Not co-sleeping

[Irish Marie]

I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and didn't/don't
co-sleep.
My dh is a barman so he always stinks of passive smoke after work, he also
smokes the occasional cigar so he sometimes smells of smoke even when not
working.
So based on that I don't think that it would be wise to co-sleep with the
baby.
S/He will be sleeping by our bed in a Moses Basket and will be very easy to
hear and get to quickly.
I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on co-sleeping
rates?

--
Marie
Mum to DD5, DS3 and due #3 July '03

[Circe]

Irish Marie wrote:
> I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and
> didn't/don't co-sleep.

<snip>

> I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on
> co-sleeping rates?

FWIW, I've breastfed three kids successfully (for 3y2m, 2y3m, and 17 months
and still going) without co-sleeping much at all. We didn't co-sleep with #1
at all (and you'll note he was breastfed the longest thus far!), and
co-slept with #2 and #3 only for the first week or two (mainly because I
find doing so helps gets the baby's nights and days straightened out a bit
more quickly).

I think there *is* some correlation between co-sleeping and breastfeeding
success to the extent that it helps reduce some of the initial maternal
exhaustion associated with getting up and down many times in the night with
a newborn. I think moms who don't co-sleep are a bit more likely to give up
in the first weeks due to sleep deprivation than moms who do co-sleep. I
think the way 'round that in your situation might be for your husband to
sleep in a different bed for a couple of weeks. I know that's not
necessarily an attractive solution, and it mightn't be possible, but it's
something you might at least *consider* if you find yourself just completely
wearing out due to getting up and down with the baby at night. IME, the fact
that the baby is right next to you in the same room is not the same as
having the baby right there in bed with you--getting up, getting the baby,
and putting the baby to breast is considerably more effort and requires you
to wake up a good deal more than just rolling over and latching the baby on
while you're still half asleep.

And co-sleeping isn't something you have to do forever to be successful. You
just may find that it's helpful in the very early going when you're likely
getting the least sleep.
--
Be well, Barbara
(Julian [7/22/97], Aurora [7/19/99], and Vernon's [3/2/02] mom)
See us at http://photos.yahoo.com/guavaln

This week's special at the English Language Butcher Shop:
"Loose weight, feel great!" -- fair booth sign

What does it all mean? I have *no* idea. But it's my life and I like it.

[Lucy]

"Irish Marie" > wrote in message
...
> I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and didn't/don't
> co-sleep.

We do not co-sleep and are still bf-ing at 8 months.

[Irish Marie]

"Circe" > wrote in message
news:uC_Qa.10470$u51.10225@fed1read05...
> I
> think the way 'round that in your situation might be for your husband to
> sleep in a different bed for a couple of weeks. I know that's not
> necessarily an attractive solution, and it mightn't be possible, but it's
> something you might at least *consider* if you find yourself just
completely
> wearing out due to getting up and down with the baby at night.

Well to be honest, it isn't really possible the only other beds in the house
are being occupied by DD and DS. The sofa wouldn't be an option it just
isn't comfortable enough.
The one benefit of his work is that he doesn't get home until very late
particularly at the weekends and when he does get home he stays up even
later watching tv to wind himself down a little, so I could probably
co-sleep the first portion of the night before he comes to bed, so long as
that wouldn't knock baby around too much.

IME, the fact
> that the baby is right next to you in the same room is not the same as
> having the baby right there in bed with you--getting up, getting the baby,
> and putting the baby to breast is considerably more effort and requires
you
> to wake up a good deal more than just rolling over and latching the baby
on
> while you're still half asleep.
>
I kept DD and DS in the Moses basket also, although I used to FF them I
barely woke at night, in this instance hopefully the fact that I don't have
to heat a bottle up and wait with an impatient baby will mean that I can
lift the baby from the crib and have her in bed next to me in a jiffy. I
keep the basket really close to the bed, practically in it almost ;-)
But I get your point, maybe in the first few days at home when DH is off
work and off the cigars (if I have my way with him) I will co-sleep through
those nights.

