Cee, your son-in-law sounds like a gem and should be cloned. Hopefully his
positive attitude will wear off on others reluctant to start a family bed.
Some LLL groups invite fathers to their meetings, either occasionally or
consistently, and John would definitely be welcomed back by the Leaders.
I remember reading some statistics regarding SIDS in the crib vs. in the
family bed, but it was about eight years ago when I was pleading my case
with hubby (he knew better to even bother raising a fuss when dd was born a
few years ago). It was when the 'net was still in its infancy so I'm sure I
read it in books like Tine Thevenin's Family Bed. Dr. Jay Gordon,
"pediatrician to the stars," has since written a book promoting co-sleeping
and mentions several celebrity families who enjoy co-sleeping.
I did a search online and found this helpful link:
http://www.babyreference.com/Cosleeping
<http://www.babyreference.com/Cosleeping&SIDSFactSheet.htm>
&SIDSFactSheet.htm.
This article mentioned how the rate of SIDS has declined but overall infant
mortality hasn't:
http://parenting.ivillage.com/newborn/nhealth/0,,7p2fb44g,00.html. This
just reminds us that SIDS cases often have so many variables that it's
difficult to pinpoint any specific cause(s), which is why it's just easier
for many to continue along with our cultural habits. It's also difficult to
find impartial information on the topic, but that's nothing new.
Not only is it a highly volatile topic, somewhat like breastfeeding, it
seems difficult to ensure the numbers are reliable. I'm sure many people
still fear killing their babies despite any reassurances we can provide.
After all, it wasn't too long ago that SIDS was considered an effective
method of family planning before reliable birth control was available.
Sure, they believe the antiquated myths, but they don't listen when we
scientifically and unquestionably prove over and over that breastfeeding is
not only best but vital. I think it's also odd how families welcome their
dirt-laden, flea-bearing pets into bed with them, yet sleeping with their
own babies and children is just too much to ask.
There are families who for whatever reason can't and won't allow their
babies into bed with them; in which case I try to sell them on the benefits
of simply moving the baby's crib or bassinette into the mother's room. That
way they can hear and quickly respond to a baby's needs, hopefully before
either is very much awake. I also encourage moms to at least nap with their
babies on their own beds, since sometimes this is more acceptable than
overnight. Not only does this encourage milk transfer and stimulate the
mother's milk supply, it allows both mother and baby to rest more
completely. Of course I'm always holding out hope that the mom might give
it a try at night too :-)
Speaking of SIDS, I heard there is an association between deviated
epiglottis and balding on top of the head; many of these undiagnosed cases
lead to SIDS. A friend of mine is searching for the article she read
regarding the topic, but if any of you know where I could get my eyes on it
before next week's IBCLC exam, I'd be deeply grateful.
Sincerely,
Debbie Gillespie
LLLL (sitting for the exam in 5 days)
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