28 percent of new mothers are guilty of this habit, according to experts

Table of Contents

• 0.1 Risk of suffocation and cot death
• 0.2 Here’s how to create a safe feeding space
• 0.3 Tips for staying awake while eating
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Researchers from the University of Virginia asked more than 1,250 mothers with a 2- to 3-month-old baby about their experiences. What turned out? 28 percent of mothers admit that they sometimes or often fall asleep while eating. 34 percent do this in bed, and 17 percent on a sofa or chair. The danger? When a baby falls asleep on a soft sofa or surrounded by pillows, it increases the risk of suffocation or suffocation. cot death toe

Risk of suffocation and cot death

Lactation expert Sarah-Ashley Law explains: “If you fall asleep on a soft sofa or chair, baby can sink between the cushions and become short of breath. They can also fall off the chair and sustain injuries.”

According to pediatrician Shaelise Tor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, it’s perfectly normal for parents to drift off during feedings—both breastfeeding like bottle feeding. “It’s important that parents hear during pregnancy and after birth that this can happen,” said Tor. Although co-sleeping in the bed is becoming official which is not recommended with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), experts agree: If you fall asleep, it is safer to do so in your bed than on a couch or chair.

Here’s how to create a safe feeding space

Good preparation is everything, especially for those feeding times in the middle of the night. These tips will help:

• Choose a firm mattress. Make sure your bed is far from the wall and there are no blankets, pillows or cords nearby.
• Lie down while feeding. The side position reduces the chance of accidentally returning to your baby.
• Put your baby back in his own bed. Once your baby is asleep, put him on his back in a crib or co-sleeper.

Tips for staying awake while eating

And yet: prevention is better than cure. So try these hacks to stay awake:

1. Provide incentives. Watch a series, listen to a podcast, or turn on a light. A sip of cold water can also help.
2. Ask for help. Have your partner or other family member check if you are awake.
3. Avoid sleeping pills. Think melatonin or antihistamines. Always consult your doctor if you take medication while breastfeeding.
4. Change of location. Sometimes a room or other setting can keep you alert.
5. Then there is growth. Naps during the day can do wonders. Don’t hesitate to ask family or friends for help during the day.

Source: Parents

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