> And co-sleeping isn't something you have to do forever to be successful.
You
> just may find that it's helpful in the very early going when you're likely
> getting the least sleep.
> --
Thaks Barbara.
Marie

[Michelle Podnar]

My DD is now
"Irish Marie" > wrote in message
...
> I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and didn't/don't
> co-sleep.
> My dh is a barman so he always stinks of passive smoke after work, he also
> smokes the occasional cigar so he sometimes smells of smoke even when not
> working.
> So based on that I don't think that it would be wise to co-sleep with the
> baby.
> S/He will be sleeping by our bed in a Moses Basket and will be very easy
to
> hear and get to quickly.
> I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on co-sleeping
> rates?
>
> --
> Marie
> Mum to DD5, DS3 and due #3 July '03
>
>

[Molly Fisher]

In article >, Irish Marie
> wrote:

> I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and didn't/don't
> co-sleep.
> My dh is a barman so he always stinks of passive smoke after work, he also
> smokes the occasional cigar so he sometimes smells of smoke even when not
> working.
> So based on that I don't think that it would be wise to co-sleep with the
> baby.
> S/He will be sleeping by our bed in a Moses Basket and will be very easy to
> hear and get to quickly.
> I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on co-sleeping
> rates?
>
> --

Having been through serious supply issues, I'd finally been able to
quit supplementing DD with formula at 7.5 months. However, since she
did not gain any weight between then and 9 months, I was concerned that
she was not getting enough milk. The only change I made was to move DD
out of the Arm's Reach sidecar beside me into bed next to me. She has
gained 2.5 pounds since then. She nurses several times during the
night, I think. I just snooze right through. Sometimes I wake up to the
sound of DD drinking--only then do the other nursing sensations seep
through to my consciousness. I know DD sleeps better, too. No crying at
night at all. I wouldn't say that our bf success (my definition is
rather loose) depends on our cosleeping, but it is an important factor.

Neither DH nor I smoke anymore. I don't know anything about the risks
of cosleeping with stinky bar hair. DH /sometimes/ drinks a fair bit of
hooch, though (he's a professional too: a winemaker.) Even though he's
never exactly drunk, I keep DD on the outside of the bed between me and
the empty Arm's Reach on those rare occasional cigar and scotch nights
just in case.

--
Molly
http://www.fisher-studio.com/

[Irish Marie]

"Molly Fisher" > wrote in message
...
>
. I don't know anything about the risks
> of cosleeping with stinky bar hair. DH /sometimes/ drinks a fair bit of
> hooch, though (he's a professional too: a winemaker.) Even though he's
> never exactly drunk, I keep DD on the outside of the bed between me and
> the empty Arm's Reach on those rare occasional cigar and scotch nights
> just in case.
>
That could work for me, hmmm
/puts on thinking cap
Thanks Molly
Marie

[Michelle J. Haines]

In article >,
says...
> I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and didn't/don't
> co-sleep.
> My dh is a barman so he always stinks of passive smoke after work, he also
> smokes the occasional cigar so he sometimes smells of smoke even when not
> working.

I wouldn't co-sleep based on that. Smoking is one of the big
contraindications to co-sleeping.

> So based on that I don't think that it would be wise to co-sleep with the
> baby.
> S/He will be sleeping by our bed in a Moses Basket and will be very easy to
> hear and get to quickly.
> I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on co-sleeping
> rates?

I would say that having the baby in a Moses basket next to the bed
will provide similar benefits, and lots of people don't co-sleep and
still nurse successfully for a long time.

Michelle
Flutist

--
In my heart. By my side.
Never apart. AP with Pride!
Katrina Marie (10/19/96)
Xander Ryan (09/22/98 - 02/23/99)
Gareth Xander (07/17/00)
Zachary Mitchell (01/12/94, began fostering 09/05/01)
Theona Alexis (06/03/03)

[Jolene]

"Irish Marie" > wrote in message
...

> I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on co-sleeping
> rates?

No. Attachment parenting (at least, the AP that the Searses describe)
includes co-sleeping and breastfeeding as part of its practice; but you
don't have to have your child sleeping in your bed to "successfully"
breastfeed. Breastfeeding success depends on how committed you are to
offering your breastmilk as your child's primary source of nourishment and
whether, when all is said and done and that child has nursed for the last
time, *you* feel you've met that commitment. Your baby does not have to
sleep next to you in your bed for that to happen.

However, should you change your mind and decide to co-sleep, have DH shower
and shampoo before coming to bed. He'll certainly smell better; and he'll
probably be more relaxed and sleep better. If he balks, shower with him.
You'll be more relaxed and your milk will flow better.

