There is no more loving and beautiful experience than putting your little one to sleep while breastfeeding. The skin- to-skin contact between mother and baby strengthens the bond between the two. The healthy hormones secreted at that time also help the baby sleep soundly. But as the baby grows, this habit can sometimes cause small problems. So today, let's talk about this, the possible effects of this and how we can deal with this situation with love.
What is the real effect of putting a baby to sleep with breast milk?
Simply put, babies, like all of us, develop habits with certain things. Think about it, even as adults, we have habits like reading a book or listening to a song before going to bed at night, right? That's how it is with babies. They start to associate sleeping with something else.
Sucking your baby to sleep is not dangerous, but when this becomes a habit, the baby starts to associate sleep and breastfeeding as one. This is called the ``Suck-to-sleep association''. This can lead to the baby not being able to fall asleep on their own, that is, without breastfeeding.
Here are some problems that this habit can cause in the future:
- Needing breast milk to go to sleep: When a baby starts relying on breast milk to go to sleep, they may wake up in the middle of the night and want to go back to sleep. This can prevent the mother from getting a good night's sleep. Also, weaning the baby off breast milk can be very difficult once the baby is a little older.
- Difficulty in caring for the baby: Imagine if you have to go back to work, or if you have to go on a short trip with your husband. If the baby only sleeps after being breastfed by you, it will be a big challenge for someone else, such as the father or the grandmother, to put the baby to sleep.
- Impact on the mother's mental and physical health: Sleep is a major concern for mothers after a new baby. Moreover, when the mother is solely responsible for putting the baby to sleep, it can have a significant impact on her mental and physical health. Sharing this responsibility between the two of you can reduce stress on the mother and bring great relief to the entire family.
How do you know when it's time to stop this habit?
As your baby grows, there are a few signs that you can look for to help you understand if it's time to change the breastfeeding-to-sleep routine. Let's take a look at what they are.
| The sign you see | What does this mean? |
|---|---|
| Comfort Nursing | Sometimes babies suckle not because they are hungry, but simply for comfort. This is what we call ``Comfort nursing''. It's okay to do this when you are sick or teething. But if you make this a habit every night before bed, it's a sign that it's time to change it. |
| Excessive breastfeeding to go to sleep | If no other way to get your baby to sleep works, and he only sleeps when you breastfeed him, it means that he is completely dependent on that. If he wakes up at night and can't get him to sleep without breastfeeding again, that's also a sign that it's time to change the habit. |
| Frequent waking up at night | Babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults. That's why they wake up more often. But if they don't know how to go back to sleep on their own and wake up every 45 minutes to feed, it's a big hassle for the mother. In times like these, introducing good sleep habits to the baby (Sleep training) can be very helpful. |
Remember, every baby is different. It will take some time to find the method that works best for you and your baby. Don't worry about it. Approach this with patience and love.
So, how do you get your baby used to sleeping alone?
Okay, so now let's talk about some ways to change this habit and help your baby fall asleep peacefully on his own.
1. Create a calm environment
Finish your day's work early. It's important to take time for both you and your baby to relax before going to bed at night. If possible, take your baby for a short walk in the yard at night, or stand near the door and take a deep breath. That fresh air will calm both of you. Keep the home environment quiet at night. But don't make it completely silent. Normal conversation and familiar sounds from home can help your baby fall asleep .
2. Make your baby understand that breastfeeding is a meal.
While breastfeeding, as soon as you feel that your baby has had enough (by things like a decrease in sucking speed, a lightening of the limbs, etc.), gently remove the baby. Then turn the baby onto his back and cuddle him. This is a gentle message to your baby, saying, "Mommy is right here, but now it's time to feed."
3. Maintain a specific bedtime routine
Start doing some things at the same time and in the same way every night. We call this a ``bedtime routine``.
- Cleaning the baby's gums or teeth with a damp cloth.
- The two of you look at a book together (even if it has pictures).
- Singing the baby's favorite lullaby or song.
- Hold your baby close to your chest. This releases calming hormones in both of your bodies.
The most important thing is to do these things in the same order and in the same way every day. If possible, involve the father in this. Then not only the mother, but also the father will be able to put the baby to sleep.
4. Talk to your baby and do this.
If your baby is old enough to understand, you can talk to him about what you are doing. Feed him for a while, say, "Mommy, I'll get that thing," and leave him alone. But never break your promise to come back. Gradually increase the time you are away. This will help your baby gain trust, and he will be more likely to fall asleep on his own while you wait for him.
Explain things to your baby in a loving way, such as, "It's nighttime now, and breastfeeding is over. You will only feed once at night." These things won't work overnight, but if you try patiently, you will definitely get results.
Take-Home Message
- Although putting your baby to sleep while breastfeeding is a very loving experience, if it becomes a habit, your baby may become dependent on it to fall asleep.
- If your baby is simply sucking without swallowing milk (comfort nursing) or is frequently waking up at night, it may be a sign that it's time to change that habit.
- Establish a calming bedtime routine (e.g., reading a book, singing a song) that you do at the same time every night.
- Share the responsibility of putting the baby to sleep with the father. It will be a great relief for you.
- Every baby is different. Be patient and loving. If one method doesn't work, try another.
- If you have any concerns or questions about this, never hesitate to talk to your midwife or doctor about it.
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