As a postpartum doula and LLLLeader I hear this
several times each year.

I first help the mother explore, specifically, what it is
she frighten of.  Then I gently suggest the idea of
"practicing" bed sharing.  I suggest mom/baby do
so when someone else is in the house; like on a
weekend when daddy is around; or if grandma
is still visiting, try then.  I then recommend 
they have their support person to check on
the mother/baby pair on a time interval that mom
is comfortable with:  every 1/2 hour, every hour (whatever
mom prefers.)

Inevitably, what happens is that they find out through
their observer, is that mom barely moved
and stayed in her "c" sleeping position the entire time
mom and her baby slept.  

If it's later in the postpartum period, I remind them
if you nap during the day, the sunlight in the room will
help them to see if anything is amiss as opposed to wondering
if their little one is okay in their darkened room at night.

Many times, not always, once the pair has bedshared a time
or two, they are hooked and go on to do so most of the time.

Kathy Koncelik, CPD(CAPPA)
Breastfeeding Peer Support Counselor(LLLI)
LLLL, Babylon/Lindenhurst
Long Island, NY


On May 3, 2011, at 12:11 AM, Jessica Claire wrote:

> I would love to hear your responses to moms who are afraid to nurse and/or
> co-bed with their babies for fear of overlaying.
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Jessica Claire
> LLLL in Los Angeles
> 
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