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What to do when baby wont wake up to breastfeed?

Understanding the Situation
When a newborn baby seems unresponsive or difficult to wake for breastfeeding, it can be concerning for new parents. It’s essential to understand that sleep patterns vary significantly in infants, and some may naturally sleep longer than others. However, ensuring your baby is feeding adequately is crucial for their health and development.
Signs of Adequate Feeding
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to know the signs that your baby is feeding well. These include:
– Steady weight gain: Regular check-ups will help monitor this.
– Frequent wet diapers: Expect at least six to eight wet diapers a day after the first week.
– Sufficient bowel movements: This varies with age, but at least one stool per day is a good indicator.
– Contentment after feeding: A well-fed baby often appears relaxed and satisfied.
Reasons Your Baby Might Not Wake Up
Several factors could cause a baby to sleep through feeding times:
– Sleepy newborn phase: Newborns typically sleep 16 to 18 hours a day.
– Growth spurts: Babies often sleep more during growth spurts, which may last a few days.
– Feeding issues: Problems with latching or milk supply could lead to lethargy.
– Illness or discomfort: If a baby is unwell, they may be less responsive.
What to Do When Your Baby Won’t Wake Up
Here are some strategies to encourage your baby to wake for breastfeeding:
1. Gentle Stimulation:
– Skin-to-skin contact: Hold your baby against your bare chest. This can help rouse them.
– Lightly stroke or massage: Gently rub their back, arms, or legs to awaken them.
2. Create a Feeding Routine:
– Try to establish a schedule: Aim for feeding every 2-3 hours during the day.
– Use a consistent environment: Keep the room bright and slightly cooler during feeding times to help keep them alert.
3. Try Different Positions:
– Experiment with various breastfeeding positions. Sometimes, a change in posture can stimulate your baby to wake.
4. Use a Pacifier:
– If your baby is difficult to wake, offering a pacifier can sometimes stimulate their sucking reflex, prompting them to wake for a feed.
5. Check for Discomfort:
– Ensure your baby is comfortable, not too hot or cold, and has a clean diaper.
When to Seek Help
If you consistently struggle to wake your baby for feeding or notice other concerning signs—such as lethargy, poor weight gain, or signs of illness—it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Waking a sleepy baby for breastfeeding can be challenging, but with gentle techniques and a little patience, you can encourage your little one to feed adequately. Always monitor their overall health and development, and don’t hesitate to reach out to medical professionals if you have concerns. Your peace of mind and your baby’s well-being are paramount during this early stage of life.

Should I unlatch a sleeping baby?

If she seems drowsy, remove the bottle or gently unlatch her and change positions to rouse her. You can also gently blow air on her cheeks or forehead (avoid blowing air directly into her face), stroke her bare feet or change her nappy.

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.

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 my baby won’t wake up to breastfeed?

If baby still won’t eat, allow him/her to sleep another hour, and try again. When you’re in the hospital, call the nurses for help if baby still won’t nurse. If you’re at home and baby won’t wake up to feed and has missed two feedings, pump your breasts and feed baby your pumped milk or formula with a slow flow nipple.

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.

Why does my baby want to stay latched on all night?

Sucking is one of the five womb sensations, which can trigger a baby’s innate calming reflex. This is why many babies like sucking on dummies or being latched on to their mother’s breast during sleep. It is entirely normal for babies to seek comfort from being latched on during sleep.

What to do if baby is not waking up for feeding?

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).

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.

Is it OK if my baby doesn’t wake up to eat?

Once your newborn establishes a pattern of weight gain and reaches the birth-weight milestone, however, it’s generally OK to wait for feedings until he or she wakes up. Most newborns need eight to 12 feedings a day — about one feeding every two to three hours.

What to do if baby is too sleepy to breastfeed?

Top tips to encourage a reluctant or sleepy baby to breastfeed

  1. Tip #1: Hand expressing to keep your milk supply up.
  2. Tip #2: Try lots of skin-to-skin contact.
  3. Tip #3: Try to find a comfortable feeding position.
  4. Tip #4: Get your baby ready for a feed.
  5. Tip #5: Don’t force your baby to feed.
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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