Dear Lactnet Listmates-
My name is Sheryl, and I am an LDRP nurse.  This is my first time writing
to you all for help.  I have been following LACTNET for about a
month-and I really enjoy and appreciate the professional discussions re
breast feeding.  Our hospital's certified lactation consultant (we're proud
to say we have two!) gave me the LACTNET address after we both
discovered a mutual internet interest in perinatal and mothering issues.  I
have become more "politically aware" re breast feeding issues,
especially their portrayal in the media, and that is why I am seeking your
help . . .
Today I was reading a very popular local parenting magazine: INDY'S
CHILD.  There is an "Expecting" Column by Christine Onoff (no
credentials listed) re "Before and After: Myths" addressing and dispelling
myths commonly associated with pregnancy.  For example: A fast fetal
heartbeat means I'll have a girl, Once the baby's born it's ok to go on a
crash diet to lose this pregnancy weight, I can resume all my housework
2 weeks after delivery, etc.  I would have to say I agree with most of it,
because it's pretty common sense.  Then she goes on with "I can get
enough rest even if I keep the baby in the bedroom with me at night."
She replies with :"Keep the baby in his own room so you can sleep at
night.  Adequate rest is vital to your health and your ability to meet your
baby's needs in the early weeks.  Make sleep a priority." She goes on to
stress how damaging sleep depravation is to postpartum recovery, and
advises new mothers to nap when the baby naps instead of catching up
on housework."  As a mother(of twins) and as an OB nurse, I would
certainly agree that sleep deprivation is a major contributor to new parent
stress and postpartum depression.  I would like to reply to this columnist
because I think she is missing some big points:  accommodating breast
feeding and infant safety/security.  Who would expect a new baby and
his parents to get to sleep through the night?  That is perpetuating a myth!
 Nothing in this article is referenced.  I would guess that she got this out
of some generic parenting resource.  What current literature/articles
could I share with her to dispel this point of having a newborn sleep in
his own room?  I know this is probably "small potatoes" to a lot of you.  I
have to start local - and then work my way up. Who knows, maybe this
might lead to a column re dispelling myths re breast feeding . . . .

Thanks for your help!

Sheryl Ward, RNC