Nighttime breastfeeding is one of the most difficult challenges of new motherhood. It’s not unusual to picture new moms awake in the middle of the night, breastfeeding their babies, nursing pillows propped between them, staring into space with exhaustion.
It’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of feeling overwhelmed by night feedings, frustrated by the lack of sleep, and almost hopeless when confronted with a never-ending cycle of nursing, burping, and soothing a baby. But first of all, remember that you’re not alone in this (we’ve all been through it), and second of all: It. Gets. Better.
Today, we’ll go over tips and tricks from experts that will help you get through night breastfeeding (survive night breastfeeding) a little easier.
Surviving night breastfeeding can be a tough journey, but with the right strategies, you can make it through. Nighttime feedings may be a challenge, but there are expert tips and tricks to make them more manageable.
From creating a comfortable nursing environment to having everything you need on hand, we’ll show you how to make night breastfeeding less of a struggle so you can get more rest and enjoy bonding with your baby. Let’s get to it.
The Challenges with Nighttime Breastfeeding
As mentioned, breastfeeding at night is a rite of passage for all moms. But that doesn’t mean you’re prepared for it or that you know exactly how to get through it with your sanity (somewhat) intact.
The biggest problem with night breastfeeding is the disruption of your circadian rhythms and internal clock.
Babies wake up every few hours no matter what, even when you’re well-rested and prepared, meaning that you’re going to be wide awake as well.
Sure, some of you will be lucky enough to have babies that sleep for longer stretches at night. But just because you have a baby that’s a good sleeper doesn’t mean that your baby will need fewer feedings. Most babies, even during the first few months, still need several nighttime feedings.
Breastfeeding a sleepy and sometimes fussy baby in the middle of the night can be especially taxing on you. To make matters worse, you’re also extremely sleep-deprived.
This combination of factors will drain you of all energy you had, no matter how prepared and rested you are. The important thing to remember is that night breastfeeding is an important part of your baby’s development and overall breastfeeding journey.
Nighttime feedings are an important part of establishing and maintaining your milk supply. And breastfeeding at night is crucial for your baby’s health since breast milk has all the nutrients your baby needs to stay healthy and grow.
How to Survive Night Breastfeeding
Surviving night breastfeeding is no easy feat, but it is possible with a few strategies in place.
While we can’t give you tips on how to get through the nighttime feedings without them, we can at least show you how to make the process more manageable.
1. Prepare for Night Feedings
The first thing to remember is that night feedings are not a last-minute thing. The time before bed is important in terms of preparing yourself for nighttime feedings.
Therefore, the more prepared you are before you even sit down for the night, the easier it will be for you to actually do it.
Do these things before you lay down at night:
Have everything you need before you lay down: This can mean a nightlight or a lamp near your breastfeeding area so that you’re not fumbling around in the dark, your water bottle, a snack, and other supplies that you may need all within reach.
Put on comfortable clothes: Breastfeeding at night is often much less stressful when you’re in comfortable clothes. Pick loose, breathable fabrics or sleep-friendly nursing clothes to make yourself feel better.
Set up a cozy environment: A comfortable, warm space will make breastfeeding feel more comfortable for you and your baby. Prepare a cozy chair for yourself with a soft blanket and pillows that support you.
Related to: 7 Signs You’re Overfeeding Your Baby
2. Get Your Baby Comfortable
Another important thing to keep in mind is that your baby may wake up in the middle of the night to be nursed, but sometimes they wake up for other reasons as well.
They may wake up because they’re hot, they may wake up because they’re cold, or they may wake up because they need a diaper change. Whatever the reason, you can make your night feeding a lot easier by comforting your baby.
A few things you can do to make your baby comfortable before nursing:
Try a swaddle or a sleep sack: Swaddling is important for babies to feel secure and help them fall and stay asleep. This can make night feedings a lot smoother for you.
Make sure your baby has a proper latch: When your baby is latched improperly, it can cause you pain and your baby to not get enough milk. Try different breastfeeding positions or, if you’re having a hard time, consult a lactation consultant to see if your baby is nursing properly.
Comfort your baby before nursing: Some babies have difficulty settling, especially at night. Spend a few moments before you begin nursing by patting or shushing to help them feel calm before nursing.
3. Optimize Your Own Comfort
Night breastfeeding is no walk in the park, there’s no doubt about it. You’re sleepy, you’re delirious from exhaustion, and you have a screaming, hungry baby that won’t go to sleep until she’s been fed.
