Keeping Baby Awake While Breastfeeding
Some babies are a little sleepier than others. Many people believe that you should never wake a sleeping baby, but this isn’t true for a breastfed infant. A sleepy baby can literally sleep through feedings or not stay awake long enough to get enough milk for proper growth.
Keeping your newborn baby awake in the beginning weeks of breastfeeding can be a challenge. Some moms have had to take drastic measures. One mom would strip her daughter down to her diaper (in the dead of winter) and still she could fall asleep while nursing. Some tips for keeping baby awake for breastfeeding:
-Mentioned above-take off all baby’s clothes down to her diaper.
-Change her diaper between sides for additional stimulation to wake her up.
-Use a cold cloth or wet wipe on her head or back to keep her awake.
-If you’re drinking something cold, put your glass against her feet periodically.
-Gently move your breast or baby’s head when she stops sucking to remind her she’s eating or switch sides.
If you are concerned about baby’s weight gain, it’s important to count wet and dirty diapers and stay in touch with your baby’s health care giver. Remember that newborn infants should nurse 10- 12 times in a 24 hour period. If despite these suggestions your baby is still not staying awake enough to nurse effectively, get some help from a breastfeeding consultant.
Tags: breastfeeding challenges