Why does breastfeeding make cosleeping safer?

The Safety Connection Between Breastfeeding and Cosleeping
In recent years, the practice of cosleeping—where parents and infants share the same sleeping space—has garnered significant attention, particularly in the context of breastfeeding. Advocates argue that breastfeeding can enhance the safety of cosleeping, creating a nurturing environment that benefits both mother and child.
Biological and Evolutionary Factors
From a biological perspective, breastfeeding and cosleeping are deeply intertwined practices that have evolved together. Infants are born with an innate expectation to remain close to their mothers, which is crucial for their survival. This proximity not only ensures that the baby is kept warm and safe but also facilitates frequent feeding, which is essential for their growth and development. The act of breastfeeding releases hormones in mothers that promote bonding and alertness, making them more attuned to their baby’s needs during the night.
Enhanced Awareness and Responsiveness
Breastfeeding mothers often experience heightened awareness of their baby’s movements and sounds while cosleeping. This increased sensitivity can lead to quicker responses to the baby’s needs, reducing the risk of potential dangers associated with sleep, such as suffocation or rolling over onto the infant. Research from the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory indicates that mothers who breastfeed are more likely to instinctively adjust their sleeping positions to ensure their baby’s safety.
Promoting Better Sleep for Both
The combination of breastfeeding and cosleeping can lead to more restful nights for both mother and baby. When breastfeeding, mothers can easily feed their infants without fully waking up, allowing for a smoother transition back to sleep. This not only benefits the mother’s sleep quality but also helps establish a comforting routine for the baby, reinforcing the bond between them. The close contact during sleep can also help regulate the baby’s body temperature and heart rate, contributing to a safer sleep environment.
Cultural Context and Historical Precedents
Historically, cosleeping has been a common practice across many cultures, often linked to breastfeeding. In many parts of the world, mothers and infants sleep in close proximity as a natural part of child-rearing. This cultural norm underscores the idea that breastfeeding and cosleeping are not just modern practices but are rooted in human history, reflecting an instinctual approach to nurturing and protecting infants.
Conclusion
While the debate surrounding cosleeping continues, the evidence suggests that breastfeeding can significantly enhance the safety of this practice. By fostering a natural bond, promoting responsiveness, and ensuring better sleep for both mother and child, breastfeeding creates an environment where cosleeping can be both safe and beneficial. As families navigate their sleeping arrangements, understanding the interplay between these two practices can help them make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of both mother and baby.

Why is breastfeeding protective against SIDS?

Antibodies transferred from mom to baby during breastfeeding protect babies from infections such as gastrointestinal or febrile illnesses that put them at increased risk for SIDS.

At what age is cosleeping safe?

The appropriate age for co-sleeping can vary based on cultural practices, family dynamics, and individual child development. However, many experts suggest that co-sleeping should generally be reconsidered as children approach the age of 3 to 5 years.

Why is co-sleeping safer when breastfeeding?

Mums and babies who co-sleep tend to wake more during the night and this may protect against sudden unexpected infant deaths. The mum checks her baby and breastfeeds them more frequently when co-sleeping than when room-sharing.

Will my milk dry up if I only nurse at night?

breastfeeding at night can be important for keeping a mom’s long-term milk production steady and strong and may actually mean less pumping during the day for working moms?

What is the rule 7 for cosleeping?

THE SAFE SLEEP 7
If you are breastfeeding, meet all seven for safer bedsharing. #7 Safe surface: no soft mattress, no extra pillows, no toys, no tight or heavy covers. Clear of strings and cords. Gaps firmly filled: use rolled towels or baby blankets.

Are breastfed babies more securely attached?

For example, some studies show that breastfeeding mothers are more sensitive and therefore more likely to have securely attached children (Britton, Britton, and Gronwaldt, 2006; Edwards et al., 2015; Kim et al., 2011; Papp, 2014; Tharner et al., 2012; Weaver, Schofield, and Papp, 2018).

How many hours should a breastfeeding mom sleep?

Like any other adult, a nursing mother should strive for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. She has to get adequate sleep in order to maintain her health and have the energy necessary to care for her child. She may benefit from short naps throughout the day to feel more rested.

Why do babies sleep better co-sleeping?

Less stress means lower levels of cortisol (stress hormone), which in turn means a healthier baby. Co-sleeping also stabilises an infant’s body temperature and raises their oxygen levels by way of loving parental touch and gestures that naturally occur during sleep.

Why does breastfeeding help baby sleep?

Breastmilk at night is also high in the amino acid tryptophan, which in turn helps your baby to make melatonin, which is used by the body to develop its circadian rhythm (our internal system for recognising the difference between day and night) and to sleep better.

Why is SIDS risk highest at 3 months?

SIDS is most common at 2-4 months of age when the cardiorespiratory system of all infants is in rapid transition and therefore unstable. So, all infants in this age range are at risk for dysfunction of neurological control of breathing.