Is it normal to get really sleepy while breastfeeding?

The Sleepy Side of Breastfeeding: Understanding Maternal Fatigue
For many new mothers, the experience of breastfeeding can be both rewarding and exhausting. One common phenomenon that often arises during this intimate bonding time is an overwhelming sense of sleepiness. But is this feeling of fatigue normal? The answer is a resounding yes, and it can be attributed to several physiological and hormonal factors.
Hormonal Influences on Sleepiness
Breastfeeding triggers the release of a hormone called prolactin, which plays a significant role in inducing sleep. When a mother breastfeeds, prolactin enters her bloodstream, promoting relaxation and making it easier for her to doze off after a feeding session. This effect can be particularly pronounced during nighttime feeds, where the combination of the soothing act of nursing and the hormonal release can lead to a strong urge to sleep.
Moreover, the physical demands of breastfeeding can also contribute to fatigue. New mothers often find themselves waking frequently throughout the night to feed their babies, leading to disrupted sleep patterns. This lack of restorative sleep can accumulate, resulting in increased tiredness during the day.
The Comfort of Nursing
The act of breastfeeding itself can create a cozy and calming environment. Many mothers report feeling a sense of comfort and warmth while nursing, which can further enhance the desire to sleep. This is not just a psychological response; the body is naturally inclined to relax during these moments, making it easy to succumb to sleep.
Safety Considerations
While it is normal to feel sleepy while breastfeeding, it is crucial for mothers to remain vigilant. Falling asleep while nursing can pose risks, such as accidentally dropping the baby or not being aware of the baby’s needs. Experts advise against dozing off during feeds, emphasizing the importance of maintaining awareness to ensure the safety of both mother and child ].
Coping with Fatigue
For mothers who find themselves frequently battling sleepiness during breastfeeding, there are strategies to help manage fatigue. Prioritizing rest when the baby sleeps, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced diet can all contribute to improved energy levels. Additionally, seeking support from family or friends can provide much-needed breaks, allowing mothers to recharge.
In conclusion, feeling sleepy while breastfeeding is a common experience rooted in hormonal changes and the physical demands of caring for a newborn. While it is essential to acknowledge this fatigue, mothers should also take proactive steps to ensure their safety and well-being during this demanding yet beautiful phase of motherhood.

Why do I get so sleepy while breastfeeding?

Oxytocin, also known as “the love hormone,” packs a powerful punch that, while supporting healthy breastfeeding/chestfeeding, has one potentially dangerous side-effect: it can make people tired.

Can breastfeeding cause extreme fatigue?

Postpartum fatigue is a normal condition that most women experience. Breastfeeding is often associated in women’s minds as contributing to the feeling of overall perceived fatigue, and many women indicate that they have ceased breastfeeding because of fatigue.

How long does postpartum fatigue last?

The answer is different for everyone. Postpartum fatigue is most common in the first few days after childbirth, but it can stick around for months or even years.

Why am I so sleepy postpartum?

Decreasing hormones, uterine cleansing, and loss of blood can all attribute to feeling exhausted. Taking care of the neonatal baby is important but most people forget that the mother also needs rest to recover from the exhaustive process of giving birth to an infant.

What time of day is milk supply highest?

This is because the levels of the hormone prolactin, which drives milk production, are higher overnight. Prolactin levels seem to be highest between 2-6am. Using a dummy or pacifier to settle your baby can hide some of their early feeding cues, interfering with responsive breastfeeding.

How many hours of sleep does a breastfeeding mom need?

6 hours
This leads us to believe that shooting for 6 hours per night as a breastfeeding mom is a good goal. Some will do fine with a bit less, some will still feel like they didn’t get enough with more than 6.

Do breastfeeding hormones make you sleepy?

Research also shows that, overall, breastfeeding mothers get more sleep than mixed- and formula-feeding mothers. This is for a number of reasons, including the impact of natural hormones and chemicals released for baby and mother when breastfeeding at night.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

The third crisis occurs after three months, at this stage the baby has much greater suction strength and will take faster feedings as he is able to empty the breasts with greater speed, that is to say, take more in less time, this period coincides with the development of their hearing and vision, that makes everything …

Is it OK for mom to fall asleep while breastfeeding?

If you fall asleep while feeding baby in your bed, place them on their back in a separate sleep area made for babies as soon as you wake up. Evidence shows that the longer a parent and baby share the same bed, the greater the risk for sleep-related infant deaths.

Why do breastfeeding moms get more sleep?

In a US study, exclusively breastfeeding women averaged 30 min more nocturnal sleep than women who used formula at night, but measures of sleep fragmentation did not differ [25]. Lactation hormones such as prolactin help mothers adapt to the stresses of caring for an infant, including broken sleep [13, 26, 27].