CASEJaquette, a 4-month-old African-American infant, is brought to the pediatrician for a health supervision visit. She was born full term after a healthy gestation, labor, and delivery. She nurses vigorously, developmental milestones are normal, and her physical examination reveals an emotionally robust, active, and physically healthy child. When the pediatrician inquires about her sleep-wake pattern, the mother informs him that she nurses Jaquette frequently through the night in the bed they share. Both parents state that they are comfortable with this arrangement.CASEPaul, an 18-month-old toddler, has always slept in the same bed with his mother. A single professional woman who read extensively concerning child rearing before Paul's birth, his mother was aware that most child health specialists recommend separate sleeping areas for children and parents. At previous visits to her pediatrician, she intentionally avoided the subject. Although she stated that she enjoyed nursing Paul on demand while sharing a bed, she was beginning to feel ambivalence. She wanted to wean him from the breast, but she was unclear about how to initiate the process, especially at night.