[FWIW, I breastfed seven children for up to two years and my eighth is
still going strong at 27 months. None of my children co-slept; and none of
my adult children are eating their friends. I checked their freezers -
everything's from the store. ;) ]

The Moses Bed sounds really sweet. Good luck.

[Naomi Pardue]

>I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and didn't/don't
>co-sleep.

>I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on co-sleeping
>rates?

Didn't co-sleep. Baby slept in a carriage by our bed for the first 6 weeks,
then in a crib down the hall. Breastfed for 14 months.
(Didn't co-sleep for several reasons, among them:
1. We have a double bed, and couldn't possibly fit anything larger in our very
small bedroom if we wanted any other furniture.
2. I can't sleep touching another person... not even a baby.
3. I'm a light sleeper, and the noise/movement of a baby would easily keep me
up.

Crib worked fine for us. (After moving Shaina into her own room, I got up for
night feeds until she started sleeping through the night at around 7 months.)


Naomi
CAPPA Certified Lactation Educator

(either remove spamblock or change address to to e-mail
reply.)

[Larry McMahan]

Irish Marie > writes:
: I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and didn't/don't
: co-sleep.
: My dh is a barman so he always stinks of passive smoke after work, he also
: smokes the occasional cigar so he sometimes smells of smoke even when not
: working.
: So based on that I don't think that it would be wise to co-sleep with the
: baby.
: S/He will be sleeping by our bed in a Moses Basket and will be very easy to
: hear and get to quickly.
: I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on co-sleeping
: rates?

: --
: Marie
: Mum to DD5, DS3 and due #3 July '03

Well, we co-slept, but the passive smoke thing, and the possibiliby of
alcohol consupmtion are both known danger markers for avoiding when co-sleeping.
I hate to say this, but with the passive smoke, even sleeping in the same room
adds risk. You could have him shower and shampoo when he comes home from the
bar, as well as swear off the occasional cigar. (only half kidding :-)

You could also sleep with the baby and let the stinking barkeep sleep in his
own room. (again only half kidding)

What I am trying to say is that there are health issues other than bf rates
which affect your baby, where it would be better off not sleeping in the same
room as a smoker.

I know I'm sounding like the strident anti-smoking American, but hey, I've got
the science on my side to back me up!

Good luck to you and your baby whatever you decide, especially the baby,
Larry

[Marnie]

"Irish Marie" > wrote in message news:Hk_Qa.23193

> I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on co-sleeping
> rates?

Marie,

I don't think co-sleeeping is BF necessity. I do think it can make it
easier, but certainly it's not a make-or-break situation. We've just always
done what works, which usually means baby starts out the night in a basket
or crib and winds up beside me in the bed sometime after midnight.

Another thing to think about is that I could not nurse my first DD lying
down until she was 8-10 weeks old. It just wasn't comfortable for either of
us.
--
Marnie
--

[Cheryl S.]

Irish Marie > wrote in message
...
> I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and
> didn't/don't co-sleep.

DH and I both can't remember exactly, but DD slept next to me, in a
bassinet, for probably 4-6 weeks, then has been in a crib in her own
room ever since. I never had any trouble hearing her when she needed to
eat. When she was right next to me, I woke up far too often, due to the
snuffling and various other newborn noises that did not indicate any
need for a response from me, so not co-sleeping was a better arrangement
for us.

> My dh is a barman so he always stinks of passive smoke
> after work, he also smokes the occasional cigar so he sometimes
> smells of smoke even when not working.
> So based on that I don't think that it would be wise to co-sleep
> with the baby.
> S/He will be sleeping by our bed in a Moses Basket and will be
> very easy to hear and get to quickly.

If s/he is right next to your bed, is the smoke smell going to be
significantly less than being in your bed? Could your DH shower when he
gets home?

> I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on
> co-sleeping rates?

I don't think bf success is dependent on co-sleeping, but that is JMO.
--
Cheryl S.
Mom to Julie, 2 yr., 3 mo.
And a boy, EDD 4.Sept

Cleaning the house while your children are small is like
shoveling the sidewalk while it's still snowing.

[Irish Marie]

"Larry McMahan" > wrote in message
...
> Irish Marie > writes:
> : I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and didn't/don't
> : co-sleep.
> : My dh is a barman so he always stinks of passive smoke after work, he
also
> : smokes the occasional cigar so he sometimes smells of smoke even when
not
> : working.
> : So based on that I don't think that it would be wise to co-sleep with
the
> : baby.
> : S/He will be sleeping by our bed in a Moses Basket and will be very easy
to
> : hear and get to quickly.
> : I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on
co-sleeping
> : rates?
>
> : --
> : Marie
> : Mum to DD5, DS3 and due #3 July '03
>
> Well, we co-slept, but the passive smoke thing, and the possibiliby of
> alcohol consupmtion are both known danger markers for avoiding when
co-sleeping.

