s a safety question re breastfed 7 month old currently co sleeping with double bed and attached cot. Non breastfeeding parent needs sleep medication. Can this be managed safely?

[ShowOfHands]

Does the bfing child stay on one side and the medicated parent on the other?

[bernardswatchplease]

Does baby sleep in the middle? Or next to cot, mum in middle and other parent at the edge of bed?

[ByGrabtharsHammerWhatASavings]

Baby shouldn't be sleeping in the middle regardless of what's meds the non breastfeeding parent is taking. Baby should only be next to breastfeeding mum. So as long as that's your set up I don't see nay harm in non BF parent taking meds. As long as you can be 100% sure that they are never sleeping next to the baby. I'm not an expert btw, but have coslept with both my kids and that's my understanding of the safer cosleeping guidance.

[crazycatlady7]

I BF and co sleep- baby is on the side next to me (where he has a next to me- doesn't use) and DH sleeps the other side- never put baby in middle and I feed from one side unless awake enough to sit up for other side.

If DH was on meds I don't think it would affect us- but I'm not an expert- can you speak to anyone who is?

[bernardswatchplease]

I agree that baby should never sleep in the middle, i was asking to understand the set up

[bernardswatchplease]

Personally I wouldn't risk having someone on sleep medication near the baby. I'd say the risk would be small but not one I'd be willing to take

[Neome]

Sorry for delay responding, thank you for helpful replies.

Does anyone have any research references? I agree that common sense makes me think as long as baby not in the middle it sounds potentially reasonable. Not a newborn for one thing.

On the other hand an abundance of caution says don’t take the risk.

There are complicating factors and I’d be really grateful if anyone with expertise could pm me. 🙏🏼

[Neome]

I’m quite experienced with bf and cosleeping personally but no medical qualifications.

[bernardswatchplease]

Isn't the rule that when cosleeping nobody in the bed can have drunk alcohol. Surely you'd treat the medication the same way as alcohol?
Once again only my best guess leading me there