Breastfeeding is a very natural thing, mom. But, with this, we come up with some problems, especially with the baby's and your sleep at night. Many new mothers worry about this. So don't worry, let's see how to make this night a little easier for you and your baby.
Where should the baby sleep? This is a very important question!
Okay, let's first look at where your baby should sleep. This is a question that many mothers ask. The best thing is to put your baby to sleep in your room, but not in the same bed with you . Do you know why? Sometimes when you sleep in the same bed, your baby can suffocate, choke, or even suddenly and unexpectedly become life-threatening. We call this Sudden Infant Death Syndrome ( SIDS ) . This is very sad, and it is preventable.
Experts say it's best to let your baby sleep in your room, but in a separate area, for at least 6 months , especially if you're breastfeeding . Here are some things you can do:
- Keep a bassinet (a small cradle) near your bed, a play yard (a safe place for your baby to play and sleep), or a crib (a bed for your baby). This makes it easier to breastfeed at night and also reduces the risk of SIDS.
- There are some types of cribs that can be set up right next to the bed, with one side slightly lowered. That way you can stay close to the baby, but the baby won't roll over.
But you should also remember these things:
- Never put your baby to sleep in a room where someone is smoking. It is very harmful to the baby's health.
- Do not let your baby sleep on anything that is not specifically designed for sleeping (for example, a car seat, a feeding pillow, or an infant lounger). These may be used for short periods of time, but are not suitable for long-term sleep .
- Do not use some devices on the market that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS (e.g., sleep positioners, wedges or inclined mattresses, and monitors that monitor the baby's heart rate and breathing ). There are currently no products that have been scientifically proven to actually prevent SIDS.
- Weighted blankets, heavy sleepwear are not good for babies.
- It is very important to ensure the safety of the products used for baby's sleep. Therefore, make sure to choose only good quality products that are made in accordance with accepted safety standards.
Remember, the safety of the baby is what matters most to us. Therefore, it is very important to take care of these matters.
So, how should you get your baby to sleep?
This is also a very important point, Mom. You should always put your baby to sleep on his back. Not on his stomach or on his side. This also helps a lot in reducing the risk of SIDS mentioned earlier. However, once your baby is a little older and can roll over on his own (like on his stomach and then back on his back), there is no big problem if he sleeps in any way he likes. But in the early days, he should definitely be put on his back.
When choosing baby bedding, it's a good idea to keep these things in mind:
- The baby should be placed on a firm, flat surface . The sheet should be tight and wrinkle-free. Also, make sure your crib or bassinet meets current safety standards.
- Do not place anything else inside the crib. Plush toys, pillows, blankets, large fabrics, sheepskin, and bumper pads should not be placed in the crib. These can cause suffocation.
- Also, do not place anything that could be dangerous, such as ropes, belts, or ribbons, within reach of the baby.
- Dress your baby according to the room temperature. Don't overdress him. Always check to see if he's sweating or feels hot to the touch. If so, it means he's overheated.
How can I make nighttime breastfeeding easier?
Getting up at night to feed your baby can be a bit tiring at times. But try these little things, maybe it will make it a little easier for you:
- To make breastfeeding from bed easier, keep a nursing pillow in the shape of a donut nearby. Or you can use a husband pillow, which is shaped like a reclining chair with two arms. This will reduce strain on your back and arms.
- Keep the lights in the room dim . Reduce loud noises (talking, singing, TV noise) as much as possible. Then the baby will understand that night time is not for playing, but for sleeping. Then the baby will fall asleep again quickly.
My baby falls asleep while breastfeeding. What should I do?
It's normal for newborn babies to fall asleep on the breast after they've had a full meal. (You'll know if your baby isn't sucking, if you don't hear that little 'click' sound, or if you don't see their jaw moving around.)
If you think your baby is sleepy but doesn't seem to have finished feeding, try these things:
- Remove some of the baby's clothes and gently stroke his back .
- Gently tickle the baby's soles .
- Send goodies to the baby.
- Change the baby's nappy .
- Switch to the other breast .
- At the end of breastfeeding , gently squeeze the breast (breast compression) to encourage the baby to drink a little more milk.
