What to do if newborn keeps falling asleep while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Phenomenon
For many new parents, the experience of a newborn falling asleep while breastfeeding can be both common and perplexing. This behavior is entirely normal, especially in the early weeks of life. Newborns often find the act of nursing soothing, which can lead them to drift off shortly after latching on. However, this can raise concerns about whether they are getting enough milk and how to ensure they are adequately fed.
Why Do Newborns Fall Asleep While Nursing?
Newborns have small stomachs and require frequent feedings, typically every two to three hours. The act of breastfeeding not only provides nourishment but also comfort, which can easily lull them to sleep. Additionally, the warmth and closeness of their parent can create a calming environment conducive to sleep. However, if a baby falls asleep too quickly, they may not consume enough milk, which can affect their growth and weight gain.
Strategies to Keep Your Baby Awake
If you find your baby frequently dozing off during feedings, there are several strategies you can employ to encourage them to stay awake and feed effectively:
1. Switch Sides: When your baby begins to fall asleep, try switching breasts. This can stimulate them with a fresh supply of milk and may help keep them engaged in feeding. Many mothers find that alternating sides multiple times during a feeding session can be beneficial.
2. Gentle Stimulation: If your baby starts to nod off, gently stimulate them by rubbing their back, tickling their feet, or softly talking to them. This can help rouse them enough to continue feeding.
3. Change Positions: Sometimes, simply changing the position in which you hold your baby can help. A more upright position may keep them alert and engaged during feeding.
4. Diaper Change: If your baby is particularly sleepy, consider changing their diaper mid-feeding. This brief interruption can wake them up enough to encourage further feeding.
5. Feeding Environment: Ensure that the feeding environment is conducive to alertness. A well-lit room with minimal distractions can help keep your baby awake during feedings.
When to Seek Help
While it’s normal for newborns to fall asleep while nursing, there are instances when it may be necessary to consult a healthcare provider. If your baby is not feeding at least eight times a day, is having trouble gaining weight, or seems excessively sleepy, it may be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
Conclusion
In summary, while it’s typical for newborns to fall asleep during breastfeeding, parents can take proactive steps to encourage more effective feedings. By employing techniques such as switching sides, gentle stimulation, and creating an alert feeding environment, you can help ensure that your baby receives the nourishment they need. If concerns persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance. Remember, every baby is unique, and finding the right approach may take some time and patience.

Why does my newborn keep unlatching and crying?

Babies who are having trouble getting a full meal might unlatch and fuss or cry. They may also seem to “shut down” at the breast. Either way, if you have any suspicions that your baby isn’t getting enough to eat, you should speak to your doctor or a lactation consultant as soon as possible.

Why does my baby pull away and cry while breastfeeding?

If you are about to feed and visitors arrive, or your phone is not next to you, or you are anticipating pain or a struggle feeding, you don’t release the hormone oxytocin as quickly so the let-down is slower and the baby can get frustrated and pull away. This often leads to an upset baby and it can upset you too.

How do I know my baby is full when breastfeeding?

Signs Your Baby is Full
Some signs that babies are done eating are: Baby releases or “falls off” your breast. Baby turns away from your nipple. Baby relaxes their body and opens their fists.

What is the hardest week of breastfeeding?

moms and babies have to learn together.” The first week is always the hardest, but by the second week, most moms have rebounded from their engorgement phase and things fall into place, she says. Engorgement typically happens when milk production ramps up within the first few days of giving birth.

How to stop a newborn from falling asleep while breastfeeding?

Switch Sides
Your breasts work simultaneously, so, when you are feeding on one breast, the other side is also experiencing a letdown. Once your baby begins to fall asleep, switch sides so that there is a fresh supply waiting for them.

Should I unlatch my baby when he falls asleep?

Your baby may associate warmth and wrapping with sleep time, so exposing her chest and feet to the air will send her an ‘awake’ message. Don’t be afraid to move – move your baby around and burp her to keep her alert. If she seems drowsy, remove the bottle or gently unlatch her and change positions to rouse her.

What week is milk supply highest?

Milk supply usually reaches its peak around four weeks after birth, with most of the increase happening in the first two weeks. If not enough milk is removed during this time, your breasts may end up making less milk than your baby needs.

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 …

What day of breastfeeding hurts the most?

Your breasts will feel swollen and painful 2 to 3 days after you give birth. You will need to nurse your baby often to relieve the pain. Pump your breasts if you miss a feeding, or if a feeding does not relieve the pain. Talk to your health care provider if your breasts do not feel better after 1 day.

What to do when a newborn chokes on milk?

Give chest thrusts if back blows don’t help. Turn the infant face-up, supporting the head and neck and resting them on your thigh. Keep their head lower than the chest.