What if my baby is not waking to breastfeed?

Understanding the Importance of Feeding
When a baby is not waking to breastfeed, it can be a source of concern for new parents. Newborns have specific feeding needs, particularly in the early days of life, where they require frequent feedings to ensure proper growth and development. This is especially crucial for babies who may be at risk for conditions like jaundice, which can necessitate more frequent feedings to help clear bilirubin from their systems.
Reasons for Sleepiness
There are several reasons why a baby might be too sleepy to feed. Newborns often sleep a lot, and their sleep patterns can be unpredictable. However, if a baby consistently sleeps through feeding times, it may indicate that they are not getting enough nourishment, which can impact their weight gain and overall health.
In the first few weeks, it’s essential to establish a good breastfeeding routine. If a baby is not waking up to feed, parents might need to gently encourage them. Techniques such as stroking their hands and feet or switching sides during feeding can help stimulate the baby and keep them awake long enough to feed effectively.
When to Wake Your Baby
Experts generally recommend waking a baby to feed if they are not waking on their own, especially in the first few weeks. Feeding every 2-3 hours is often advised to ensure that the baby is getting enough milk and to help establish the mother’s milk supply. If a baby is consistently sleeping longer than this, it may be necessary to wake them gently.
Parents should look for signs that their baby is hungry, such as rooting or sucking motions, even if they are still asleep. If these signs are absent, it may be a good idea to wake the baby for a feeding to ensure they are meeting their nutritional needs.
Monitoring Weight Gain
One of the most critical indicators of whether a baby is feeding adequately is their weight gain. Regular check-ups with a pediatrician can help monitor this. If a baby is not gaining weight as expected, it may be necessary to wake them for more frequent feedings.
Parents should also be aware of their baby’s output—diapers should be wet and soiled regularly, which is another sign that the baby is getting enough milk.
Conclusion
In summary, if your baby is not waking to breastfeed, it’s essential to assess their feeding patterns and overall health. Gentle stimulation techniques can help encourage feeding, and parents should not hesitate to wake their baby if necessary, especially in the early weeks. Monitoring weight gain and diaper output can provide reassurance that the baby is receiving adequate nutrition. If concerns persist, consulting with a healthcare professional is always a wise step to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.

What to do if baby won’t wake for feed?

Tips on Feeding a Sleepy Baby

• Feed baby in a nappy only.
• Get a wet flannel out to further wake baby up if they fall asleep quickly on the breast.
• Tickle their cheek or chin to try and stimulate their suck reflex.
• Let the baby fall away from your breast a little (ie threaten to take them away from the breast).

What if my baby doesn’t want to wake up to eat?

If your baby doesn’t wake up to eat, try being a bit more forceful with your nudges. Sing or talk a bit more loudly when you wake him, undress him completely or try taking him into another room to feed him, as a change of venue can sometimes work wonders.

What if baby doesn’t burp and falls asleep?

What to do in this case? A: If your baby falls asleep before burping, gently try to burp them while they are still drowsy. If unsuccessful, it’s generally okay to let them sleep without forcing a burp. Ensure a comfortable sleeping position to prevent discomfort, and try burping after the next feeding.

What if baby won’t wake up for dream feed?

Others may be so fast asleep that they simply will not latch or suck unless you wake them first. Even then, some may prefer to go back to sleep. If this does happen, it is worth persevering for a few days as it can take a little while to make dream feeding a routine for both you and your little one.

When to worry about a sleepy baby?

In general, call your baby’s doctor if your infant seems especially sluggish, is refusing food or drink, is vomiting (not just spitting-up), has diarrhea, or has a fever.

How do I know if my baby is having feeding difficulties?

Infants who have a feeding disorder may:

• Arch or stiffen their back during feeding.
• Suck weakly.
• Drool, gag, or cough while feeding.
• Often spit out breast milk or formula.
• Vomit.
• Feed for longer than 30 minutes.
• Not gain weight, or gain weight slowly.

What if my baby is not waking to nurse?

Remind your baby to nurse
Encourage active nursing on the first breast, watching and listening for signs of swallowing. Use breast compression (see below) to keep your baby nursing actively. Offer the other side in the same way. You can switch back and forth several times if it helps your baby stay awake and feed.

How late is too late for dream Feed?

Babies who go to sleep between 6pm and 8pm often wake out of hunger in the middle of the night. But research has shown that sneaking in an extra feed between 10pm and midnight can reduce night wakings, helping babies stay asleep until a more “reasonable” time of the morning.

How long can a baby go without nursing at night?

5 months and older:
After 5 months many babies can go one 5 – 6 hour stretch without a night feed if they haven’t night weaned already.

Are there any signs of SIDS before it happens?

SIDS has no symptoms or warning signs. Babies who die of SIDS seem healthy before being put to bed. They show no signs of struggle and are often found in the same position as when they were placed in the bed.