ACS is here to provide quality support services, various training and education to our Army community of Soldiers, Families, Civilians and Retirees stationed on Oahu.
Join us for the
ACS Open House & 52nd Birthday Celebration! Tuesday, July 25th, 2017
Building 2091 Schofield Barracks 655-4ACS (4227)
1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. ACS Building
Dear Tina, I have a 1 month-old daughter and I’m very confused because I read a lot of stuff on the internet about having her sleep in my bed to help our bonding and make breastfeeding successful. My friend also has a new baby and told me that you shouldn’t have them sleep in your bed because you might roll on them or they could suffocate. I don’t think I would roll on her, but now I am worried. What do you suggest? Thank You, Anxious Angela Dear Anxious Angela,
Dear Tina
Answers questions for parents who are expecting or have young children age 0 to 3 years old. Tina is a registered nurse, certified breastfeeding specialist, certified infant massage instructor, educator and home visitor with the ACS, New Parent Support Program (NPSP).
Thank you for writing. I think a lot of new moms are struggling with this question and the conflicting advice that’s out there. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics: “Bed sharing remains the greatest risk factor for sleep related infant deaths.” It is much safer to provide your baby with a bassinet or crib next to your bed. The following are additional tips from the National Institute of Health for safe sleep environments for infants: Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib,
covered by a fitted sheet
Do not use pillows, blankets, sheepskins, or crib bumpers anywhere
in your baby’s sleep area
Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby’s bed Do not smoke or let anyone smoke around your baby Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep
Submit questions to deartinahawaii@gmail.com or stop by ACS, Schofield Barracks.
In addition to the suffocation hazards usually present in bed-sharing, there is also a risk of a sleeping adult rolling on top of an infant or the infant falling off the bed, or becoming wedged in gaps between the mattress and headboard. Alcohol consumption by parents increases the risk of bedsharing deaths.
For more information call 655-4ACS.
While lots of holding, cuddling, and skin-to- skin time will enhance breastfeeding and bonding, it should be done while you are awake. Take care and stay safe! Tina
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Discover Hawaii July 2017