Navigating the journey of co-sleeping when it wasn’t part of your plan can be quite the challenge. Here’s a glimpse into a typical night for a mother who finds herself reluctantly sharing her bed with her little one:
11 PM
Begin the evening with everyone settled in their own sleep spaces, firmly believing this will be the arrangement for the night.
12:30 AM
Arise to gently soothe the baby back to sleep.
1:30 AM
Get up again to rock the baby, hoping to ease him into slumber.
2 AM
Make a bathroom trip, regretting not having kept up with your pelvic floor exercises.
2:45 AM
Attempt to rock the baby once more, but he remains wide awake. Feeling cold and utterly drained, you decide to bring him into bed—assuring yourself this is the last time.
2:50 AM
Adhere to safe co-sleeping practices, shielding your eyes, hair, and vital organs as the baby shifts around, making himself comfortable.
2:55 AM
Take a sudden blow to the temple—how did his foot get that high? Maintain your composure, swearing silently.
3 AM
Alongside your partner, cling to the edge of the bed, wondering how such a small baby can occupy so much space and seem to sprout extra limbs.
3:10 AM
Engage in a wordless conversation with your partner about your little octopus and the lack of room for all three of you. Watch him make his way to the spare room, leaving you clinging to the edge.
3:15 AM
As you wait for the baby to settle (read: stop his antics), you feel thankful to at least be lying down rather than standing in the nursery playing a desperate game of ‘shush-pat.’
3:20 AM
Just as the baby drifts off, you feel an urge to cough. Try to suppress it, but a strangled bark escapes, akin to a distressed dog.
3:25 AM
Struggle to free your hair from the baby’s tight grip. You are weary but convinced you can sleep through the discomfort.
3:26 AM
Realize you cannot ignore the pain any longer. Curse internally, with fervor.
3:30 AM
Cycle through a series of thoughts: No one else co-sleeps. Co-sleeping is natural. It creates dependence. It’s beneficial for us. I’ll regret this choice. Is my scalp bleeding? We’re running low on bread.
3:55 AM
Look at your little one, relishing the sweet closeness as he curls up next to you. Listen to his soothing breath and begin to drift off.
5:15 AM
Awaken suddenly, heart racing, thinking the baby is gone. He’s right there—resting his head on your already overworked bladder.
5:20 AM
Ignore the urgent need to use the bathroom, trying to return to sleep. Consider if bed-wetting might be an acceptable alternative to waking the baby. You remain undecided.
5:25 AM
Gently shift the baby’s head—success! You manage to fall back asleep.
6:15 AM
Wake up to your little one cheerfully whacking you with his pacifier. Another eventful night has come to a close—at least for him.
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Summary
Co-sleeping can be a challenging experience for mothers who never intended to share their bed with their little ones. From midnight wake-ups to managing limited space, it’s a journey filled with both exhaustion and unexpected moments of joy. As you navigate this unplanned territory, remember that you’re not alone in this experience.