What Is ‘Breastsleeping’ and How Can It Benefit Breastfeeding Moms?

You might have come across the term “breastsleeping” and found yourself scratching your head in confusion. No, it’s not just the latest trend in breastfeeding pillows or a phrase concocted by a sleep-deprived parent in a frenzy. It’s actually a concept introduced by Dr. James McKenna, a sleep expert and the head of the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame.

Dr. McKenna, an anthropologist with a significant focus on infant sleep, advocates for the practice of sharing a bed with your breastfeeding baby. In a recent article he co-authored in the peer-reviewed journal Acta Paediatrica, titled “There Is No Such Thing as Infant Sleep, There Is No Such Thing as Breastfeeding, There Is Only Breastsleeping,” he highlights the importance of this practice.

What Exactly Is Breastsleeping?

Simply put, it’s the act of breastfeeding your little one while you both catch some Z’s (and hopefully, you both do!). Dr. McKenna argues that co-sleeping with your breastfeeding baby is a natural and beneficial arrangement. He notes that breastfeeding moms tend to have a heightened awareness of their babies, often sleeping lightly so they can respond quickly if their little one needs attention.

Advantages of Breastsleeping

Breastsleeping has several advantages, particularly for breastfeeding. It helps maintain a mother’s milk supply, as babies who share a bed with their moms tend to breastfeed more frequently during the night. Dr. McKenna points out that bedsharing can double or even triple nighttime breastfeeding sessions, which can lead to extended breastfeeding durations. He states, “[B]edsharing is known to double and even triple the number of breastfeeds per night,” and emphasizes the many benefits associated with this practice.

Enhancing Sleep Quality

You might be thinking, “That sounds great, but how am I supposed to get any sleep if I’m feeding all night?” Here’s the twist: Dr. McKenna argues that breastsleeping can actually enhance a mother’s sleep quality. Although your baby may wake up more often, the ease of settling them back to sleep, without having to leave the bed, can minimize the disruption to your own rest.

Safety Concerns

Now, you may have concerns about safety. Isn’t co-sleeping with an infant risky? While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against bed-sharing and suggests that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months, Dr. McKenna takes a different stance. He believes that bed-sharing is a viable option for breastfeeding families, as breastfeeding moms are generally more attuned to their baby’s needs, allowing for safer interactions during the night. He advocates for educating families on safe co-sleeping practices rather than outright bans.

What This Means for You

So, what does all this mean for you as a breastfeeding mom? Should you embrace breastsleeping to ensure your milk supply or avoid any potential risks? Absolutely not! The best approach is to take what resonates with you from this information and leave the rest.

Personally, I found breastsleeping to be invaluable during my own parenting journey. Yes, my babies woke frequently to nurse, but after a few weeks, I learned to latch them on in the dark, allowing us both to drift back to sleep with relative ease. Was it always smooth sailing? No, there were definitely challenges, but the closeness and convenience made it worthwhile for me.

For those moms who prefer not to share a bed with their babies, there is no absolute need to breastsleep. However, if you’re contemplating this option and have concerns about safety or sleep deprivation, it’s comforting to know that there are experts advocating for its potential benefits, provided you follow safety guidelines.

When Will It End?

As for when your little one will stop sharing your bed, that varies—my four-year-old still sneaks in occasionally! But remember, no child will be breastfeeding or co-sleeping forever, so you can rest easy knowing it’s a temporary phase.

Conclusion

In summary, breastsleeping can be a beneficial practice for breastfeeding moms, providing convenience and promoting a healthy breastfeeding relationship. However, it’s essential to evaluate your own comfort level and circumstances when deciding whether or not to embrace this approach.