Jennifer,

Check out Mothering Magazine's issue earlier this year that was devoted
exclusively to research on co-sleeping and the reasons why, if done
properly, it's safe and even preferable to sleeping apart.

Julie, LLLL in NJ

You wrote:

My question involves co-sleeping.  Do any of you worry about condoning, or
as I frequently do, recommending co-sleeping?  I am thinking of the news
stories I see talking about the dangers, and even the articles in major
peer-reviewed journals.  I frequently take care of families with seriously
disturbed sleep, though, where it's obvious co-sleeping would make everyone
happier.  And of course breastfeeding is so much easier, and night feedings
encouraged better in the family bed.
I admit to worrying more since a young baby in our practice died in bed with
the parents not long ago.  However, this was not at all the type of
situation I am usually recommending the family bed for.  Baby was an
ex-preemie, exclusively formula fed, both parents smokers, baby sleeping on
belly, and both parents and infant sleeping together in a twin bed at a
relative's house.
All of my own babies co-slept, and I've never thought the data on the
"dangers" of co-sleeping was very well gathered.  I have had a lot of
patients ask me about those studies, though.  I am just wondering how the
rest of you feel about making recommendations like co-sleeping, that go
against the current mainstream.
Jennifer Tieman, MD
Family Physician
Mom to 3, and new baby #4 expected 5/31/03

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