keep falling asleep after bringing baby into bed to bf.

[newbabyjustarrived]

Ds always nods off after bf and a couple of times I have fallen asleep too and I've woken to find her snoring next to me. Should I just relax about it (considering lots of people cosleep) or should I make more of an effort to get up, have a coffee or something to stay more alert?

I don't smoke/drink/sleep particularly heavily or anything..

Forgive me if I'm posting in the wrong place (not sure wether to go over to 'sleep' threads...

I guess it is a very personal thing. You obviously know the risks associated with co-sleeping. It wouldn't be something I would do because I have professional experience of bad outcomes and I wouldn't take the risk.

I'm sure you will find some people who take a different view, but ultimately you need to be happy with your decision.

I fell asleep frequently during bf. Don't worry about it. As long as you know she's safe, just enjoy the rest - you need it!

If you want info on co-sleeping I highly recommend Deborah Thingy's 'Three In A Bed'. Biased, but well researched and thoughtful.

If it's happening to you anyway, then it might be sensible to set yourself up for bedsharing (advice here) in case you do both nod off. Lots of families choose to do this and find it works well. Others prefer not to, and if they do drop off will pop baby back in cot/moses basket the next time they awaken.

I found it almost impossible to stay awake when feeding the dcs. I often woke up a couple of hours later and found them asleep next to me. We therefore did what we'd have done if co-sleeping full time - no duvet, kicking dh out if he had had a drink etc. When I woke up I would just pop them back in the moses basket.

How old is your lo? I used to fall asleep sat up right with my ds in my arms feeding, i only woke up when he did as he used to root around and start feeding again, scared the life out of me for a few sleep deprived confused seconds! When my ds was a little older (3months ish) and only feeding once or twice i fed him in his room ( in a preprepared nest of pillows and a blanket) then put him straight back down.

I suppose it depends what you want to do! do you find you sleep ok with lo in bed with you? Its what you feel is best!

Moses basket next to the bed is your next option, which is waht i did as my patner smokes and sometimes drinks so i didnt want to risk it! I found 9/10 i would put him in basket and he slept fine in it, plus i could wiggle about and get comfy myself! I'm a wiggly sleeper!

Hmmm rambled on a bit now, hth a little bit!!

I also co-slept by accident with ds3. I was just so tired that it made sense. I worried that he would never sleep in his own bed, I know some people are happy to continue to co-sleep but it's not for me long term. He's now 10 months and sleeps through, in his cot in his own room.

Another option is a bedside cot. As long as you follow the guidelines co-sleeping is safe. I have co-slept with my two since birth and I am err... hefty but it's amazing how much your instinct comes into play when they are in the bed. For me it's the right balance of getting good rest because they are happier next to you and sleep well, and being very aware of them.

We start the night with dd in a sidecar crib but after her first feed she comes in next to me and feeds lying down, we both fall asleep together and get much more kip than if I tried to settle her back in the cot She latches herself off and on during the night without me needing to do vey much, as long as she's not being too much of a wrigglepants it's great. DH could sleep through a train crash though so she stays on my side of the bed for safety's sake.

I'm sure it's safer falling asleep lying down with them than propped up with them in your arms - just check Grendle's link for the co-sleeping guidelines if you want to go that way. Certainly wouldn't recommend getting up for a coffee, you need your sleep!

i do same as jumpjockey,in crib til first night feed,then in with us for rest of night,better nights sleep all round!think as a new mum you sleep lighter anyway.

I agree with everyone who says enjoy it - I did with both of mine until about 3 and 5 moths respectively - they then went into Moses baskets in our room, then cots intheir own at about 6-7 months quite happily, and have both always been pretty good sleepers.

I believe that as long as you're not drinking/taking drugs excessively then your natural protective instincts keep a sleeping baby safe in your bed for the first few months - and don't forget, it's only really western socieities that frown upon co-sleeping (I think - red wine head means I'm not entirely sure!)

Some of my most special baby meomories are those warm, sleepy, milky, cuddly feeds - hope yours will be too.

Oh god I always fall asleep feeding - coslept with DD, not so much with DS - he's a kicker and while I could cope with DD's snoring I can't cope with being kicked in the leg continually by someone with razor sharp tiny toes!!! Don't worry about it. You never really sleep properly with a baby next to you, you always are slightly aware (or at least I am) anyway.

Ha ha, there's me going on abouot not drinking too much and I have typed 3 and 5 moths! MONTHS obv!

I wish i had been able to fall asleep with the baby in.Sadly, am so uptight, was never able to.
It's fine if not pissed/drugged/exhausted.