INFO:
At our Lactation clinic, we practice risk reduction education to teach co-sleeping families how to reduce the likelihood of negative consequences associated with bed sharing. Most providers focus on abstinence from co-sleeping completely which we believe is unrealistic and doesn’t provide individuals with the information and skills they need to reduce the risks. This in turn makes families continue cosleeping in unsafe conditions and they keep this information from their healthcare providers due to feelings of fear and shame. Safe cosleeping with a breastfed baby involves taking certain precautions: 1. Using a firm, flat surface 2. Keeping the baby close 3. Avoiding bedding and soft objects 4. Avoiding alcohol and drugs 5. Not cosleeping with a baby if you are a smoker or if you have smoked in the room 6. Not cosleeping if you are excessively tired or if you have taken medication that causes drowsiness