What Is ‘Breastsleeping’ and How Can It Be a Game-Changer for Breastfeeding Moms?

You might have stumbled upon the term “breastsleeping” and thought, “What on earth is that?” No, it’s not a fancy new breastfeeding pillow or a term conjured by a caffeine-deprived parent. The phrase was actually introduced by Dr. Jamie Leclerc, a sleep specialist at the University of Notre Dame, who dives deep into the world of mother-baby sleep dynamics.

Dr. Leclerc, an anthropologist and a well-respected authority on infant sleep, champions the idea of co-sleeping. His recent article, co-authored with another expert, is provocatively titled, “There’s No Such Thing as Infant Sleep, There’s No Such Thing as Breastfeeding, There’s Only Breastsleeping.” This catchy phrase sums up the practice of breastfeeding your baby while both of you catch some Z’s (well, at least some of the time!).

According to Dr. Leclerc, sharing a bed with your breastfeeding infant is not only natural but beneficial. He argues that breastfeeding moms are finely attuned to their little ones, often remaining in a lighter sleep cycle so they can respond quickly if their baby needs them. Breastsleeping can actually boost a mother’s milk supply, as babies who sleep close to their mothers tend to breastfeed more frequently at night, prolonging the breastfeeding journey. He notes that bed-sharing can increase the number of night feedings, which is linked to longer breastfeeding duration—double or even triple the feeds!

Is Breastsleeping Worth It?

Now, you might be thinking, “That sounds great, but I need my beauty sleep! Why would I want to be an all-night milk station?” Dr. Leclerc argues that breastsleeping can actually lead to more restful sleep for moms. While babies may wake up more often, they tend to settle back down more easily, meaning you can stay in bed and keep dreaming.

Safety Concerns

But what about safety? Isn’t bed-sharing risky? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against it, suggesting babies sleep in the same room but not the same bed for the first six months. However, Dr. Leclerc has a different perspective. He emphasizes that his advice is specifically for breastfeeding families, as they tend to respond more readily to their baby’s cues. He believes it’s better for healthcare providers to teach safe bed-sharing practices rather than outright banning it. Studies suggest that when done safely, bed-sharing doesn’t significantly increase risks and may even be protective after the first few months.

What This Means for You

So, what does this mean for the average breastfeeding mom? Should you breastsleep to keep your milk supply up? Or because it’s the only way to ensure your baby’s safety? Absolutely not! The best advice I’ve ever heard is to “take what you need and leave the rest.”

Personally, I found breastsleeping to be a lifesaver. Yes, my babies woke up a ton, but after a few weeks, I mastered the art of latching them on in the dark, and we both drifted back to sleep with relative ease. Sure, it wasn’t always perfect—having your milk source so close can lead to frequent waking, and I won’t pretend I loved every moment of it. But it worked wonders for me in terms of maintaining breastfeeding and enjoying those precious snuggle moments. Plus, who wants to get out of bed at 2 AM? Not me!

For moms who prefer not to share a bed with their babies, whether permanently or occasionally, there’s no rule that says you have to breastsleep. However, if you’re feeling uncertain about safety or sleep deprivation, it’s reassuring to know that experts advocate for it (as long as safety guidelines are adhered to) and suggest it might actually help you rest better.

When Will It End?

As for when your little one will stop sharing the bed, I can’t say. My five-year-old still sneaks in half the night! But let’s be real; no child is still breastfeeding or sharing a bed with their parents once they hit college, so there’s that.

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In Summary

Breastsleeping may be an effective and beneficial practice for breastfeeding moms, promoting milk supply and bonding without sacrificing too much sleep.