(This is second in a series of posts. To see the others, click on the “bad breastfeeding advice” tag.)

Three Pieces of Breastfeeding Advice to Ignore — Bad Advice #2:

“Whatever you do, don’t let baby sleep in your bed.”

While co-sleeping may not be the answer for all families, it can make nighttime breastfeeding (and sleeping) less of an ordeal for parents and babies. Most families throughout the world sleep next to their babies. The US is one of a few countries where this act is considered taboo. But why?

According to the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame, babies and mothers who co-sleep receive more sleep than those who sleep separately.

But what about long-term negative effects of co-sleeping?

Research shows there aren’t any.

Actually, babies who co-sleep tend to have something in common—they’re thriving—both physically, mentally and intellectually. And they’re nursing well. Babies who co-sleep tend to eat more at night, maintaining mom’s milk supply and promoting natural child-spacing.

Co-sleeping makes nighttime nursing much easier and is safe, provided you take some safety precautions and are nonsmokers. If baby wakes during the night, all you have to do is roll on your side and let the nursing begin. Then you can continue getting your snooze on while baby nurses back to sleep.

Ignore those people who say you might roll on your baby (highly unlikely if you’re sober) or are being a sap. People talk like sleeping next to your baby is a slippery slope—do it once and you’ll never have a child-free bed until the teenage years roll around. But this isn’t necessarily true.

As with everything, do what works in your family’s situation. After all, those naysayers may only be jealous that you’re getting so much sleep while, at the same time, being able to cuddle with a sweet baby.

After all, the breast is a great source of comfort to them and is a place they feel safe and familiar—all of which add up to the perfect environment to succumb to sleep.

And we all know babies who seemingly won’t fall asleep unless they’re nursing. At least, nursing is what they prefer.

Nursing baby to sleep does work, but is it really in baby’s (and the parents’) best interest?

Moms, rest assured that you can follow your heart on this issue. If you nurse your baby to sleep, stop feeling guilty! This is a perfectly normal way to encourage baby to fall asleep. Sleeping without nursing is a developmental milestone your child will surely reach when he or she is ready. So, if nursing baby to sleep works for your family, go ahead and continue doing it.

If, however, you’re not happy, there are steps you can take to transition baby to fall asleep without you. Instead of nursing baby to sleep, nurse only until baby is almost asleep, and then nurse until baby is just relaxed. Eventually you won’t have to nurse your child to sleep at all. As with most things, do what works for your family.

photo credit: Daquella manera

With sleep nursing bras, you can still wear your nursing pads and prevent breastmilk from leaking onto your clothes.

Sleep nursing bras aren’t like your daily bra—they’re built for comfort, support, and convenience. After all, you’re supposed to be getting your beauty sleep!

Sleep Nursing Bras

Most sleep nursing bras are made of cotton with a wide elastic band at the bottom. The sides pull down or to the side, rather than unclip, for easy access to the breast.

These are generally one-piece bras that don’t have separate straps or hooks to poke you in the middle of the night. Most sleep nursing bras come in sizes small, medium, large, and extra large, though some brands come in customary cup sizes.

Find Sleep Nursing Bras at Amazon.com

Are you up at night with your breastfed baby… again? Weaning breastfeeding at night does not necessarily equate to better sleep, but if you start resenting nursing your baby at night, perhaps a few changes are in order.

Sleeping through the night is a developmental milestone that, just like walking or crawling, all babies achieve according to their own timetables. But moms can’t be miserable until this happens.

The goal of nighttime weaning should be to maximize sleep for everyone, while still respecting baby’s needs. When your baby cries to be nursed, he or she may be truly hungry or in need of comfort. There are a few things you can do to gently wean your baby from nighttime nursing.

• Can Daddy take up the slack at night? Some babies just want a little extra nighttime comfort. Perhaps Dad can offer a bottle of expressed milk or cuddle and rock baby to sleep.
• Maximize nursing the day so your baby knows daytime is for eating and nighttime is for sleeping. Minimize any distractions during the day so your little one can focus on filling up.
• Don’t forget to stuff your baby with breast milk right before bedtime. Cluster feed (offer the breast several times in a short period) so baby is full.
• During the night, limit access to the breast and have dad offer comfort.
• Sometimes babies are just looking to cuddle so make sure to give your baby plenty of attention during the day. Using a baby sling may help your baby adjust to less nursing at night.

Lastly, is it possible for you to adjust your schedule during the day to accommodate nighttime nursing? Babies who breastfeed at night get about 30% of their calories that way. They also help keep your fertility from returning. That may or may not be a plus in your mind!

Can you take a nap during the day or perhaps go to bed earlier in order to make up the sleep? Babies are little for so little time! Some moms have learned to appreciate the night breastfeeding and snuggle sessions. You might find some more helpful tips from this book:

Many moms feel guilty or unsure of their baby’s desire to be nursed to sleep and think they’re creating an unhealthy attachment. This is a myth. Breastfeeding at night helps maintain your milk supply and ensures that your baby is getting enough to eat. The stimulation of certain hormones responsible for lactation also help keep your fertility away longer, which has health benefits for you and also helps space your babies in a healthier way.

Don’t dread breastfeeding and nighttime routines. You are only accommodating you baby’s needs and helping to bring about sleep. If you’re not able to be around at night, your baby is sure to adapt to another way of falling asleep, like being rocked or being carried in a sling. Rest assured.

If your baby’s breastfeeding is creating a nighttime challenge, I like Dr. William Sears’ book Nighttime Parenting.