Sleeping With Your Newborn   by Mike Catherall

in Family / Babies    (submitted 2011-09-13)

A tragic infant mortality case at the Regina General Hospital is leading Canadian health representatives to question the safety of co-sleeping practices involving mother and child. After an internal review, health region representatives believe the death could have been prevented if the hospital had a strict no-bedding policy. This recommendation is bringing to light an interesting debate on the pros and cons of co-sleeping arrangements.

The review stems from an incident that saw a five-hour-old newborn suffocated while sleeping next to her mother. Since the incident, the parents of young girl, have been assured that the hospital will be implementing a new policy that prohibits the practice of co-sleeping.

New mothers are often too weak to be fully aware of their babies positioning and breathing needs. After potentially hours of labour, exhaustion levels are extremely high in women who have just given birth. Giving new mothers the responsibility to immediately care for their newborn is a lot to ask.

In the past, hospitals had used a general nursery to place babies once they had been born. After opening a new mother-baby unit last November, the Regina General hospital switched to a private room setup, where a bassinet was offered for the child. This program was set in place to reduce the space between mother and baby, encouraging an early bond.

But while in the old system, a team of nurses watched the nursery, now the parents are left to watch their child.

With the review complete and the policy altered, some medical professionals are questioning the safety of co-sleeping outside of the medical facility; 'Is it a good idea for a newborn baby to be sharing the same bed as one or even two adults?'

The benefits, as many young families can attest, are clear. Co-sleeping allows a mother to build a tight bond with her newborn baby. The proximity of the child allows for quick feeding. This is important for helping both the mother and father receive their optimal amount of rest. Co-sleeping also helps to align the sleep cycles of the parents with their newborn.

Many Canadian parents, who use the co-sleeping method, believe that the decisions made by the review board are too reactionary. Proper instruction on co-sleeping practices might be more beneficial than an all-out ban. Non-western countries have been using shared beds for years with few incidents.

The opponents of co-sleeping are quick to point out that westernized beds contain too many dangers for a young child. Comforters, pillows and headboards are some of the potential hazards. The height of westernized beds is also an issue. Even a one-foot fall can be fatal for a child whose skull has not fully developed. A crib or bassinet in the same bedroom can keep the proximity, while increasing the child's safety.

For those parents that insist on using the co-sleeping method, here is a few tips that health officials suggest: First, the baby should always be placed on its back. Never place the infant on its side or on its stomach. Secondly, the head should always be left uncovered. This seems obvious, but comforters and pillows can easily stop a baby's breathing when individuals shift their sleeping pose during the night. Thirdly, never drink when sharing a bed with your newborn. One or two drinks can dull an individual's senses, making them more likely to forget about the child they are sharing the bed with.

The bedroom mattress is a parent's domain. Deciding whether or not to co-sleep should be an important discussion that every parent should have with his or her significant other. Know the hazards. Decide on a plan.

About the Author

Mike Catherall is the founder of Vancouver advertising agency Immersion Creative. He writes for mattress Vancouver retailer, Simmons Mattress Gallery.