If you’ve come across the term “breastsleeping” online, you might be curious about its meaning. It’s not a trendy new breastfeeding accessory or the brainchild of an exhausted mom; rather, it was introduced by Dr. James McKenna, a leading sleep expert and director of the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame. An anthropologist renowned for his research on infant sleep patterns, McKenna has extensively studied the advantages and safety of co-sleeping.
His recent article in the pediatric journal Acta Paediatrica, co-authored with researcher Anna Griffin, is titled “There Is No Such Thing as Infant Sleep, There Is No Such Thing as Breastfeeding, There Is Only Breastsleeping.” This term describes the practice of nursing your baby while both of you are asleep—ideally, peacefully. McKenna emphasizes that sharing a bed with a breastfeeding infant is not only natural but also beneficial for both parties. He notes that breastfeeding mothers are physiologically tuned in to their babies, often achieving lighter sleep, making them more alert to their baby’s needs.
According to McKenna, breastsleeping significantly supports breastfeeding by promoting higher milk production. When babies sleep beside their mothers, they tend to nurse more frequently during the night, which can lead to a longer breastfeeding duration. As he states, “bedsharing is known to double and even triple the number of breastfeeds per night,” reinforcing the positive correlation between extended breastfeeding and the practice of bed-sharing.
You might wonder, however, why you would opt for a sleeping arrangement that could lead to constant nighttime feedings. McKenna argues that breastsleeping can actually facilitate better sleep for mothers. Although your baby may wake more often, settling them back to sleep is likely to be quicker and easier, and there’s no need to leave the warmth of your bed to attend to them.
Concerns about safety often arise with bed-sharing. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months but not in the same bed, McKenna presents an alternative viewpoint. He advocates that bed-sharing is primarily suitable for breastfeeding families, as breastfeeding mothers are more responsive to their babies’ sounds and movements than bottle-feeding mothers. He believes that healthcare professionals should focus on teaching safe bed-sharing practices rather than issuing blanket prohibitions. Furthermore, he cites research suggesting that bed-sharing poses minimal risk when safety guidelines are followed, and after three months, it can even offer protective benefits.
So, what does this mean for breastfeeding mothers? Is breastsleeping essential to maintain milk supply or ensure your baby’s well-being? Absolutely not! The best advice for new parents is to “take what you need and leave the rest.” Personally, I found breastsleeping invaluable during my own breastfeeding journey. Yes, my babies woke up frequently, but after a while, I became adept at latching them on in the dark, allowing us both to return to sleep relatively quickly. While it wasn’t always easy, the bond and convenience it provided were well worth it.
For those mothers who prefer not to share a bed with their infants, there is no strict obligation to do so. However, if you’re uncertain or apprehensive about the practice, it’s reassuring to know there are experts advocating for its safety—when done correctly—and suggesting it may actually reduce sleep deprivation.
As for when you can expect your child to stop sharing your bed, every parent has a unique experience. My own four-year-old still spends a portion of the night nestled next to me. Rest assured, no child remains in this arrangement as they approach adulthood, so there’s light at the end of the tunnel!
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In summary, breastsleeping is a term introduced by Dr. James McKenna, which refers to the practice of breastfeeding while sleeping. It can boost milk supply and enhance the breastfeeding experience for mothers. While safety concerns exist regarding bed-sharing, McKenna argues that it can be done safely and may actually make nighttime parenting easier. Ultimately, the choice to breastsleep should be made based on what feels right for you and your baby.