Co-sleeping with a breastfeeding newborn - advice needed!

[potteringon]

Hello
I'm hoping that someone who's been in a similar situation can help with some practical advice and/or reassurance. My amazing dd was born on Monday night and from then until last night I'd not really managed to sleep at all - she drifts off to sleep really easily in my arms but was waking up and screaming the second I put her down to sleep (tried swaddling and tilting the mattress).
Last night rather than trying to put her down I just let her sleep on the bed with me between feeds - either next to me with my arm around her or curled up on my chest. It felt really natural and we're both much more rested this morning, but I'm panicking a bit that it isn't really safe.
Does anyone have any advice on how to make co-sleeping a bit safer - e.g. the best position to put the baby in, what to do about duvets and pillows etc? Or do you think this is just something I should avoid altogether?
Many thanks in advance

some advice here

I did exactly the same as you. to make it safe i only have duvet up to thigh level, and wear thick pjs and a zip up fleece. baby in sleeping bag or swaddled. we all sleep much better like this.

Hi - I slept with my DD from her being born. I found it much more natural and a lot less stressful. She would breastfeed on demand. Lots of people recommended against it - and I am sure there will be lots of examples of where dreadful things have happened but I am sure it has worked for many. No particular recommendations - although I have to say I did not really sleep deeply (and still don't unfortunately 10 years later!). Go with what feels right for you.

On my list of things I wish I'd done is - got a bedside cot from the outset (eventually got one) - that way you get to stay close to each other without the worries of rolling on top of your baby in a deep sleep. It might be worth a try. Also bear in mind your DD is very new, and probably hasn't got adjusted to the outside world yet (I know it's hell at the time, I remember it, but it does get better). My DS wouldn't sleep during the day other than in someone's arms. At the time I worried about this, then discovered it's absolutely normal in new-borns.

(Re co-sleeping, I am someone who ocassionally crashes into a near coma - during the time I managed to BF, I took to doing night feeds in a deliberately uncomfortable kitchen chair to stop myself falling asleep and slumping over DS - in retrospect, co-sleeping and feeding lying down would have actually been safer!)