Rooming In

Better sleep

• Babies who room in with their mothers sleep deeper.

Less crying

• Newborns cry less when they are with their mothers.
• Being with their mother is “home” – a safe, secure place for babies.

Better breastfeeding

• Higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding, not feeding any other foods or fluids besides breast milk for the first six months as the American Academy of Pediatricians recommends.
• Mother’s milk comes in sooner.
• Mothers continue to nurse their babies longer.
• Babies feed more often which means a better milk supply.

Better weight

• Babies who room in gain weight better.

Less jaundice

• Babies who room in have decreased jaundice.

Better opportunity to get to know one another

• More opportunities to learn about your new baby. Parents learn to recognize early feeding cues when their babies room in.
• Mothers will be better prepared to care for their infants at home.
• Mothers will have more time to touch, look at and get to know their infants better.
• Women who room in are more attached to their babies.

What about sleep?

• Mothers get the same amount and quality of sleep when rooming in as when infants are out of the room.
• Rest during the day as well as the night. Ask your nurse to help limit daytime interruptions and phone calls.
• Get naps in along with the baby:sleep when your baby sleeps.

If your baby needs to be separated from you due to illness or prematurity

• Pump your breasts early and regularly to provide the best medicine for your baby: your milk.
• Be with your baby as much as possible, and as soon as your baby is able, begin breastfeeding.