Co-sleeping in the form of separate surface co-sleeping is protective, and there is no singular risk factor associated with bedsharing, as is often claimed, since how and by whom it is practiced makes
an enormous difference in outcome.
Thus, it is not surprising that breastfeeding has been consistently associated with improved central nervous system development, as indicated by improved visual acuity
in relationship to formula - fed infants.4 Second, both biological properties and
differences in maternal - infant interactions during the feeding process can lead to improved motor and intellectual development
outcomes.5, 6 Third, breastfeeding appears to be protective against the onset of childhood obesity, 7 a condition that has
enormous psychosocial consequences for children.
If one accepts the conclusions of the
enormous body of literature that finds no
difference in perinatal mortality rates or other adverse
outcomes between planned, midwife - attended home births and hospital births, then the pursuit of this line of reasoning is a non-starter.