Cosleeping Controversy: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?
Breastfeeding Group Refuses to Get in Bed With the Anti-Cosleepers
Posted by The Baby News
Once again, the experts disagree: The Australian Breastfeeding Association is refusing to unite with other health organizations in declaring co-sleeping to be dangerous.
The dispute began when John Olle of the Coroner's Office, who recently investigated the deaths of 4 infants who had died of SIDS while cosleeping, recommended that parents be provided with a more consistent message on cosleeping, which Olle deems to be "inherently dangerous."
But Renee Kam of the ABA pointed out that mothers who cosleep tend to breastfeed for a longer time, which reduces the risk of SIDS. Parents need to be provided all of the information about risk factors of cosleeping, she said.
Pro cosleepers point to the special measures parents can take if they want to cosleep, including never sleeping with a baby after drinking, avoiding fluffy comforters and pillows; and so on.
What do you think? Is cosleeping OK if you understand the risks and take special measures? Or is never worth the risks? Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
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