I have an arms reach co-sleeper, and I love it! We put her down awake, and she takes about 30 minutes to go to sleep most nights, but she is very peaceful. I love lying beside her and watching her fall asleep as I myself get drowsy.
My favorite thing about co-sleeping is how responsive I am able to be for her. She hasn't cried at night since she was about two weeks old--my dh is amazed that he never wakes up (I, however am not surprised by that at all
). I tell him it's because she wakes me up with her lip smacking. He finds that hard to believe but it's true. I look over at her and she is patiently waiting, eyes open, and then when I pull her into bed to nurse she settles right in, all snuggly and calm. I love being able to do that for her. It is our special time together, in the wee hours of the morning when the world stops. I complain a little to dh about getting up at night so he is a little grateful for my "sacrifice" but in actuality I look forward to it very much (shhhhh!
). This may sound crazy but it is the favorite part of my day!
I also sleep really well knowing she is right there. I like being able to reach out and feel her breathe.
I've never thought of myself as AP . . .I thought I would co-sleep for the first four months or so. . .but it is just so easy to nurse, she is happy, and we both get so much more sleep than we would if she were in another room. I guess I will take it one day at a time. I mean, what's the big deal with getting up at night when you don't have to actually get up? Or even totally wake up? I hear lots of complaints from moms about nighttime wakings, but it can be so easy--I never feel sleep deprived.
I can't imagine what it would be like at night if I wasn't breastfeeding. I'm so grateful for the lactation support I received, and grateful I was able to overcome the early hurdles and establish a successful breastfeeding relationship. It makes co-sleeping so effortless. I love that. I am able to be a better mommy for her during the day when I am well rested at night, and I feel like she is really secure, day and night. It all works so well most days, like a well oiled machine, and co-sleeping is a big part of why.
Keri