Introduction

As a new mom, one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences is breastfeeding your precious little one. However, it's natural to feel a bit concerned when your baby falls asleep during breastfeeding. You may wonder if they're getting enough milk, if it will impact your own milk supply, milk production, or if it's a sign of a problem.

In this blog post, we will dive into the reasons why your baby falls asleep while breastfeeding and why it's okay.

The Sleepy Baby Phenomenon

The sleepy baby phenomenon is a common occurrence among newborns, especially during the first few days of life. After birth, babies may be very sleepy due to several factors, such as the birthing process, hormonal changes, and the transition to life outside the womb. This sleepiness can impact breastfeeding, making it challenging for the baby to effectively nurse and obtain enough milk.  Newborn babies, especially during their early days, are experts at falling asleep while nursing. This is entirely normal and part of their instinctive behavior. Nursing triggers the release of sleep-inducing hormones in both you and your sleeping baby, creating a soothing and comforting experience.  Oxytocin, the love hormone, is released during breastfeeding and that has a very relaxing effect for both mom and baby,  

 

Enough Milk and Sleep-Inducing Hormones

Rest assured, new moms, if your baby is falling asleep while breastfeeding, it does not necessarily mean they aren't getting enough milk. In the early weeks, your baby's stomach is tiny, and breast milk is rich in essential nutrients and amino acids, making even small amounts sufficient for their needs.

The act of breastfeeding itself can be comforting and relaxing for your baby, leading them to drift into a light sleep. This is a positive association with nursing, creating a sense of security during these early months of life.   

The Importance of Deep Sleep for Your Baby

Newborns spend a lot of time in deep sleep, which is essential for their growth and development. During deep sleep, their body produces growth hormones, aiding in weight gain and promoting overall well-being. Babies have shorter sleep cycles and more rapid eye movement (REM) sleep than adults, meaning they wake up more frequently. These nighttime feedings are not only normal but also crucial for your baby's well-being.

Breast Compression and Switching Sides

To ensure your baby receives enough milk during each nursing session, you can use breast compression techniques. Gently compressing your breast during feeding helps maintain the milk flow, keeping your baby engaged and awake to nurse effectively.

Additionally, switching sides during nursing can also help keep your baby awake and ensure they get the hindmilk, which is richer in fat and aids in satiety. Be sure to burp your baby gently after nursing on each side. 

Addressing Common Concerns

• Sleep Deprivation: As a new parent, sleep deprivation can be challenging. However, falling asleep while breastfeeding doesn't necessarily lead to long-term sleep issues. Embrace the nighttime feedings as bonding moments with your baby and create a soothing bedtime routine to help them distinguish between day and night.

• Shallow Latch and Tongue Tie: If you notice a shallow latch or suspect tongue tie, consult a lactation consultant for support and guidance. Correcting these issues can improve nursing efficiency and prevent excessive sleepiness during feeds.

• Sleep Associations: While it's natural for babies to associate breastfeeding with sleep, it can become problematic if they solely rely on nursing to fall asleep. Gradually introduce other soothing techniques, such as white noise, skin-on-skin contact, or a gentle bedtime routine, to help them learn independent sleep skills.

Addressing Concerns about Getting Enough Milk:

1. Frequent Feeding: Newborns have small stomachs and need to eat frequently, usually every 2 to 3 hours. Monitor your new baby those first couple of weeks for how many hours of sleep they are getting.  It's essential to wake your baby for feeds if they're sleeping for a long time, especially in the first month.

2. Observe Baby's Feeding Cues: Pay attention to your baby's hunger cues, such as rooting (turning head and opening mouth when cheek is stroked), sucking on fingers or fists, or making lip-smacking sounds. Crying is often a late hunger sign, so try to feed before your baby becomes overly distressed.

3. Ensure Proper Latch: A good latch is crucial for successful breastfeeding. Make sure your baby has a wide mouth, with the nipple and a portion of the areola in their mouth. A shallow poor latch can lead to insufficient milk intake and nipple soreness for you.

4. Monitor Diaper Output: One way to gauge if your baby is getting enough milk is by monitoring their diaper output. In the first week, you should expect around 6 to 8 wet diapers and at least 3 to 4 bowel movements daily.

5. Listen for Swallowing: As your baby feeds, listen for rhythmic, soft swallowing sounds. Swallowing indicates they are actively transferring milk.

6. Check for Weight Gain: Regular check-ups with your pediatrician are important to track your baby's weight gain and overall growth. Steady weight gain is a positive sign that your baby is getting enough milk.

7. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding support group if you have any concerns or questions about breastfeeding. They can provide personalized guidance and encouragement.

8. Take Care of Yourself: Remember that breastfeeding can be demanding, and it's crucial to take care of yourself. Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and rest whenever possible.  At EasyJug, we've made it easy for your to stay hydrated even when your baby falls asleep while breastfeeding. EasyJug is a great way to nourish yourself while you nurture your newborn. 

Expert Support and Well-Meaning Advice

Remember, every baby is unique, and it's common to receive various advice from family members and well-meaning friends. Trust your instincts and seek guidance from reputable sources, like lactation consultants or the American Academy of Pediatrics, if needed.

EasyJug, Your Lifeline to Self-Care When You're Boob Trapped

It can be a real problem when your baby falls asleep at your breast because you are suddenly "boob trapped."  You'll have a hard time eating, drinking water, or even going to the bathroom because you don't want to wake your baby.  

Hydration is vital to your health as well as your new baby because breastmilk is 80-90% water!  When you don't drink enough water it can cause problems like constipation, headaches, fatigue, and may even impair your milk supply.  

New parents have their hands full and something as simple as staying hydrated can feel burdensome.  With EasyJug, you can drink water effortlessly even when you're boob trapped. EasyJug is a 2.2 liter water bottle with a long straw.  This innovative design allows you to drink water in any nursing position, even lying down.  Perfect for those middle of the night feeds.  

Conclusion

When your baby falls asleep during breastfeeding, embrace the tender moments of closeness and connection it brings. Rest assured that it's perfectly normal for your little one to doze off during nursing sessions. As long as your baby is gaining weight, having enough wet and dirty nappies, and showing signs of contentment, they are likely getting sufficient milk.  The above methods empower new mothers to breastfeed with confidence.  

Enjoy the journey of motherhood and cherish these early weeks with your newborn baby. Remember, you are doing an incredible job, and with time, both you and your baby will settle into a comfortable routine. Trust in your abilities as a nurturing mother, and know that your love and care are the best things for your precious little one. Happy breastfeeding!