In the weeks and months following childbirth, sleep disruption is unavoidable. You can, however, choose how you respond to and think about these nighttime wake-ups.
Why is it necessary to feed a baby at night?
Because a newborn's stomach is the size of their fist, they need to eat frequently in order to stay nourished [1]. Mothers are actually designed by nature to nurse their babies at night. Because prolactin levels are higher at night, you produce more milk [2]. Additionally, growth hormone production in babies is highest during the night [3]. Night feedings are natural for both moms and babies.
I'm anxious about having to wake up constantly for feedings. Is this normal?
Indeed, this response is perfectly normal. Sleep disruption causes stress in the body, and mothers often worry about their babies.
How do I deal with anxiety?
Create a night feeding ritual that you can follow step by step. This adds a sense of certainty. Surround yourself with pleasant things. Prepare in advance a comfortable chair, a soft footrest, and a table with a glass of water and a book nearby. Turn on a nightlight [5].
If you use formula, make sure everything is ready in the evening before going to bed. When breastfeeding, choose the most comfortable position for you. Let the child adjust to the breast on their own. Babies are flexible and skilled at it. Use a nursing pillow.
Try to feed your baby well in the evening to ensure a smooth nighttime feeding. If the baby falls asleep before the session is over, turn him over to his other side and massage his toes to wake him up. Eating more allows him to sleep longer, giving you a little more time to relax [4].
When can I stop feeding at night?
Not earlier than four to six months. By this age, his stomach will have grown and the baby will have learned how to connect multiple sleep cycles. When this happens, the baby can sleep for longer periods of time without waking or eating.
At some point, nighttime meals start to harm babies. For example, sleeping with a bottle in the mouth increases the chances of developing tooth decay. In addition, sleep and hormone cycles can be affected. Consult your pediatrician before deciding to discontinue night feedings [3].
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