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We’ve all heard how dangerous it is to let our babies sleep in bed with us. Chances are your doctor has drilled this into your head whether you’re a first time mom or a veteran. Just how reliable is this advice we’re getting? Is it backed by science or backed by the crib revolution. America is one of the few countries who separate their children at nap time or bed time to sleep alone in a crib. In my opinion this is absolutely heinous! Parents have been duped into believing it’s normal and OK for an infant to cry themselves to sleep. NEWS FLASH. It is NOT OK. If your baby is crying, something is wrong. Perhaps it is just comfort they need and who are we to withhold it?? Does any other mammal on the planet disregard the cries of their infant? I’d say not. So I did a little digging and got the real scoop on co-sleeping.

Research (meaning scientific studies have been conducted) shows that:

-Babies who sleep with their parents sleep more peacefully. They wake up crying far less than an infant in a crib.

-Co-Sleeping infants have more stable temperatures, heart rythms, and fewer long pauses in breathing. They sleep safer.

-LOWERS the risk of SIDS. You may have heard otherwise but this is what the research leans to. C0-Sleeping babies spend more time on their back or side, decreasing the risk of SIDS. Carbon Dioxide exhaled by a parent stimulates babies breathing.

-Co-Sleepers have higher self-esteem, less anxiety, are better behaved, comfortable with affection and become independent sooner.

Many parents are concerned that if they let their child sleep in bed with them that they will never get them out. This is simply not true. When children become more cognitively and emotionally devoloped (typically around age 2 to3), they will usually with little persuasion branch out to their own bed or sleeping space.

There’s no reason to isolate your child and let them cry unneccesarily. Do whats best for your baby. Raise them with comfort and love and the benefits will be immeasurable in the short term and the long term.

For more info visit www.askdrsears.com

Breastmilk is THE BEST FOOD for your baby! No exceptions! It’s easy to digest and contains all the antibodies and nutrients that are vital during your baby’s first years. Science proves that babies who are breastfed are sick far less often, have fewer allergies, and are at a lower risk of dying from SIDS. In addition to being best for baby, its best for mom too. Breastfeeding after giving birth reduces blood loss and helps get your uterus back to its normal size. It also aids in helping shed the extra pounds you gained while pregnant. Breastfeeding moms typically burn around 500 calories everytime they nurse their baby. 500 calories is a lot of time on the treadmill! Breastfeeding is so far and beyond superior to formula that the American Dietetic Association recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months.  The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend breastfeeding during the first 2 years of life due to all the health and immunological benefits that breastmilk provides. Perhaps the most wonderful benefit that comes from breastfeeding is the closeness it promotes between mom and baby. There’s no better feeling than knowing that you’re providing your child’s basic need for comfort and nourishment.

It breaks my heart to see women ‘choose’ to formula feed their children when most women are able to breastfeed. Formula wasn’t designed to replace breastmilk! It was designed to save the life of children who’s mothers could not breastfeed. Even the companies who produce infant formula conceed that breastmilk is best for baby. I am convinced that if women would turn back to nature and nurse their babies as God intended, there would be far less instance of sickness in these precious children.

There are far more benefits to breastfeeding than I have touched on here. If you are a mother trying to decide between breastfeeding or formula, PLEASE get all the facts and do what is best for your child. If in doubt, talk to your doctor or health care provider. There are many organizations and support groups willing to help. For a more thorough list of breastfeeding benefits please visit www.promom.org/101 . For support or questions concerning breastfeeding, visit the Le Leche League International’s official site at www.llli.org/resources.html .