Three times in 11 days I've been told off for co-sleeping now

[emkana]

Once by midwife in hospital immediately after ds was born, once by nurse in hospital when I was in with ds because of his pneumonia (she actually picked him up from next to me, put him in his cot and said to him "You're going to get smothered you know") and once today by the visiting community midwife (not the usual one). Well, the last one didn't actually tell me off, but she said very severely to me "He does sleep next to you, not in bed with you, doesn't he? That's very important." So I avoided looking her in the eye and said "Oh yeah he sleeps next to me"

I've always been a convinced co-sleeper, but now I'm actually having doubts whether I'm doing the right thing. The trouble is that I find it soooooooooo hard to stay awake while feeding, so often I will fall asleep while ds is feeding lying next to me, close up, and I do worry that I might end up smothering him. But I don't know how to avoid it! I'm so used to night-feeding after doing it with the dd's that I do it sort of subconsciously...

I'm really worried about this, what shall I do?

Haven't read the whole thread but with both of ours dh used to put them on his bare chest, lying on their tums and rub their backs. everyone had a great sleep until the next feed.

They still like doing that with him if they are upset (now 2 and 5)

Do what you feel happy about - check out the unicef baby friendly leaflet on bed sharing. I've co-slept so I could bf & sleep. Best wishes xxx

I am co sleeping with dd2 and love it. She's 15 months now and i reall7y should try to put her into her little bed next to dd1. DD1 is waiting and i am due in 9 weeks but i can't bring myself to!
I must try i guess.
Anyway, i DO have the same secret little niggles as you Emkana, Oh my Lord what if ? But i have read both sides to my satisfaction and i beleive there are risks whatever you do so everyone must do what feels right for them.

Please go with your instinct and juts don't open up anymore unless you really have to! I know i don't after some crap advice from all quarters on various issues.

Also agree with Moondogs post, they have to find something !!

NotAnOtter - ! When I was in hospital after giving birth to ds, I took him out of the ward into the corridor one night as it was too noisy for me with all the other crying babies. The midwife wouldn't allow us to stay out there, but brought us both back in, and tucked ds into bed with me, tucking the topsheet in securely on his side so that he wouldn't fall out. How things have changed in 6 years.

IMO Moondog is right. It's just like choosing to ignore other 'official' guidelines (who really sterilises everything until the baby is 1yo?). You have to decide whether the risk factors apply to you, and to what degree.

Emkana - this leaflet might help you

There is a lot of controversy about co-sleeping. I believe it can be done safely and the leaflet explains who should not co-sleep which is more the issue. I often slept with baby attached

Mercy, I think tht is wonderful of your DH. Does he have a hairy chest?
Completely agree with moondog. Unless you are high on drugs, drunk, or smoke 40 a day, I see no reason for not co-sleeping. Peaceful nights for all concerned.