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27: Why Babies Want to Sleep Close | Baby Sleep & Bedsharing Explained
Why do so many babies struggle to sleep alone — even when parents plan not to bed share? And why does closeness feel so instinctive for both mothers and babies?
In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, Ceridwen is joined by Gabrielle Ferrara, nurture neuroscience practitioner and perinatal mental health therapist, to explore the biology, neuroscience, and emotional foundations of infant sleep. Together, they unpack why sleeping close to a caregiver is not a “bad habit,” but a biologically normal expectation for human babies.
This conversation builds on our previous episode about why families end up bed sharing, adding scientific context around nervous system regulation, extero-gestation, breastfeeding, and infant brain development.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why human babies are wired to sleep close to their caregivers
What extero-gestation means and how it shapes infant sleep
The neuroscience of co-regulation and why babies “borrow” our nervous systems
The difference between co-sleeping and bed sharing
How bed sharing can be practiced more safely using the Safe Sleep Seven
Why “self-soothing” is widely misunderstood — and what babies are actually capable of
Common baby sleep myths, including “drowsy but awake” and “bad sleep habits”
Why frequent night waking is biologically normal in the first years
How closeness and responsiveness support long-term emotional wellbeing
The impact of infant sleep expectations on maternal mental health and confidence
This episode is especially valuable for pregnant parents, new mothers, and anyone questioning mainstream sleep advice. Rather than prescribing rigid rules, it offers understanding, perspective, and evidence-based reassurance — empowering you to trust your baby and your instincts.
🎧 If you’re navigating infant sleep, bed sharing, or feeling conflicted about what you’ve been told, this episode offers a grounded, compassionate lens on what babies truly need.
Listen next
Episode 29: Do Strict Baby Routines Actually Work? What the Research Says About Infant Sleep & Feeding
Episode 26: Why Most Families Cosleep (Even If They Didn't Plan To)
Episode 19: Baby Sleep Safety Guidelines Every New Mom Should Know
Gabrielle's links
Instagram
Website
Postpartum Prep Podcast
Free Postpartum Prep Checklist
Instagram
Pinterest
Youtube
Facebook
Tip Jar
https://motherbabywellbeing.com/
Get 10% off nursing bras, breastfeeding clothes, and more from The Little Milk Bar with code MOTHERBABYWELLBEING
SHOW NOTES
View all episodes
By Motherbaby WellbeingWhy do so many babies struggle to sleep alone — even when parents plan not to bed share? And why does closeness feel so instinctive for both mothers and babies?
In this episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast, Ceridwen is joined by Gabrielle Ferrara, nurture neuroscience practitioner and perinatal mental health therapist, to explore the biology, neuroscience, and emotional foundations of infant sleep. Together, they unpack why sleeping close to a caregiver is not a “bad habit,” but a biologically normal expectation for human babies.
This conversation builds on our previous episode about why families end up bed sharing, adding scientific context around nervous system regulation, extero-gestation, breastfeeding, and infant brain development.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why human babies are wired to sleep close to their caregivers
What extero-gestation means and how it shapes infant sleep
The neuroscience of co-regulation and why babies “borrow” our nervous systems
The difference between co-sleeping and bed sharing
How bed sharing can be practiced more safely using the Safe Sleep Seven
Why “self-soothing” is widely misunderstood — and what babies are actually capable of
Common baby sleep myths, including “drowsy but awake” and “bad sleep habits”
Why frequent night waking is biologically normal in the first years
How closeness and responsiveness support long-term emotional wellbeing
The impact of infant sleep expectations on maternal mental health and confidence
This episode is especially valuable for pregnant parents, new mothers, and anyone questioning mainstream sleep advice. Rather than prescribing rigid rules, it offers understanding, perspective, and evidence-based reassurance — empowering you to trust your baby and your instincts.
🎧 If you’re navigating infant sleep, bed sharing, or feeling conflicted about what you’ve been told, this episode offers a grounded, compassionate lens on what babies truly need.
Listen next
Episode 29: Do Strict Baby Routines Actually Work? What the Research Says About Infant Sleep & Feeding
Episode 26: Why Most Families Cosleep (Even If They Didn't Plan To)
Episode 19: Baby Sleep Safety Guidelines Every New Mom Should Know
Gabrielle's links
Instagram
Website
Postpartum Prep Podcast
Free Postpartum Prep Checklist
Instagram
Pinterest
Youtube
Facebook
Tip Jar
https://motherbabywellbeing.com/
Get 10% off nursing bras, breastfeeding clothes, and more from The Little Milk Bar with code MOTHERBABYWELLBEING
SHOW NOTES