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Subject:
From:
Michelle DePesa <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 6 Jul 2002 16:17:29 -0400
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Lacey Mormont <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>I'm wondering what evidence there is out there to
>cause the recommendations against co-sleeping for
>obese mothers.

I have looked very hard for this evidence and have not found any; I believe
it stes more from *theoretical* dangers, based on prejudices and
misconceptions about fat people.

On askdrsears.com it says:

"Do not sleep with your baby if: ...
 You are extremely obese. Obesity itself may cause sleep apnea in the
mother, in addition to the smothering danger of pendulous breasts and large
fat rolls."

Apnea is certianly not limited to fat people. It is somewhat more likely, as
it is during pregnancy.  Grouping fat people = sleep apnea is pretty narrow.
"pendulous breasts and large fat rolls" is a very unprofessional and
insulting way to talk about someone. I know plenty of thin women with large
pendulous breasts - or breast implants - should they, too not co-sleep? This
comes from misconceptions about fat people's bodies being "numb" and sloppy
and fears of being smothered. There just is no evidence for it.

>A mother who is 5'5" and 200 pounds would be
>considered obese, and I just can't see someone like
>her being any more of a danger to her baby than an
>average-weight mom.

I can't either. People who are so "extremely obese" that they need doors cut
wider to get them out of the house are generally not having children. Also,
the definition of obesity grows to cover lower and lower weights every year.
I cringe when I see the "obesity" clause in descriptions of safe sleep
environments. It embarrasses me as a fat person, and I feel it draws
negative attention to a non-issue. Women have enough pressure to "bounce
back" into shape (a thin, pre-mothering - and adolescent - body)  after
having a baby, we don't need to add "you may kill your baby" along with it.

>This is an interesting topic in my area as many many
>moms fit the clinical definition of obese.

Yes, and therefore very relevant. A size 14+ is usually considered obese.
With the restrictions on pregnancy weight gain finally being relaxed a
little, we will be seeing more post partum women falling into this
definition, not to mention how many women "think" they are obese.

Michelle DePesa

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