Breast-Sleeping....

Yes, its an actual term for what so many Breastfeeding~ Cosleeping moms have been doing all around the world!
So, breastfeeding itself, has so many benefits and rewards! It is such a natural process, one our bodies are designed to accomplish. Only 5% of woman cannot physically breastfeed.. It might be challenging and take some patience, but it can be one of the most important and rewarding bond for both baby and mom.
Its quite convenient, always there, nothing to carry around, the best cure for any upset or ouchie, always the right temperature, its FREE!! your body is going to make it, based on demand. No nipple confusion, or never ending milk/continuous flow that causes baby to drink passed their consumption point, causing more spit ups and gas issues, colic, sleepless nights, etc. Most moms can breastfeed without any issues, others might have to consult a lactation consultant for tips and suggestions for common issues related to breastfeeding.

Breastmilk is the easiest to digest and provides more than can ever be replicated. Breastfed babies have less gas and digestive issues. Breastmilk is created specifically for that baby and its needs at any given moment. Not just antibodies and immune boosters, but the nutritional composition that its developing body needs. A child that was not breastfed will not develop to the same potentiality as a child that was given breastmilk.


Cosleeping, or bedsharing, is a norm in most parts of the world, we somehow have gotten into this idea, that the baby should have its own room and space away from parents. This idea is considered cruel in cultures who bedshare. The newborn baby knows only of its mother. Her sounds, smells, and warmth. She is all the infant knows and what its genetically designed to stay very close to, for survival. The child is prewired to feel anxiety and stress if only a few feet away! The baby knows it is reliant on mom for survival, so when separated, its natural reaction would be to cry until it feels the comfort and security of mom. Being close to baby allows for a gentle hand when startled or jumpy, along with the ability to feel the slightest movements and noises, allowing you to settle baby before the baby becomes fully awake. The snuggles and comfort of having mom at an arms reach is in itself enough to soothe an infant, much less an anxious new mom.


The emotional connection from being able to gaze and engage your baby is immeasurable. However, we do know that the babys heartbeat, breathing and temperature all regulate to moms when skin to skin. When breastsleeping, neither wakes for feedings, baby usually will navigate to the breast, when hungry, and mom reactively adjusts and situates baby until they can both fall back asleep. Side-lying is the easiest way to achieve this, however sleeping with baby on your chest or cradled are also great for smaller babies. Breastsleeping, is one of the best things I did with my 3rd child, without even knowing I was doing it.. Some of the best sleep, best little squeaks and cute faces, I would have otherwise missed..


Breastsleeping offers the best of the most important parts of being a mom. The security, bonding and nurturing aspect of cosleeping while providing the very best nutrition and made to order ingredients of breastmilk. I encourage safe bedsharing practices and under no circumstance be under the influence while breastfeeding or cosleeping, however when practiced safely, they go hand and hand, and naturally work together in unison.

Boni Weller, DONA Trained Birth Doula