Breastfeeding puts many demands on a mother. The health benefits to the baby are incomparable. Acclimating to your new life as a mom to a newborn is scary. Add sleep deprivation on top of all the other things on your mind and life can be a mess. Breastfeeding does mean shorter naps and less sleep at night because your baby digests breast milk easier than a formula.
Night Time Feedings
During the night, your baby will still need to eat every couple of hours. Placing a bassinet, crib or half bassinet by your bed will keep these feedings stress free. Keep lighting low and stimulation to a minimum. These precautions will keep your body from waking up and will help teach your baby that nighttime is for sleep. Keep a nursing pillow close by or a husband pillow to support you and the baby during breastfeeding.
Breast Sleeping
Some babies fall asleep at the breast. This causes problems later on because they become used to nursing right before sleeping. Make breastfeeding about nourishment – not sleep – for your baby otherwise they may need you and only you to calm themselves down. Introduce a pacifier after breastfeeding is well underway for sleep and for naps.
Overall, enjoy this magical time with your baby. Never again in their life will they depend on you as a baby does during breastfeeding. Cherish your newborn and the precious time you get to spend with them.
Learn more about Womens Center Ohio:
- Main offices in downtown Dayton, Ohio
- East Dayton pregnancy services
- Kettering, OH pregnancy services
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