Yep, this I was aware of.

> I hate to say this, but with the passive smoke, even sleeping in the same
room
> adds risk.
You could have him shower and shampoo when he comes home from the
> bar, as well as swear off the occasional cigar. (only half kidding :-)

I could suggest it..........but I reckon the power shower would probably
wake up the entire household, plus that of the house next door :-( Anyway I
really can't see him hopping in the shower at 3 or 4am.

>
> You could also sleep with the baby and let the stinking barkeep sleep in
his
> own room. (again only half kidding)
>
We should have bought the 4-bed...........he's hankering after converting
the garage as it is, so we could make it his room............it might turn
out to be the ultimate in birth control!!

> What I am trying to say is that there are health issues other than bf
rates
> which affect your baby, where it would be better off not sleeping in the
same
> room as a smoker.
>
> I know I'm sounding like the strident anti-smoking American, but hey, I've
got
> the science on my side to back me up!
>
> Good luck to you and your baby whatever you decide, especially the baby,
> Larry

Thanks Larry
Marie

[Irish Marie]

"Cheryl S." > wrote in message
...
> Irish Marie > wrote in message
> ...
> > I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and
> > didn't/don't co-sleep.
>
> DH and I both can't remember exactly, but DD slept next to me, in a
> bassinet, for probably 4-6 weeks, then has been in a crib in her own
> room ever since. I never had any trouble hearing her when she needed to
> eat. When she was right next to me, I woke up far too often, due to the
> snuffling and various other newborn noises that did not indicate any
> need for a response from me, so not co-sleeping was a better arrangement
> for us.
>
> > My dh is a barman so he always stinks of passive smoke
> > after work, he also smokes the occasional cigar so he sometimes
> > smells of smoke even when not working.
> > So based on that I don't think that it would be wise to co-sleep
> > with the baby.
> > S/He will be sleeping by our bed in a Moses Basket and will be
> > very easy to hear and get to quickly.
>
> If s/he is right next to your bed, is the smoke smell going to be
> significantly less than being in your bed? Could your DH shower when he
> gets home?
>
TBH he doesn't 'reek' of it that badly, I would be worried if the baby was
next to him in our bed but I doubt that the smell would carry to the moses
basket. My other 2 children slept in the basket next to the bed for 3/4
months but they were FF. As they got older they sometimes slept next to me
on my side of the bed and sometimes still do!!
It would be too late for him to shower when he gets home, and most likely it
would be too noisy also.
Thanks for the input
Marie

[Marion Baumgarten]

Circe > wrote:

> Irish Marie wrote:
> > I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and
> > didn't/don't co-sleep.
>
> <snip>
>
> > I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on
> > co-sleeping rates?


I sucessfully breastfed both my children and did not co-sleep. I had
them in a basinet for the first few weeks in my room and then they went
into a crib in another room. I also never was able to get the knwck of
nursing lyting down. With number two, I got a big rocker recliner and
could kind of doze while reclining in that.

[Beth]

"Irish Marie" > wrote in message
...
> I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and didn't/don't
> co-sleep.

I co-sleep with my DS, who is now 7 months. I had a difficult pregnancy and
slept in my own bedroom, and simply stayed in my own bed after DS was born.

At first I attempted to have him sleep in a bassinet next to my bed, but was
so exhausted sitting up to feed him that I would fall alseep wherever I was,
be it in a chair or in bed. If DS did not slide off my lap onto the bed,
then I would slump forward and stop his nose with a breast. His gasps woke
me. I shudder to think of what might have happened, eventually.

So I decided after a week and a half of this that it was better just to
intentionally bed down with DS. I got rid of the pillow on his side,
covered him and myself with light blankets and slept curled around him. My
mom browbeat me about it, but the relief of getting some sleep was so great
that I just shut out her complaints. :-)

So many people asked me if he was sleeping through the night . . . my
truthful answer was "No, but it's really no bother."

I do miss sleeping with DH, but we have many cozy naps, morning and evening,
as a family. It's kind of romantic to trek to one another's rooms. And
it's just temporary, so no problem.

