Fact: I co-slept with my second child.
As a mother, I cherished the moments spent sleeping alongside my newborn daughter, even though I often felt conflicted about it. I loved having her tiny body next to mine, the soothing rhythm of her breath, and the softness of her skin against me. Watching her drift off to sleep while nursing was a beautiful experience, creating a profound bond between us. I looked forward to waking up with her nestled under my arm. Most importantly, I appreciated the sleep we managed to steal together.
However, I felt apprehensive about sharing this experience with others. I dreaded the worried expressions that would appear on their faces, the barrage of questions, and the unsolicited advice that often followed. I wrestled with my own doubts and insecurities regarding co-sleeping, sometimes waking in a panic to ensure she was still breathing peacefully beside me.
I often found myself in a position where I felt compelled to justify my choice to co-sleep. I would explain that my midwife had advised me to prioritize rest due to my elevated blood pressure. “I’m taking all the necessary precautions,” I would insist, reminding myself that this was a temporary arrangement, one that was working for us in the moment.
After giving birth, my blood pressure remained a concern, and with a toddler in the mix, the need for sleep was crucial. Anyone familiar with caring for a newborn understands how elusive sleep can be.
So, we co-slept for several weeks, and it proved to be beneficial. I would lay my daughter in the middle of our spacious bed, carefully keeping the blankets away from her. We nursed and slept, creating a peaceful environment that allowed both of us to thrive.
I often reminisced about the exhausting early days with my first child, where fatigue was my constant companion. In contrast, co-sleeping with my daughter made it possible for me to function. We both got the rest we needed, and my milk supply flourished.
Throughout the day, I researched co-sleeping, repeatedly encountering warnings about its safety. I reached out to friends who had also co-slept, finding comfort in knowing their children were thriving today. I recalled my time in West Africa, where co-sleeping was a cultural norm and not something to be debated. It was a way of life, with children sleeping together from infancy. Each night I spent with my daughter made me feel connected to mothers around the world who shared this practice. I thought of those who had come before us, who didn’t think twice about sharing a bed with their babies.
Now, my daughter is six months old and sleeps in her crib. My blood pressure is stable, our nursing relationship is strong, and we are both getting enough rest. Yet, I treasure those early weeks that we spent together. They were fleeting, but filled with love and no regrets.
Fact: I co-slept with my daughter, and I wouldn’t change a thing about that intimate time we shared.
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Summary
This piece reflects the joys and challenges of co-sleeping with a newborn, highlighting the bond formed during this intimate experience. It discusses the author’s internal struggles with societal perceptions while emphasizing the importance of sleep for both mother and child. Ultimately, it celebrates the temporary yet precious nature of those early weeks together.