Why do I get so sleepy while breastfeeding?

Understanding Sleepiness While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a profound experience for many new mothers, but it often comes with an unexpected side effect: extreme sleepiness. This phenomenon can be attributed to a combination of hormonal changes, physical demands, and the overall exhaustion that accompanies caring for a newborn.
Hormonal Influences
One of the primary reasons mothers feel sleepy while breastfeeding is the release of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is crucial for milk production, but it also has a sedative effect. When a mother breastfeeds, prolactin levels rise, which can lead to feelings of drowsiness. This is a natural response, as the body encourages mothers to rest and bond with their babies during these intimate feeding sessions.
The Demands of New Motherhood
The physical demands of breastfeeding can also contribute to fatigue. Newborns typically need to nurse every 2-3 hours, which translates to 8-12 feedings a day. This frequent nursing schedule can disrupt a mother’s sleep cycle, leading to cumulative sleep deprivation. As postpartum consultant Sasha Romary notes, many mothers report suffering from a significant lack of sleep during this period. The exhaustion from waking up multiple times at night to feed the baby can leave mothers feeling perpetually tired.
The Cycle of Fatigue
Moreover, the act of breastfeeding itself can be quite demanding. It requires physical energy and mental focus, which can be draining, especially for new mothers who are still recovering from childbirth. The combination of hormonal changes and the physical toll of nursing creates a cycle where fatigue begets more fatigue. As mothers struggle to find time to rest, they may find themselves dozing off during feedings, a common occurrence that many experience.
Coping Strategies
To combat this overwhelming tiredness, experts suggest several strategies. Prioritizing rest whenever possible, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced diet can help mitigate some of the fatigue associated with breastfeeding. Additionally, seeking support from family or lactation consultants can provide much-needed relief and guidance during this demanding time.
In conclusion, feeling sleepy while breastfeeding is a common experience rooted in hormonal changes, the physical demands of nursing, and the overall exhaustion of new motherhood. Understanding these factors can help mothers navigate this challenging yet rewarding phase of life with greater awareness and support.

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].

Why does breastfeeding make me so sleepy?

Meanwhile, prolactin helps you make and maintain your milk supply. And, similar to our friend oxytocin, prolactin enhances relaxation and calm. Put all the pieces together, and you can see why you may feel relaxed, drowsy, or sleepy while breastfeeding.

How many hours should a breastfeeding mom sleep?

Like any other adult, a nursing mother should strive for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. She has to get adequate sleep in order to maintain her health and have the energy necessary to care for her child. She may benefit from short naps throughout the day to feel more rested.

How can I stop falling asleep while breastfeeding?

Ask someone to stay with you while you’re breastfeeding.
The person can wake you up if you start to doze off or can put the baby in a separate sleep area for you if you fall asleep. If you don’t have someone to help you stay awake, set a timer to go off every few minutes to keep you awake.

How long does it take for hormones to balance after breastfeeding?

The return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels can vary greatly, but generally hormones will normalize within three to six months. If you are breastfeeding, as you wean from it, your prolactin and oxytocin levels will drop—potentially leaving you feeling sad, anxious or irritable.

Why does breastfeeding make you lose weight?

Breastfeeding makes your body burn calories which helps you lose weight. If you are patient, you may be surprised at how much weight you lose naturally while breastfeeding.

Does breastfeeding increase 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.

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.

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.

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.