Therefore, it goes without saying that the more comfortable you are physically, the more energy you’ll have to make it through the night.
To do that:
Try out the nursing position that works best for you: Some positions work better for some women than others, especially when it comes to comfort. The laid-back or side-lying position can be the answer for moms that don’t want to sit up during nighttime feedings. If positioning is difficult, pillows can provide extra support to keep you comfortable during the nursing process.
Use pillows to support yourself: Invest in a nursing pillow to support your arms and back while you’re nursing. This will take the strain off your body and help you relax.
Try the side-lying nursing position: This may be the most popular position when it comes to night breastfeeding since it allows you to lie down on your side while you’re breastfeeding. The idea is to let both you and your baby fall asleep again more quickly.
- Related: Can Babies Drink Cold Breast Milk?
4. Nap During the Day
We know. You have so much to do and so much on your mind that just the thought of napping during the day feels like a waste of time.
But hear us out: Daytime naps are an important part of surviving nighttime feedings. Therefore, during the day, make sure to rest as much as possible. Sleep when the baby sleeps. Allow a partner or a family member to watch the baby while you get some much-needed rest. You’ll be glad you did this, trust us.
Related to: 25 food That Will Increase Your Baby’s Brain Power
5. Take Care of Your Milk Supply
Another thing to keep in mind is that nighttime feedings are important to maintaining your milk supply.
You may be able to get away with skipping one or two nighttime feedings during the day. But when it comes to nighttime, you really need to make sure you’re getting as much sleep as you can.
If you skip nighttime feedings, it could cause your milk supply to decrease. You want to avoid that if possible, and there are a few ways to make sure it doesn’t happen.
Here’s what you can do:
Nurse your baby often: Although it’s hard and exhausting, make sure to nurse your baby every few hours to make sure your milk supply doesn’t drop.
Pump if you need to: If your baby is sleeping through the night and you don’t want to risk drying up your milk supply, you can use a breast pump instead. This will ensure your milk supply is maintained, and your breasts won’t become engorged.
Related to: How To Increase Breast Milk Supply
6. Get Help from Your Partner
Even though you’re the one breastfeeding, your partner can still be a great help during night feedings. Your partner can support you and provide emotional and practical support during the nighttime routine.
A few ways your partner can support you:
Take care of other nighttime activities: Your partner can help you by changing diapers, rocking the baby to sleep, or fetching a glass of water or a snack for you during the nursing process. That way, you can focus your energy on breastfeeding.
Switch off night feedings: If your baby is older and your partner is comfortable with bottle-feeding, you can take turns at night when it comes to taking care of the baby. That way, both of you get more rest.
7. Create a Relaxing Routine for Both of You
Having a regular routine for both yourself and your baby can help make night breastfeeding a little more manageable. Here’s what you can do:
Establish a consistent bedtime: Try to stick to a consistent bedtime schedule for you and your baby. This will help both of you regulate your sleeping patterns.
Use soothing techniques: Take a warm bath for your baby or give them a gentle massage. Lullabies, soft music, or white noise can be helpful to soothe your baby.
Try not to overstimulate yourself or your baby: Loud noises, bright lights, and other forms of stimulation before bedtime can be distracting and stressful for you and your baby. Avoid them to help you both relax.
Related to: 18 Weird But Normal Things About Newborns
8. Mind Your Mental Health
It’s important to take care of your mental health during this time. Breastfeeding at night can be frustrating, and the constant demand on your time and attention can make you feel overwhelmed, angry, and even resentful.
Don’t be afraid to:
Take a break: Ask for help. Allow yourself some time to rest, even if it’s just for a few minutes, or do something for yourself. This will help you relax.
Reach out for support: Talk to your partner, a friend, or a lactation consultant if you’re feeling stressed out or in need of support. Emotional support is crucial when dealing with breastfeeding at night.
Practice self-care: Read a book, meditate, or listen to calming music. Whatever helps you unwind, do it!
9. Be Patient and Flexible
Be patient with yourself and be flexible in the ways you approach the problem. Remember that breastfeeding at night is just a phase, and that you’re doing the best you can for your baby. No two nights will be the same, and that’s okay. Don’t be too hard on yourself and don’t give up. You’re doing great!
Final Thoughts
Surviving night breastfeeding is not an easy task. It will take some work on your end to be prepared and stay calm.
But remember that sleepless nights are important for your baby’s growth and development as well as your breastfeeding journey.
In addition, following these tips will help make the nighttime feedings a little easier to manage and, as a result, help you focus on the best parts of breastfeeding.
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