Did you use a breathing or heartrate monitor device of any sort with your newborn?

[needtobeanonforabit]

I have seen some advertised and just wondering if anyone has actually used one, are they of benefit, or are they just playing into the paranoid fears of us first timmers?

If you did use one and would recommend, why and what was it?

Thanks!

We were also advised not to by the SCBU team.

I used the Angel Care one, it was brilliant. The alarm went off one night, I got a fright, burst into the room and with the noise of the door opening so hard and fast, she woke up but was gasping for air. She was fine after a minute or two but I often wonder what could've happened if I hadn't been alerted and she hadn't woken up.

And what if they are asleep but just lie still? Surely the alarm would go off just because your baby wasn't as restless as an octopus on caffeine

No, it monitors breathing. Even when they are lying still it can detect their breathing.

I think they are detrimental to relaxed but intuitive parenting

Not when you've lost a baby previously. My monitor was a life-saver for me. It actually helped me to relax and get some sleep.

We used the angelcare one and it gave us peace of mind that they were safe. It didn't stop me being tuned in to her needs and I would still hear her breathing/movements. But I was concerned about her stopping breathing in the night and only finding out in the morning with no chance of trying to do anything (we have had a previous death in the family so probably more paranoid than most)
I honestly don't think I would have slept without it