One of the biggest challenges new parents face is how to keep their baby awake while nursing. It can be difficult to keep a baby’s attention, especially during the early months when they are learning to breastfeed. Breastfeeding benefits mom and baby, but it can be hard to get started if you don’t know how to keep your baby awake while nursing.
When nursing your little one, it is important to be in a comfortable position. You may find that you are more comfortable sitting up rather than lying down. If you are sitting up, make sure you have plenty of pillows behind you to support your back. You may also want to prop your baby up so they are at a good height. This will help them to nurse better and will make it more comfortable for you.
Tips On How To Keep Baby Awake while Nursing
Some new moms find themselves breastfeeding efforts to keep their babies awake while baby nursing. As a result, they may end up pumping more milk than necessary. Here are four tips to help you keep your baby awake and nursing:
Burp Newborn Baby frequently to help them digest their food
It can be easy to forget to do this, but it’s important for the baby’s comfort and digestion. Try burping them every 2-3 minutes while they are being fed breast milk.
Position baby upright
This will help keep the baby’s airway clear and prevent them from falling asleep. You can prop them up with a pillow or blankets, or even hold them in a sitting position.
Make eye contact with the baby while they feed
Talking or making faces at your baby can help keep them engaged and interested in the feeding.
Keep the room bright and cheerful
Remove any distractions from the room and make it as stimulating as possible for the baby. This will help keep their attention focused on the task at hand.
Take breaks between nursing sessions
If the baby starts to get fussy, give them a break and try again later. This will help them stay awake and interested during feeding time.
Make sure they’re getting enough to eat
Sometimes babies fall asleep during nursing because they’re not getting enough to eat. Ensure that you’re feeding your baby enough organic food and offering stimulation during the feeding time.
Watch for Baby cues that the baby is getting tired
If you see signs that the baby is getting sleepy, it’s time to end the nursing session. This will help ensure that they don’t fall asleep and miss out on important nutrition.
Talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns about the baby’s eating habits or lack of energy
There could be a medical reason why your baby is struggling to stay awake during nursing sessions. A doctor can help identify any potential problems and provide advice on how to fix them.
Breastfeeding positions
Sleepy babies are more likely to sleep in a breastfeeding position or in a feeding environment try and avoid it while nursing. (If the baby is falling asleep too often then the reason for that could be that your baby gets tired and isn’t getting enough milk supply to try and increase your milk supply contact your consultant)
Many newborn babies don’t develop a sleep routine right away, so it’s natural for your baby to fall asleep while breastfeeding. Don’t worry – I have some tips to help keep your baby awake while breastfeeding.
Benefits Of Nursing For Mom
Lower The Risk Of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. According to Breastcancer.org, exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continuing breastfeeding for one year or longer lowers the risk of breast cancer. This is likely due to the fact that breastfeeding helps to clear away cells that could cause cancer.
Lose Weight
Breastfeeding is a natural way to lose weight after giving birth. Breastfeeding moms burn hundreds of calories a day, just by breastfeeding. When you breastfeed, your body uses extra energy to produce plenty of milk. You also lose weight because you are eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water.
Help Uterus Return To Normal Size
After giving birth, many women are eager to start working out and get their bodies back to normal. However, for new mothers who breastfeed, it is important to wait until their uterus has returned to its pre-pregnancy state before beginning a workout routine. According to a recent study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, breastfeeding can help speed up the process of uterine return to normal.
Reduce The Risk Of Ovarian Cancer
Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by as much as 20%. This is likely due to the fact that breastfeeding helps to clear the body of all cancer-causing agents. Additionally, breastfeeding helps women to return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster, which reduces the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer.
Benefits Of Nursing For Baby
Provide Colostrum
The first milk that your breast produces is called colostrum. Colostrum is thick, yellow, and rich in antibodies. It helps to protect your baby against infection. It also helps the baby’s immature intestine to work properly. Breastfeeding provides your baby with important nutrients and fluids right after birth.
Provide Protection Against Allergies And Eczema
Breast milk provides protection against a wide range of infections and illnesses for both mothers and babies. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months also has long-term benefits for the infant, including reducing the risk of childhood allergies and eczema. A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics found that babies who were exclusively breastfed for at least six months were significantly less likely to develop allergic sensitization at age 1, compared to those who were never breastfed baby or who were breastfed for less than six months.
Lessen The Risk Of SIDS
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that breastfeeding decreases the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%. In fact, breastfeeding is the only proven way to reduce the risk of SIDS. SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants less than 1-year-old.
Keep Your Baby Close To You
When you have a newborn, it’s so important to keep them close. They need to feel your warmth, your love, and your protection. That’s why breastfeeding is so important. It helps forge that close bond between you and your child. And the benefits don’t stop there. Breastfeeding has been linked with all sorts of positive outcomes for both mothers and children, including lower rates of obesity, asthma, and leukemia. Some parents swear by the “wake up” trick – keeping their baby awake during the day while breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Okay For Babies To Sleep While Breastfeeding?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question as every baby is different. Some babies deep sleep through the night right after they are born, while others take a little longer to adjust. Some babies breastfeed and then fall right asleep, while others stay awake and play. As long as your baby is safe and comfortable, it is okay for them to sleep however they sleep.
What To Do If My Baby Sleep While Breastfeeding?
Sleep and breastfeeding are both important for mom and baby. A baby who sleeps well will be happier and more content, and a mom who gets enough sleep is less likely to experience fatigue and depression. It’s perfectly normal for a baby to doze off while breastfeeding. In fact, it’s actually beneficial for both mother and child. However, there are several things you can do to make sure your baby gets the most out of each feeding session.
Should I Unlatch Baby When He/She Sleep?
If the baby falls asleep while breastfeeding, it is typically best to unlatch them and put them down in their crib or bassinet. This will help babies how to get sleep on their own and will prevent them from associating falling asleep with being attached to their Mom.
Final Thoughts
Some babies will fall asleep during breastfeeding and it is important to keep them awake. One way to do this is to gently stroke their head or jawline. You can also try talking to them or making noises. If your baby is particularly fussy, you can try to keep them interested in the breast by shifting your position or by rubbing their back. I hope this informative article will help you.
1 Comment