Laura's Corner
I work very hard and am attending college to obtain my degree in the Human Service field. Writing makes me feel alive and gives me the opportunity to touch those whom I would not be able to otherwise. Last but not least, I have been blessed with two amazing daughters who love me completely and support my dreams. Feel free to contact me with questions, concerns or feedback.
(You should) Kiss that baby goodbye???
Those of us who live within a certain mileage from the City of Milwaukee must have heard the news. The most recent: one more baby dies while co-sleeping with mother. Are we surprised?
This is the fifth death regarding co-sleeping within the last 10 weeks. Is 2009 the Year of the Adult Smothering Baby? Is this what Milwaukee is going to be known for?
I have two daughters, ages 16 and 18. I was a breastfeeding mom. We had a routine. Throughout the night, husband’s job was to get crying baby from her crib and bring her to me. I would breastfeed and afterwards, more often than not, wake dad and he would take baby back to her crib. Once in a while baby slept with mom and dad. Sometimes it was between the two of us depending on what side she had been fed. Other times she would on my side towards the outside of the bed. During the infant years, we owned a wave less waterbed. Common sense was a part of our bedroom. We went to bed sober.
I am unsure if my elders slept with their babies. In reviewing past episodes of Little House, due to limited space on the Prairie, you will notice siblings co-sleeping. Parents and babies all snuggled in their beds, visions of sugarplums danced in their heads. Co-sleeping has existed throughout the centuries. It allows for mom and dad to bond with baby. Baby enjoys it as well. Although I believe in personal space, I find it a positive experience if done within the first couple of months of baby’s life.
How are the babies described above having their lives shortened? Why is it in a general area of the city? Could it be in the water, or could it be the stupidity of the individuals they co-exist with?
Kudos to the organizations handing out free cribs! Are they even being used? Do we have to hand feed these parents as well? How about we give them free car seats as well? The same parents who are smothering their babies utilize the same common sense in their vehicles. How often do we see parents holding their babies on their laps? How about the 4 or 5 pre-schoolers sitting in the back seat jumping around like monkeys on the bed? Why not consider all methods of forgoing common sense “accidents?”
If you are a parent, let me give you a bit of advice. Stay sober. If you are not sober, do not sleep with your baby and have a sober adult put your baby to bed. If you use drugs or alcohol on a regular basis, do your best to find a new guardian for your baby. Give your son or daughter the chance to live with someone who is completely capable of ensuring their safety. Making this decision will be difficult, but will give you the chance to eventually see your son or daughter experience the following: his or her first tooth, first word, first step, first day at school, first kiss, graduation, get the picture? If you choose to forgo the above advice, this is what will happen. You will give your baby a kiss GOODBYE. You will fall asleep with your baby. He or she will be sound asleep when your large frame covers them completely. Because they are unable to push your off, your baby will slowly be suffocated underneath you. As they drift off to heaven, their final memories will be, “Mom took my life. Dad wasn’t around and didn’t care enough to ensure my safety. I wanted to live longer, but I guess it was my time. I am safe now. I will miss you, but most importantly, you will miss me.” Let’s use common sense and save lives. The end.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.