Share Sleep

This morning I woke up to the snuggling of my little one. He was making his unique little noises that told me he wanted to nurse but didn't want to wake up just yet. I glanced over him to see the handsome silhouette of my husband. The gentle light coming from our Madonna and Child Night Light enhanced the quiet beauty in the room.

Our family has chosen to share sleep and has experienced first hand its special warmth and tenderness. This has looked different depending on our circumstances and the needs of each child. Some of our children have needed night-time togetherness for a longer time than others. Once our children have left our bed, on their own volition or with gentle prodding, they have all slept well which I believe has to do with having their night-time needs met when young AND because, genetically speaking, God has blessed our family with good sleepers going way back.

There are so many options for finding necessary family rest. As a baby grows older, I feel that it is important to choose the most gentle and gradual separation options from the child's perspective, first. This is why. Adults can delay gratification and understand that just the right option may be around the corner and/or that this time is fleeting. Considering child brain development, issues of temperament, and an infinite number of known and unknown variables, there are valid reasons for a child to need parenting at night.

If I had to guess why sharing sleep has worked for this family, it is because my husband and I both are able and willing to share our sleep. I cherish my night alone time with my littlest and it so facilitates breastfeeding. My husband loves snuggling next our littles since he is away from them all day. As a care-provider who is on call 24/7, he sees that even adults need his care at night!

I just asked my older children what they think about sharing sleep with parents and siblings. They unanimously agreed that they have fond memories and warm feelings about it and plan to do the same with their children. They still enjoy times when we share sleep, while camping or at hotels or on Christmas Eve or in the living room dozing off during a movie...

Have a blessed Sunday!