Breastfeeding and sleep
When it comes to helping your baby develop good sleep habits, there is often a lot of well meaning advice that comes with it. Something I hear all the time from families is that they have been told if they stop breastfeeding and/or move to formula, their baby will sleep better. This is a complete myth! But, how can breastfeeding and better sleep co-exist? Let’s explore….
A natural comfort
Breastfeeding has many benefits beyond just providing nutrition—it also provides comfort and security for babies. Many infants fall asleep at the breast, as the act of sucking not only nourishes them but also calms them, allowing them to drift off to sleep (that’s why the dummy was invented right!)
For parents who are breastfeeding, this can feel like an intuitive and natural way to put a baby to bed. The physical closeness and soothing comfort can be a bonding experience, which is why breastfeeding to sleep is very common.
If this works for you, there is absolutely no need to change it. If, however, your baby has started to wake frequently looking for the breast to help them fall back asleep, and it is clear they are not doing it out of hunger, that’s where you may want to try and make some changes.
How Sleep Training and Breastfeeding to Sleep Can Coexist
It’s important to understand that sleep training and breastfeeding to sleep don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It is about finding the balance that works for you. If you are looking to move away from feeding to sleep and reduce those wakes, here are some tips:
Gradual Sleep Training: You don’t have to jump straight into a rigid sleep training program if breastfeeding to sleep is working for you and your baby. You can implement a gradual sleep training approach by starting with small steps. For example, feed your baby at bedtime but before they fall asleep at the breast, unlatch them. Cuddle or rock them to sleep instead, before putting them down.
Create a Calm Bedtime Routine: Incorporating other calming activities, such as a warm bath, soothing music, or gentle rocking, can help your baby associate other sleep cues with the act of going to bed, which may make it easier to transition to independent sleep over time.
Consistency is Key: Whether you choose to continue breastfeeding to sleep or start implementing a sleep training method, consistency is crucial. Babies thrive on routine, so whatever approach you choose, try to stick to it consistently for a few weeks. It can take time for your baby to adjust to changes, so patience and perseverance are important.
Have a “no feed” zone. If your baby is 6 months+ and can easily go for 3 hours before needing to feed, implement some timed/structured feeds overnight. For example, if you put your baby to bed at 8pm, having fed them first, and they wake an hour later, it is very unlikely this is out of genuine hunger. Rather than feeding, cuddle/rock or pat and shush instead in order to break the “feed to sleep” association. You know your baby best and you know how hungry (or not!) they are. If they aren’t really taking a long or proper feed at each wake, you can easily determine that it is not out of hunger and is just a means of falling back asleep.
Look at daytime feeds. Ensure that your baby is being fed frequently throughout the day and that they are getting all their calories, ready to set them up for a nice long stretch of sleep at night. You can also implement a “split feed”, which works very well for younger babies. Give them a big feed before you start their bedtime routine and another small top-up feed right before putting them down to bed, and after their bedtime routine. This will ensure their tummy is nice and full and also gives them a chance to digest the big feed properly before bed.
When to Seek Help
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to sleep training and breastfeeding. Every baby is different, and what works for one family might not work for another. It’s important to trust your instincts and know that it’s okay to adjust your approach as needed.
If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about which approach is right for you, that’s where I come in. I can look at your overall routine and come up with a tailored sleep plan that suits you, your family and your goals.
In Conclusion
Balancing sleep training and breastfeeding to sleep is all about finding a routine that works for your baby’s needs and your family’s dynamics. While sleep training may help establish independent sleep habits over time, breastfeeding to sleep remains a natural and comforting practice that many parents don’t want to get rid of. By finding a balance between both, you can help your baby develop healthy sleep habits while still providing the comfort and security they need from breastfeeding.
Remember, there’s no rush— with patience and consistency, you’ll find what works best for you and your baby.
