co-sleeping novice..... can't get comfortable! any tips?

[sjcmum]

Think I'm gradually slipping into co-sleeping.... my 14 wk dd sleeps fine first half of night, but after her feed then doesn't settle well unless it is on me.

I've always been quite a light sleeper, and just don't seem to be able to get particularly comfortable. So while she is snoring away, I'm just dozing and end up knackered the next day.

I'm sure there is a lot of MNet wisdom out there on the best way to co-sleep!!

Also - I know it is best that they go on top of the covers. She's in a sleeping bag - so presumably best to just leave her in that. Trouble is her nose seems to end up buried in the duvet or if I push it out the way a bit I then get cold....

any suggestions?

Hi. We were the same, sort of slipped into being co-sleepers as it was the only way for both me and DD to get sleep and its great if you are breastfeeding.

I sleep in layers including a zip up sweatshirt hooded top, as I would not be under the duvet at all, it is usually wrapped round my legs. I can add layer, take off as needed. Other clothing layer above nursing bra is a cotton strapless top (like a boob tube!) which makes feeding at night really easy, just roll the top down and unclip my feeding bra, no other straps to irriate me and get in the way...now DD is five months she tends to twang any strap she sees like its a guitar string!
Only one pillow each for me and DP.
We also bought mattress topper (memory foam but lots of different types) which helped as I can get a bit stiff/pressure from sleeping on one side (I find that I don't shift about in the bed or turn over, mother's instinct).
DD sleeps in a sleeping bag and sleeps in one less layer in it as I think she gets extra warmth from being in the bed with us.
A big bottle of water and glass within reach!

i slept with the duvet a little way down, baby in enough layers to be warm without covers, me in just a cardie, so arms didn't get cold and easy boob access.

now she is bigger just comes in with us in just a vest and i go nakey

Twitch your pillow away from the child at an angle behind you so that it's supporting your head & one shoulder blade. Really takes the pressue off your neck.

Now DD is 7m, when I turn my back to her she snuggles in as close to my back as she can. Keeps me warm.