Hi Sarah,

No, thankfully it is not the only evidence people have used to reach the conclusion that breastfeeders and never-breastfeeders differ in bedsharing outcomes, but it is the only direct observational (video) study that has suggested there may be greater variability in sleep behaviour among the latter group than the former. 

What we can say with certainty based on multiple video sleep studies is that the behaviour of breastfeeding mothers is incredibly consistent (across geographic location and bed-type), and occurs in such a way that mitigates several presumed safety issues. We absolutely need more video studies of never-breastfeeders to better understand their bedsharing behaviour, however it is not an easy topic to get research funding for (we tried, several times, no interest/not a priority).

Regards, Helen

Professor Helen Ball
Head of Anthropology, Durham University, Dawson Building, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
T:0191 334 1602 F:0191 334 1615 E:[log in to unmask]
www.dur.ac.uk/anthropology; www.dur.ac.uk/sleep.lab
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Infant Sleep Information Source  // www.isisonline.org.uk // @Isisonline1
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