Thread by @schadhayes

If parents want to co-sleep with their babies, I don't shame them for it. I have a conversation.

Life is full of risks, and we all make decisions every day that aren't the safest options.

So, just like any other situation, I talk about how to be as safe as possible. (1/)

With teens who are having sex, I talk about contraception, STI prevention, HPV vaccine, consent, legal implications of nude pictures of people under 18.

With kids who drink, I talk about avoiding situations (driving, swimming, sex, etc.) where this could increase risks. (2/)

And with parents who choose to cosleep with infants, I talk about how to do it in the safest way possible.

We talk about specific risk factors for the baby, avoiding intoxication, mattress firmness, blankets/comforters. We talk about the risks and how to mitigate them. (3/)

Because I've had patients who died in their sleep. I've talked to their parents. I've been working in the ED when one rolled in, cold and gray and lifeless.

And I don't want that for anyone. And if I can help to minimize risks while respecting a parent's choices, I'm in. (4/)

So when @nypost publishes a poorly researched article that contradicts medical science, basically telling parents not to worry because nothing bad can happen, without any nuance whatsoever...with a headline that is extremely offensive to parents who have lost babies...(5/)

I get a bit worked up.

It's an extremely irresponsible article that--if anybody takes health advice from @nypost--could result in more parents spending the rest of their lives mourning the loss of a child.

All for ad revenue.

Take it down. (6/6)