As a new mom, you are sleep deprived, so it's challenging to breastfeed as frequently as recommended without some rest.
Due to exhaustion, you risk falling asleep while nursing on a couch or in a soft chair, because you've been told not to bed share (previously called co-sleeping). However, nursing on a couch or soft chair is more dangerous than nursing on an adult bed. However, that bed must be prepared safely for breastfeeding and you must follow the guidelines described below.
In the realm of breastfeeding, there are 2 main places to access such guidelines for safe infant sleep while breastfeeding.
1. The American Academy of Pediatrics
2. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you room-share for the first 6 months, so your baby is accessible for frequent feedings.
- The AAP recommends that you do not bedshare.
- However, the AAP says it is OK to nurse on an adult bed, with the plan to move your baby to their own safe sleep surface when finished feeding.
- It's very important to plan ahead, just in case you end up bedsharing by accident.
- Consider setting frequent alarms to keep you awake.
- Have someone stay up with you, but don't allow a non-parent in the bed.
- Assume the nursing position called the "cuddle curl."
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- Remove blankets and use pillows only to prop yourself in a comfortable position, keeping them well away from the baby.
- Don't lay down to nurse if you've taken a drug that makes you sleepy, if you consumed alcohol, or if you smoke at any time.
- If you accidentally fall asleep while nursing, move your baby to their own space when you wake up.
- Click here for the American Academy of Pediatrics safe infant sleep recommendations (2022).
- This group supports breastsleeping, which means only breastfed babies can bedshare.
- Their other recommendations are the same as the AAP.
- Click here for the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol (2019) titled "Bedsharing and Breastfeeding."
Whether you plan to breastfeed while resting on your bed and then move your baby, or you plan to breastsleep, it's critical that you follow all other safe sleep recommendations.
A summary of safe sleep recommendations:
- Place your baby on his back on a firm flat boring surface.
- Avoid second hand smoke.
- Avoid alcohol or sedating substances.
- Breastfeed.
- Never let a non-parent sleep with your baby.
- Offer a pacifier during naps and bedtime.
- Get regular baby check ups and immunizations.
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