Co-Sleeping and the Family Bed: Cultural Norm or Health Risk?

In this candid episode of Rural Doc Alan, Dr. Alan Lindemann and host Neil Haley dive into the controversial topic of co-sleeping, also known as bed sharing or the family bed. While Western medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warn against it, the practice remains commonplace worldwide—and even in many U.S. households despite social stigma. Dr. Lindemann provides a global perspective on co-sleeping practices, addresses misconceptions around safety and SIDS, and shares his personal experiences raising his own children in the family bed. From Japan's "river" sleep model to American resistance shaped by 1950s parenting philosophies, this episode takes a thoughtful look at both the science and social dynamics surrounding where our babies sleep. 👨‍⚕️ Guest Expert: Dr. Alan Lindemann (Rural Doc Alan) OB-GYN and family health advocate Author of Pregnancy Your Way Known for empowering parents with nuanced, real-world advice Website: www.ruraldocalan.com 🛏️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🔄 What Does Co-Sleeping Mean? A broad term that can include bed sharing, room sharing, or same-surface sleeping “Family bed” is a more familiar term in many cultures 🌍 Global vs. Western Views on Bed Sharing: Common and normalized in Asia, Africa, South America, and Scandinavia In Japan, 70% of babies sleep with both parents—nicknamed the "river" model In contrast, the AAP strongly opposes co-sleeping, citing safety concerns 🧓 Is Bed Sharing Underreported in the U.S.? Yes—due to stigma A 2023 UK study found 9 out of 10 parents co-sleep at some point A 2025 U.S. study found 46% of parents sometimes or often co-sleep with children under 18 🧠 Why Did Western Cultures Start Opposing It? The idea that babies should sleep alone became dominant in the 1950s Parents were encouraged to let babies "cry it out" and sleep in a separate room 🛏️ What About Safe Sleep Alternatives? Room sharing with a separate bassinet is recommended by AAP as a safer alternative In homes with space constraints, bed sharing may be the most practical option 🔥 What About Sex and the Family Bed? While critics say co-sleeping interferes with intimacy, Doc Alan says it didn’t affect his personal life at all ⚠️ What About SIDS? Japan, where co-sleeping is widely practiced, has one of the lowest SIDS rates in the world However, the AAP does not acknowledge this correlation and maintains a firm anti-bed sharing position 📘 Featured Resource: Book: Pregnancy Your Way by Dr. Alan Lindemann Now available on Amazon 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Subscribe to Rural Doc Alan on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app for grounded, global perspectives on parenting and pregnancy. 🌐 Connect With Dr. Lindemann: Website: www.ruraldocalan.com Follow on Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram Dr. Alan Lindemann is an obstetrician with 4 decades of medical practice primarily in North Dakota. He has delivered around 6,000 babies and achieved a maternal mortality rate of zero! Dr. Lindemann has made it his mission to teach women and their families how to create the outcomes they want for their own health and pregnancy. Dr. Lindemann earned his medical degree from the University of North Dakota in 1977, is boarded by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons and is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association. He is the co-author of Modern Medicine: What You’re Dying to Know, a consumer action guide about how to navigate the United States healthcare system. Get Alan's newest book, Pregnancy Your Way: Choose A Safe And Happy Birth: https://a.co/d/69SrHca Follow Rural Doc Alan Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03biA9x3GUIiI3Eclo4QJG Follow DocTales Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qn9NE7hEnHL4l88ByugRA Find Dr. Lindemann across the web: https://www.lindemannmd.com https://www.ruraldocalan.com https://www.facebook.com/RuralDocAlanL https://twitter.com/RuralDocAlan https://www.instagram.com/ruraldocalan/ https://www.pinterest.com/ruraldocalanl/ https://ruraldocalan.substack.com