--
Beth
John & Theodor's mother
b.&d. 12/25/99 & b. 12/3/02

[Leslie]

What works for us is a combination. Our babies always started the night in
their own cradle by our bed, then came in with us when they woke.

I put my first in her crib in another room around six months, the second at
seven months, and the third at 12 months, but continued night feedings with the
first two some time after that. Number four has started the nights in his own
room since six months, but at two and a half (almost) still comes in to nurse
and sleep at some point each night.

Co-sleeping isn't a necessity, but for us it is much easier. IMO, having the
baby in the same room is the most important thing.

Leslie

[Jenrose]

"Irish Marie" > wrote in message
...
> I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and didn't/don't
> co-sleep.
> My dh is a barman so he always stinks of passive smoke after work, he also
> smokes the occasional cigar so he sometimes smells of smoke even when not
> working.
> So based on that I don't think that it would be wise to co-sleep with the
> baby.
> S/He will be sleeping by our bed in a Moses Basket and will be very easy
to
> hear and get to quickly.
> I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on co-sleeping
> rates?

I would avoid co-sleeping with a smoker, personally, let alone with a baby.
What if he showers before bed?

Breastfeeding is not dependant on co-sleeping, it's just less work with
co-sleeping.

Jenrose

[Melissa]

DD slept in our room, in a bassinet untill two weeks ago (she's three months
old now) and then we moved her into her own room in a crib. We're still
going strong with the bf and I can't see us quitting until I get so pregnant
that I can't comfortably do it anymore.

--
Melissa (in Los Angeles)
Mum to Elizabeth 4/13/03

"Irish Marie" > wrote in message
...[i]
> I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and didn't/don't
> co-sleep.
> My dh is a barman so he always stinks of passive smoke after work, he also
> smokes the occasional cigar so he sometimes smells of smoke even when not
> working.
> So based on that I don't think that it would be wise to co-sleep with the
> baby.
> S/He will be sleeping by our bed in a Moses Basket and will be very easy
to
> hear and get to quickly.
> I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on co-sleeping
> rates?
>
> --
> Marie
> Mum to DD5, DS3 and due #3 July '03
>
>

[azure]

"Irish Marie" > wrote in message
...
> I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and didn't/don't
> co-sleep.
> My dh is a barman so he always stinks of passive smoke after work, he also
> smokes the occasional cigar so he sometimes smells of smoke even when not
> working.
> So based on that I don't think that it would be wise to co-sleep with the
> baby.
> S/He will be sleeping by our bed in a Moses Basket and will be very easy
to
> hear and get to quickly.
> I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on co-sleeping
> rates?
>
> --
> Marie
> Mum to DD5, DS3 and due #3 July '03
>
>
We semi co-sleep. As a newborn I'd fall asleep whilst she was nursing so
she was in our bed. She maybe spent an hour or two here and there in the
bassinette. Now she is 15 weeks old and she goes in the bassinette
somewhere between 10 and 12 for her long sleep and is back in the bed to
nurse somewhere between 4 and 7. I do my best to get her in the bassinette
after that, but sometimes I don't wake up again.

Personally I sleep better when she's in her bassinette, but poor sleep is
better than no sleep. Sleeping whilst nursing in the initial weeks was
essential. Maybe when she's a bit bigger I wont be so conscious of her in
the bed and we can do it fulltime, otherwise it's going to be a bugger
fitting something other than the bassinette in our room (I can't imagine her
sleeping in another room).

I find nursing lying down pretty uncomfortable and impossible until about 3
or 4 weeks ago. I slept reclining on pillows with her in the footy hold
propped up with pillows and latched on. Sounds a bit unsafe in description
but I had hold of her all night and she would eventually latch off and lay
her head on my stomach.

Leah


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.459 / Virus Database: 258 - Release Date: 25/02/03

[Irene]

(Marion Baumgarten) wrote in message >...
> Circe > wrote:
>
> > Irish Marie wrote:
> > > I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and
> > > didn't/don't co-sleep.
> >
> > <snip>
> >
> > > I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on
> > > co-sleeping rates?
>
>
> I sucessfully breastfed both my children and did not co-sleep. I had
> them in a basinet for the first few weeks in my room and then they went
> into a crib in another room. I also never was able to get the knwck of
> nursing lyting down. With number two, I got a big rocker recliner and
> could kind of doze while reclining in that.


