Contrary to popular belief, bedsharing is a practice deeply rooted in human history, and it can offer benefits, particularly if done safely. In many cultures worldwide, co-sleeping is the norm and has been practiced for generations.
Today, I want to highlight some of the benefits of co-sleeping and bedsharing rather than condemning such practices. It is known that co-sleeping can enhance bonding and breastfeeding, but let’s see what science has to say on this topic.
Regulation of Baby’s Physiological Functions
Sharing a sleep environment allows parents to respond promptly to their infant's needs, and this responsiveness can help regulate the child’s physiological functions, such as heart rate, breathing, and temperature. Consequently, this will lead to a more stable and comfortable sleep experience, promoting restorative sleep cycles.
Improved Sleep for Both Parents and Infants
This is especially true for nursing moms. Co-sleeping can lead to more consolidated sleep for both parties, given babies often wake up more frequently at night. Having the child nearby makes it easier for parents to respond quickly, soothe the infant, and return to sleep. Furthermore, it can reduce the stress and anxiety accompanying nighttime care.
Facilitated Breastfeeding
The CDC has already advised parents on the benefits of breastfeeding, which helps protect both mothers and babies against short- and long-term illnesses. Proximity to the mother promotes more accessible and frequent breastfeeding at night, enhancing the mother's milk supply and making nighttime feedings more convenient.
Promotion of Secure Attachment
In 1973, John Bowlby already claimed that mother-infant separations at night are stressful, activating the attachment system. In a recent study by Elaine Barry (2019), the author reinforces the importance of keeping the infant closer at night as an opportunity for connection between mother-baby. Infants who feel safe and secure during sleep are more likely to develop positive social and emotional behaviors, including trust and self-confidence.
Enhanced Emotional Bonding
Similarly, co-sleeping fosters a solid emotional bond between parents and infants. The physical closeness that promotes skin-to-skin contact can trigger the release of oxytocin, often called the "love hormone." This hormone is crucial in nurturing emotional connections and attachment between parents and their babies, especially in the first months of life.
It's important to note that while there are numerous potential benefits to co-sleeping, each family's circumstances and preferences are unique. What works well for one family may not be suitable for another. In addition to prioritizing safety guidelines for co-sleeping, relying on evidence-based research can further strengthen your confidence in making this decision.
Sources:
Barry, E. S. (2019). Co-sleeping as a proximal context for infant development: The importance of physical touch. Infant Behavior & Development, 57. https://doi-org.lib.pepperdine.edu/10.1016/j.infbeh.2019.101385
Okami, P., Weisner, T., & Olmstead, R. (2002). Outcome correlates of parent-child bedsharing: An eighteen-year longitudinal study. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 23(4), 244–253. https://doi-org.lib.pepperdine.edu/10.1097/00004703-200208000-00009
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