In the realm of parenting, few practices spark as much debate as co-sleeping. As a mother of two, I experienced this firsthand with my second child, and it became a source of both joy and anxiety. The intimacy of feeling my newborn nestled against me was unparalleled. I cherished the rhythm of his breath, the warmth of his skin, and those precious moments as he drifted off while nursing. The bond we formed during those nights was something I deeply valued, and the sleep we shared was a welcome reprieve.
Yet, as I embraced this practice, I found myself hesitant to discuss it openly. The concerned expressions of others haunted me, along with their probing questions and well-meaning suggestions. My own doubts about co-sleeping compounded my anxiety, leading to moments of uncertainty when I would wake up, instinctively checking to ensure my baby was breathing.
I felt compelled to justify my choice to co-sleep. My midwife had advised me to prioritize rest due to my elevated blood pressure, especially in those early weeks of motherhood. I would reassure myself and others, claiming we were taking all necessary precautions and that this arrangement was temporary. With a toddler at home and the exhaustion that accompanies a newborn, sleep was a precious commodity that I desperately needed.
For several weeks, co-sleeping became our reality, and it worked remarkably well. I would position my baby safely in the center of our queen-sized bed, carefully keeping the blankets away from him. We found a rhythm of nursing and sleeping that felt almost magical. I couldn’t help but reflect on how tired I had been with my first child, and how thankful I was to have this opportunity to feel more like myself.
During the day, I sought out information on co-sleeping, quickly encountering the safety concerns and guidelines surrounding the practice. I reached out to friends who had co-slept with their children, all of whom were thriving. My memories of living in West Africa flooded back, where co-sleeping was simply a cultural norm, practiced without hesitation by mothers and their children. In those moments of closeness with my son, I felt a connection to mothers around the world who chose to share their sleep space.
Now, as I write this, my son is six months old and sleeps soundly in his crib. My blood pressure has stabilized, our breastfeeding relationship is thriving, and we’ve both had the chance to rest. Yet, I will always treasure those early weeks spent together, a fleeting season of life that I look back upon fondly and without regret.
Co-sleeping with my son was a choice I made with love, and I wouldn’t change a thing about that time together.
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Summary:
Co-sleeping, often met with skepticism, can foster deep connections between mothers and their newborns. My own experience with co-sleeping was a time of intimacy and rest, shaped by the necessity of caring for a toddler and managing my health. As my child grows, I reflect on those early weeks with fondness, recognizing the importance of this practice in our journey.