Nikki wrote:

> Co-sleeping was a topic, among other things. One  first-time father-to-be
> brought up an interesting question about co-sleeping. He had been reading
> lots about it, and wondered how to do it.  So we had a discussion. I had
never considered his question before, and
> shared my own experiences which were just to bring the baby to the bed. No
> special arrangements, no different bed-clothes.  After a few weeks, I
didn't
> need a night light on as the nipple/areola is warmer than the surrounding
> skin and baby is a heat-seeking creature. We talked about moving bed next
to
> a wall, or putting the back of a chair next to the bed if baby will be on
the
> side of the bed instead of the middle, although baby will most likely
snuggle
> close with mom.  Maybe dress baby only in a diaper if there is a big down
> comforter.

I kept a lap pad or a thick bath towel underneath me and baby to decrease
the likelihood of having to change the bedclothes in the middle of the night
due to me leaking, baby spitting up of having a diaper blowout.  Now that
Christina is 16 months old, it's not much of a problem now.  These
suggestions are more for when the baby is younger.  Also, I usually nursed
with baby in between DH and I without having to turn over.  I kept a pillow
behind my back and between my legs for good support.  Having larger breasts
also helps if you don't want to flip over ; ).  I've only heard of larger
breasted women being able to do that though.  It took a couple of weeks for
DH and I to get used to these sleeping arrangements but my babies were
happier and we got more sleep.

Maurenne Griese, RNC, BSN, CCE, CBE
Manhattan, KS  USA
[log in to unmask]
http://www.networksplus.net/griese

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