Falling asleep while breastfeeding

[jadeashlie]

During the night time feed, I’ll bring baby into bed with me (we’ve got a co-sleeper cot so he can’t roll off the bed) lie on my side and he’ll breastfeed but we’ll both fall asleep. Last night my partner woke me because he thought baby was suffocating against my breast - could this be possible? Should I stop BF’ing laying down? FTM of an 8 week old so all views appreciated!

Ah you know what, it's not ideal but pretty much every breastfeeding mum will have done it at least once.

Kudos for managing breastfeeding lying down.

The likelihood of anything going wrong is slim but there is always that small chance.

Look up the safe cosleeping guidance, I always tried to stay awake just long enough to push the baby away slightly after feeding (usually by mumsnetting).

I never worried about that myself, but you are in a better position to judge if it is a risk in your situation.

Bed-sharing is perfectly safe for a breastfeeding mother to do with the baby providing the rest of the bed is a safe zone. Your boobs would have to be pretty damn enormous to somehow swamp the baby's face if you're lying down on your side to feed? Mine are G, far from pert, and never did this. Did your husband explain what happened exactly?
Check out the ISIS sleep site for safety - keep pillows away from baby, no duvets higher than your lower waist, use a blanket to cover your upper body if needed, no gaps baby can fall down, no alcohol, drugs or smoking in either parent.

I would add that breastfeeding lying down is absolutely the best way for you both to get loads of sleep, so make the most of it if you have everything set up safely. You don't need to stay awake until the end, the nursing will release sleepy hormones in both of you so you can drift off again together.

I've bedshared with all 4 of my DC, they slept in the crook of my elbow and neither the baby nor I woke up properly for feeds. I think if you have massive breasts suffocation may be a risk, but I've never had that problem!

I co slept a lot in the beginning with my DS while breastfeeding as he was a terrible sleeper and it was just easier. I have a very large J cup and this was never an issue

Thank you all for your replies! I've not got massive breasts but partner seemed to think that baby's face was right up against my breast and therefore covering his nose. Last night I dozed until he finished feeding and was then able to roll him onto his back to sleep rather than facing me on his side - poor little man had his first jabs today so he'll be wanting cuddles all night tonight!

Breastfeeding and co sleeping go hand in hand and it works brilliantly for getting sleep! As long as ISIS guidance is followed, it is safe eg no pillows/duvet next to baby, baby only
by Mum. Apparently breastfeeding
Mothers adopt a protective position in bed when with baby and is very natural and intuitive. My DD slept with me from birth and is now mostly
In her cot at 9 months. Never
Any concerns