Also set up a safe co-sleeping location. There are guidelines. They basically come down to a firm mattress, no loose bedding, and only one parent. Not a couch! That way if you can't take it anymore and need to bedshare you can do it in the safest way possible.

This, if nothing else is working. I’m two weeks in with baby #2 and swore I would not bed-share this time around. After a few initial sleepless nights I decided I’m a much better mom when I’m rested. So, back to co-sleeping... very consciously and safely, at least for now.

Also one of the hospital hand-outs I got on safe sleeping has recently been updated to include bed-sharing guidelines (so the nurse said). That wasn’t a thing when I had my first a few years back. Glad to see hospitals are aware it’s happening, and taking steps to educate people on the safest ways to go about it.