[Charles H. (The_r0nin)]

This event used to be so prevalent that it had its own word in older times (in Early Modern English: overlay, as in "The mother overlaid her child and smothered it."). In fact, one of the most famous stories in the Old Testament (Solomon's Judgment) depends on this event... two women sleeping in the same bed with their children.

Only modern economic progress in the US has made separate rooms and separate beds a standard. While I certainly grieve for this family, I also view this kind of occurrence the same way I view those incredibly rare malarial deaths in the US, a chilling reminder of how different (and more advanced) we are from the rest of the world. There but for the Grace of God...

[ValerieUSA]

I breastfed and frequently slept with all 4 of my babies for portions of many nights - we all survived just fine.
I suspect an important key to survival is to not be drunk.