It is so irritating how conflicting the information out there really is . . .

When I had my booking in appointment at the hospital for DS, they made me sign a document that said that I had been informed that the World Health Organisation recommends co-sleeping as a way to promote and support breastfeeding. I asked the mw about the dangers and she said as long as I followed the guidelines it was very safe. My GP, who I saw after DS was born, went out of his way to tell me that co-sleeping is so incredibly dangerous. I told him what the hospital said and he was shocked that they would be encouraging it. The info is just so conflicting and both opinions are very strong. Incidently, the form I had to sign is now printed and apart of my pregnancy handbook so GPs see the info as well.

I don't co-sleep with my babies, but that is not because I believe it is unsafe - I just can't sleep with them in the bed. I tried a few times and it just doesn't work for our family. I would love to have been able to do it comfortably but my DH and I were so tired after 3 nights of trying, we gave up.

So many people out there - strangers, friends and relatives alike - push their own agenda when it comes to care for a baby - it is tough but I think over time you get better at ignoring advice that you didn't ask for. I think often they don't even understand why they think their advice is valid beyond it just being the way they think things should be done. If you are happy with the things that you are doing and feel comfortable with the way you are raising your baby, then don't feel that you have to justify what you do to anyone else. You are the parent and you are making the best choice possible for your own baby.