Sometimes babies can fall asleep if they don't latch on properly, that is, if they don't latch properly . If that happens, try changing the way your baby latches on, so that your nipple and the areola are both in the baby's mouth . To change the way your baby latches on, place your finger on the side of your baby's mouth (between the gums) and rotate it.
After doing that, try feeding the baby and switching to the other breast. Once he starts sucking properly, he will stay awake until his stomach is full.
Isn't it better to put a baby to sleep right after feeding him?
In the first few months, it can be difficult to wake a baby who is full and is nursing. This is normal, so don't worry about it. But as babies get older, it's a good idea to teach them to sleep on their own. This will give you some freedom at night, and your baby will sleep better. Try this:
- When putting your baby to sleep during the day, as well as at night , put them out of bed when they are a little awake, but still asleep . That way they will get used to going to sleep on their own.
- Establish a bedtime routine that is done at the same time every day, in the same way, that is familiar to your baby, and that will calm them down . For example, gently washing your baby's body, showing them pictures in a book, or softly singing a lullaby will help calm them down and let them know that the day is over and it's time for bed.
- Do this bedtime routine the same way every day . After a while, babies will associate these things with sleep.
- Try giving your baby a pacifier . Experts say that giving a pacifier to babies under one year old during naps and at night can help reduce the risk of SIDS. But pacifiers should only be introduced after breastfeeding is well established, which is at least 3-4 weeks . If your baby doesn't like pacifiers, don't force them.
Remember, getting your baby to sleep on his own gives you some freedom at night, and your baby will get used to sleeping well. This is good for both of you in the long run.
So when will my baby sleep through the night?
This is something that almost all new mothers are waiting for! The longest a newborn, breastfed baby can sleep is usually about 2-3 hours . That's about the maximum time their little stomachs can go without milk. If newborns sleep a little longer, they will be very hungry during the day, and may ask for milk more often.
Just when you think, "Oh my baby will never sleep through the night," things start to get easier. By about 3 months , a baby will sleep about 5 hours during the day, and about 10 hours at night, but may wake up once or twice. Most babies at this age are "sleeping through the night" when they sleep for 5-6 hours straight . But not all babies are the same, so don't be surprised if your baby sleeps more or less than other babies. Every baby is unique! So don't compare yourself to others.
Will my milk supply decrease if I let my baby sleep longer?
This is also something that many mothers fear and worry about. Letting your baby sleep for a little longer (usually around 3 months) will not harm your breastfeeding efforts. Your body will adjust your milk supply based on when you breastfeed and how much your baby needs. That is, you will only make as much milk as your baby demands.
Some babies will start sleeping through the night early, but they will make up for it by nursing frequently during the day. Then your breasts will adjust to that.
As your baby gets older and starts eating solid foods , the need for breast milk will decrease a bit . Even then, your body will adjust its milk supply to suit it. So don't worry about it. Your body is amazing at adapting to these things.
So, let's just remind ourselves of what we talked about?
Getting your baby and you to sleep can be one of the biggest challenges a new mom can face. But keeping these little tips in mind can make it a little easier:
- Put your baby to sleep in your room, but in a separate, safe place (like a crib/bassinet). Avoid sharing the bed with your baby.
- Always put your baby to sleep on his or her back to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Do not place any extra items (pillows, toys, blankets, bumpers) in the baby's sleeping area.
- Make nighttime breastfeeding easier by keeping the room dimly lit and reducing noise levels .
- If the baby falls asleep after drinking milk, gently wake him up, check if he has drunk enough milk , and if necessary, help him by squeezing the breast (breast compression).
- Even if you have to nurse your baby to sleep for the first few months, once he gets a little older , try to get him used to sleeping on his own (`(Self-soothing)`).
- Every baby is different, so don't compare your baby's sleep pattern to others .
- Your milk supply won't be affected much if your baby sleeps for too long, your body will adjust to it.
If you have any further questions about this, or if you have any concerns or fears, be sure to ask your family health worker (midwife) or pediatrician . They will provide you with the right guidance and support! You are not on this journey alone.
Breastfeeding, Baby's sleep, Mom's sleep, Safe sleep, SIDS, Nighttime feeding, Baby's sound sleep, Bedtime routine, Pacifier
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