Ok, I had other things I wanted to write about today, mostly my cloth diapering saga (how it has begun.) But then while watching CNN Headline news this morning, we watched a clip about this Michigan Husband and I totally became livid. It makes me even MORE upset because CNN didn't interview anyone who actually co-sleeps and is happy about it. Everyone they talked to sided with the father, and no one sided with the mother.
Well, I side with the mama. She said that she has a strong bond with her children, and that her baby daughter won't go to sleep without her. They also have a 2 year old son, who is in a crib in another room (but he co-slept with the parents, too)
I wish that CNN would do a story about the benefits of co-sleeping for parent and child, the benefits that raise these independent children that still know they have mama and daddy to come to if they need it. Not children who learn to self soothe at 2 weeks old.
I want to say that if not co-sleeping is your option, that is fine. It just didn't work for me. I need my baby in the bed with me. I feel such a stronger bond with them when they are near me all night and I am better able to learn their cues and satisfy their needs, which means less crying and most nights, Will doesn't even wake up because she never gets to the crying point.
Now if I could just find a way to sound off on this matter to CNN, because I think they totally need to clarify that co-sleeping IS NOT ABNORMAL. People all over the world share sleep with their whole family, the maintain almost constant contact with their babies, and wear then if they need to. So why is it so "wrong" in our society?!
6 comments:
i have never made madison sleep in a crib and I love it. I just wish our bed was alittle bigger! But i would get no sleep if she didnt sleep with me. That makes me mad too!
i saw a headline in one of the mainstream parent 'zines and it said something like: "if it was acceptable would you admit you co-sleep?" i was a bit puzzled w/ the "acceptable" part but would totally admit and WE do (clint included) co-sleep. A few weeks later I took a mandatory (childcare license) class on SIDS and we talked about where the proper place for daycare infants to sleep and all that because of new regulations in the guidelines - all very understandable but then it moved to our OWN children and most of the people (about 25) ALL would NEVER put a baby in bed w/ them. If I was asked if I co-sleep, I would admit but in that room full of self-righteous people I would NOT have volunteered that info! We were even given autopsy reports for all the infant deaths that occured in Wayne county (not our county) in 2002 and a whole page and half was about deaths that occured in the parent's bed. That was all these people needed to see and hear to start their witch hunt!
oh so wanted to get back to you on the CD but was hoping i would catch you on IM instead of writing a big long email. but do please write about your cd experience soon!
I have never denied it either. But one thing about those statistics- I'll bet those parenst were doing one of a few things wrong, they may have been intoxicated while cosleeping, smokers, or deep deep sleepers. And besides, I read somewhere that if your child is going to die from SIDS, there is no way to stop it, however wouldn't you rather that your baby's last moments be in your arms? I know I would.
AND a mama is more likely to hear her baby stop breathing if baby is right there, and the baby gets into mama's sleep pattern and breathing pattern.
Ok, I am soo passionate about this, and breastfeeding- weird, the things I care more about!
What a JACKA**! All of our children have peacefully shared our bed. Then when it was time, they drifted into their own rooms. It has been a positive experience for all of us. I agree with you Leaner the two things that get under my skin are people that rage about the family bed, and people that don't respect the importance of breastfeeding.
I am a little sad. My little one refused to co-sleep. he wanted his space so we gave it to him. The only co-sleeping we get is in the recliner in his bedroom and i rock him after a nightmare
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