Breastfeeding and Nighttime

Breastfeeding and nighttime go hand-in-hand. Many breastfed babies prefer to be nursed to sleep. After all, breastfeeding is pure comfort, warmth, and nourishment to your baby. Breastfeeding is a way to relax baby and help him or her prepare for bed. It’s the same thing as when people watch TV or read a book before drifting off to sleep. We need a transition between being active and putting our bodies to rest.

Many moms feel guilty or unsure of their baby’s desire to be nursed to sleep and think they’re creating an unhealthy attachment. This is a myth. Breastfeeding at night helps maintain your milk supply and ensures that your baby is getting enough to eat. The stimulation of certain hormones responsible for lactation also help keep your fertility away longer, which has health benefits for you and also helps space your babies in a healthier way.

Don’t dread breastfeeding and nighttime routines. You are only accommodating you baby’s needs and helping to bring about sleep. If you’re not able to be around at night, your baby is sure to adapt to another way of falling asleep, like being rocked or being carried in a sling. Rest assured.

If your baby’s breastfeeding is creating a nighttime challenge, I like Dr. William Sears’ book Nighttime Parenting.

Tags: nighttime parenting