Cosleeping and Biological Imperatives: Why Human Babies Do Not and Should Not Sleep Alone

By James J. McKenna Ph.D. 
Edmund P. Joyce C.S.C. Chair in Anthropology 
Director, Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory 
University of Notre Dame

Where a baby sleeps is not as simple as current medical discourse and recommendations against cosleeping in some western societies want it to be. And there is good reason why. I write here to explain why the pediatric recommendations on forms of cosleeping such as bedsharing will and should remain mixed. I will also address why the majority of new parents practice intermittent bedsharing despite governmental and medical warnings against it.

Breast is Best

A video speaks a thousand (million?) words. If you are new to breastfeeding, contemplating breastfeeding, or just plain curious check out this very enlightening video.

 

9 Ways to Prevent and Treat Early Breastfeeding Problems

The top breastfeeding specialist know that those early days (and nights!) are crucial to successful breastfeeding. But many mothers and babies struggle in the beginning. Read on on how to prevent and treat those annoying early problems.

Colic in the Breastfed Baby

I always thought that breastfed babies were the happiest babies on the block. What is there to be upset about? The books say it’s the “perfect food” at the “perfect temperature”, always ready and loaded. Why then is my breastfed baby so darn miserable???