Very close to my experience - pack-n-play in our room for the first
bit, then his crib and a glider in his room. However, I have co-slept
occassionally when he wouldn't sleep in the crib, mainly when he was
sick or teething. I'd still have to sit up, however, which made the
convenience factor not as good.

Irene

[Phoebe & Allyson]

Irish Marie wrote:

> My dh is a barman so he always stinks of passive smoke after work

Allyson smokes. I have no idea how much, but I'd guess in
the vicinity of 2-3 cigarettes a day. Since I never see it
(she smokes outside, regardless of the weather), or smell it
(if I can smell her, she changes her clothes and takes a
shower), it bothers me less. And I'm willing to co-sleep
under those conditions.

Phoebe :)

[Irish Marie]

Thanks for all your replies on this.
I am going to have to figure a way around getting some partial co-sleeping
in during the first few weeks (namely during dh's time off work he will be
banned from smoking cigars, if he does he'll have to bed down on the
uncomfortable sofa!!)
After that I'll co-sleep until he gets in from work.
He does change his clothes but I cannot expect him to shower so late at
night 3/4am, besides the shower is in the ensuite so would wake me and the
baby up and most likely the other 2 children also.
It is reassuring to know that a lot of you have had success with bf
regardless of full co-sleeping.
Thanks again

--
Marie
Mum to DD5, DS3 and due #3 July '03

[Laurie]

Irish Marie wrote in message ...
>I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and didn't/don't
>co-sleep.
>My dh is a barman so he always stinks of passive smoke after work, he also
>smokes the occasional cigar so he sometimes smells of smoke even when not
>working.
>So based on that I don't think that it would be wise to co-sleep with the
>baby.
>S/He will be sleeping by our bed in a Moses Basket and will be very easy to
>hear and get to quickly.
>I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on co-sleeping
>rates?
>


At the moment, I do cosleep but in a different room than my husband! I hate
not sleeping with him but it's only a short time and it's so much easier for
me to sleep with the baby for now. DH REALLY hates cosleeping so this is
our option. I do find that it makes bfding so much easier. I also do at
times put him in his bassinet for the first part of the night until he wakes
up. (I'll be back with my husband soon. This is temporary!)

laurie
mommy to Jessica, 27 months
and Christopher, 13 weeks

*This email address is now valid*


>Marie
>Mum to DD5, DS3 and due #3 July '03
>
>

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Irish Marie > wrote:
> I just wanted to take a straw poll of those that did/do and didn't/don't
> co-sleep.
> My dh is a barman so he always stinks of passive smoke after work, he also
> smokes the occasional cigar so he sometimes smells of smoke even when not
> working.
> So based on that I don't think that it would be wise to co-sleep with the
> baby.
> S/He will be sleeping by our bed in a Moses Basket and will be very easy to
> hear and get to quickly.
> I am just wondering about bf success rates being dependant on co-sleeping
> rates?

I don't know if anyone has done such a study. Everyone has a different
experience with this. My wife co-slept with our son and it worked
to her advantage for a few weeks.

Then he built a REALLY strong sleep association with her which wrecked
his daytime naps and he started crawling off the bed. We had baby
proofed the bed (firm mattress, in the corner of the room, on the
floor etc..) but he's got a mind of his own.

We struggled with a 1,000 different approaches (everything but
CIO) read a million different books and somehow managed to get
things improved.

We came up with our own crazy solution to help him
sleep better. We put him in his car seat & the car seat in the
crib. It didn't take much to get him used to this but it's
not easy picking up a car seat with a 8 month old baby and
rocking it back to sleep.

BTW, I'm saying this because I believe that co-sleeping negatively
effected his sleep patterns. He associated sleep with a continuation
of "mommy play time". Once co-sleeping ended he became a better
sleeper.

Then we broke down his night feedings from 4 to 2 and 2 to 1 and
have left it at 1 (he is 15months).

Once he was done with co-sleeping he started napping regularly
during the day and he gets drowsy the second we put him in the
crib.

I've learned that children are given their own personality and
co-sleeping works well with some and not with others.

I'd like to say that the next time we'll do things differently
but I don't really know. I think we'll try co-sleeping for the
1st 10 weeks and then it's the crib/bassinet all the way.

Who knows. All I know is that it can seem like an eternity when
dealing with these problems and it's very stressful. I wish
you the best of luck and hope you don't come across the stumbling
blocks we did.