Objective: Studies have shown that mothers sleeping with their babies have longer breastfeeding duration. Bedsharing (BS) is thought to be a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The aim was to investigate the frequency of BS and roomsharing (RS) and the effect of those on breastfeeding during the first 2 years of life. Also to evaluate risk-bearing situations regarding sleep environment. Methods and Study Design: This is a cross-sectional study, with retrospective cohort features for the evaluation of some data. The setting was a Well-Child Clinic at Bakırköy Research and Training Hospital. The children were followed from the first month until survey. Feeding history was collected retrospectively from child health records. Parents were surveyed concerning sleeping location and sleeping arrangements with a questionnaire. The study encompassed 351 children and their families. Results: The rate of exclusive breastfeeding was found to be 50.2% for the first 6 months of life and BS increased in exclusively breastfed infants. When breastfeeding continued after 6 months, the trend of increased BS through months was observed. RS, BS, and breastsleeping rates were 80.6%, 22.8%, 56.1%, respectively, in the whole cohort. Working mothers and mothers >35 years of age were significantly more likely to bedshare. Cigarette smoking in BS parents was identified as a child health risk. Unsafe sleep environment was found in 72.4% of the group. Conclusions: BS increases breastfeeding for the first 6 months. Families need guidance on safe sleeping practices and should be advised regarding avoidable risks and unsafe situations in BS. Parents should be counseled to make informed decisions.
Keywords: bedsharing; breastfeeding; roomsharing; safe sleep environment.