Safe Bed Sharing with Zoe Ayre

Join us on the latest episode of the Baby Pro Podcast as we explore the tender practice of co-sleeping and bed sharing, featuring our special guest, Zoe Ayre. Zoe is an author renowned for her children’s literature, thought provoking essays and soulful social media posts. Her latest book, released in April 2023, “I Will Always Help You Sleep,” and her Instagram presence as “The Respectful Mum,” offers insights into nurturing and respectful parenting approaches from infancy. She shares advice and experiences about the joys and challenges of gentle parenting. During our discussion, Zoe guides us through the intricate and comforting dimensions of nighttime parenting while we also tackle the cultural taboos, safety concerns, and the profound bonds that are strengthened through these nighttime practices. In this episode, you will learn the following:   Co-sleeping and bed sharing can enhance parent-child bonds through shared sleep experiences. Cultural perspectives on co-sleeping vary widely with Western societies often promoting independence and other cultures viewing shared sleep as a natural part of parenting. Addressing the stigma and criticisms around bed sharing is important as many parents quietly practice it despite fear based messaging. Safe bed sharing practices such as the cuddle curl position can prevent parents from rolling onto the baby and facilitate easier breastfeeding. The Safe Sleep 7 guidelines can help parents create a safer bed sharing environment by considering factors like sobriety, smoking and the baby’s health.  Parents should make informed decisions about their family’s sleep arrangements without succumbing to societal pressures or external judgment.  Connect with Zoe: Website: Home - The Respectful Mum  Instagram: Instagram (@therespectfulmum)  Tiktok: TheRespectfulMum- Zoe Ayre's Creator Profile  Amazon: I Will Always Help You Sleep (US version): A Gentle Parenting Storybook Series Connect with Shelly: Website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft Insta: Instagram (@shellytaftibclc) Article mentioned: One third of women have health complications after birth:  One-third of women experience health problems overlooked during childbirth, study says