If breastfeeding and pumping, make sure to separate night and day milk because night milk has melatonin in it, helping baby to sleep 😴 💤
WeMoms
2 Apr 2024
Managing Night Breastfeeding
Managing Night Breastfeeding
As you prepare for this exciting adventure, one aspect that might cross your mind is night breastfeeding. 🌜 Don't worry, we've got you covered with some fun and scientifically sound tips to help you ace those midnight feedings like a pro! 😊
Create a Cozy Nighttime Environment 🌌
Make your nighttime breastfeeding sessions enjoyable and relaxing for both you and your little bundle of joy. Here's how:
- Dim the Lights: Lower the lights in the room to signal that it's time to wind down and feed. This helps stimulate the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone, promoting a more restful sleep for both of you.
- Comfortable Seating: Invest in a comfy nursing chair or pillow to provide adequate support during feeding. This will help you avoid unnecessary strain on your back and neck.
- White Noise: Consider using white noise machines or apps to create a soothing ambiance. The gentle sounds can help mask any disruptive noises and lull your baby to sleep after feeding.
Establish a Nighttime Feeding Routine 🌙🍼
Having a structured routine can work wonders for both you and your baby. Try these tips:
- Cluster Feeding: Encourage your baby to feed more frequently in the evening, known as cluster feeding. This helps to ensure your little one is well-fed before settling down for the night.
- Dream Feeding: Try dream feeding your baby right before you go to bed. This involves nursing your little one while they are still asleep, ensuring they get a full tummy and potentially extending their sleep time.
- Burping Strategically: Minimize the chance of waking your baby during burping by burping them halfway through the feeding. This can prevent them from becoming too alert and help them settle back to sleep quicker.
Consider Co-Sleeping or Side-Lying Position 🛌💤
Exploring different feeding positions can make nighttime nursing more comfortable:
- Co-Sleeping Safely: If you choose to co-sleep, ensure you follow all safety guidelines to create a safe sleep environment. Co-sleeping can make nighttime breastfeeding more convenient, as you can feed your baby without fully waking up.
- Side-Lying Position: When co-sleeping, the side-lying position can be a game-changer. Lay on your side facing your baby, and gently latch them on while lying down. This way, you can rest and feed at the same time! 😴
Delegate Nighttime Duties 🤝🌜
Getting enough rest is crucial during this period, so don't hesitate to seek help from your partner or a loved one:
- Shift Duties: If possible, take turns with your partner to handle nighttime diaper changes and soothing. This way, you can take turns getting a good night's sleep.
- Pump and Share: Consider expressing breast milk, allowing your partner to take over some of the night feedings with a bottle. This not only helps you get some extra rest but also strengthens the bond between your partner and the baby. 🍼💕
Stay Hydrated and Nourished 🥤🍲
Taking care of yourself is essential during this beautiful but demanding phase of life:
- Hydration: Keep a water bottle within reach during nighttime feedings. Staying hydrated is essential for your overall well-being and milk supply.
- Nutritious Snacks: Keep healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, or lactation cookies nearby. These treats can provide a quick energy boost during those late-night feeding sessions.
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Andrea Ball
19 Jan 2024
Okay so pregnancy hunger is crazy.... But when you start breastfeeding, it will have you eating four bowls of cereal in the middle of the night..
Redcityfreak
I can't keep up w it
27 Mar 2024
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Andrea Ball
Bagels and cream cheese are my thing right now. 😂
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Allysa
6 Dec 2023
Struggling so much with breastfeeding and everything. I have mastitis now, still breastfeeding to push the infection out. It hit me hard tonight with all the flu like symptoms, of course the first night my husband has to work a night shift. I’m struggling
Nesta
Warm & cold wash cloth helps and nipple cream does as well. 2 weeks it took me to get used to breastfeeding. Wishing you luck momma.
27 Mar 2024
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Destiny
19 Oct 2023
For all the breastfeeding moms Does your Bby eat more at night or is it only my peanut
Megan
Cluster feeding is probably what lil peanut is doing. That's a thinggg when u BF. By 2 months My son was 15 Lbs due to the cluster feeding. But should slow down... will cluster feed again on and off when they're newborns.
27 Mar 2024
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Destiny
What’s cluster feeding mean cause this baby eat so much at night n barley eats during the day
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Dusty
17 Feb 2023
Does anyone have breastfeeding tips I pump during the day and latch her during the night but I feel like even though she's a month my supply had dipped. It could my lack of hydration
Rachael
Definitely stay hydrated and eat enough protein
27 Mar 2024
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Rachael
Try latching during the day too. Latch then pump or vice versa
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Lydia Zavala
30 Jan 2023
I’m just wondering what yalls breastfeeding mamas pump/feeding schedules look like throughout the day and night with a newborn and with a bigger baby so I can mentally prepare myself lol
Danielle 🦦🪷
My baby doesn’t even wake at night for feeds but starts stirring every 4 hours. So I get up to pump her a bottle. Change her and then feed her and put her back to bed. I try to stay ahead of her so I have a fresh bottle every time
27 Mar 2024
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Anastasia
I feed her every two hours which is a struggle to wake her but then she'll eat for a couple minutes (I'm actually concerned about how little bit of time she's eating) then she'll usually go right back to sleep. I let her sleep more at night, probably closer to 3 hours. She's more active and hungry in the evenings like the other night she was up for 4 hours but every baby is different and so is every mama
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Jasmine
29 Oct 2022
Being pregnant and still breastfeeding at night is so rough, it drains all my energy but I’m thankful it’s just at night & hopefully it will come to an end soon. Cause this momma is tiredddddddd
Jasmine
Thank you so much
27 Mar 2024
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Cherrell Barbee🌻
Literally had to wean my 1 year old around 8 weeks this pregnancy., I just couldn’t handle it., I become overly stimulated and irritable., I enjoyed our full year and 8 months of breastfeeding journey but this new baby wasn’t feeling it lol., we were gonna start weaning sometime now but pregnancy came first and pushed me to it., he’s officially a full month weaned 😩🎉
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Payana
25 Sep 2022
Hey breastfeeding mommies what are y’all’s night routine?? An what time do you put your baby down? This momma is struggling 🤦🏾♀️
Taneshia
Well wat i do is i give lil man a bath at 8:30 lotion him up grease his hair put his clothes on then i feed him till he’s full then we watch a little tv till he goes to sleep n that’s normally round 9:30 10:00
27 Mar 2024
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Payana
How long dose he stay asleep for bc I get baby girl down around 9 an she’s back up at like 12/1
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Tatiana
17 Sep 2022
Hello! I have a question for all breastfeeding moms. My 3 month old son has started to sleep most of the night, now. He used to wake up every 2 hours to breastfeed. Now, I am not breastfeeding every 2 hours or pumping at night because he's not waking me up. So, my question is... to avoid a decrease in my milk supply, should I start pumping at night every 2 hours? I've noticed a decrease in my milk ever since he started to sleep more at night. #Help
Adelina
I would still pump once or twice at night also load up on oatmeal and Powerade or gatorade
27 Mar 2024
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Erin
Milk is about supply and demand. Pump every two hours if you don't want it decreasing, but he's getting what he needs so you don't really have to worry. Enjoy the extra sleep I'd say
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Becca
24 Jan 2022
I’m new to this group any advise about breastfeeding, tips on how to keep your milk supply stron for baby that only latches at night?
April
My supply is dropping because of giving a bottle during the day if I have to run errands and what not. His pediatrician said that if I'm wanting to increase supply, pump 15 minutes on each breast every 2 hours. It's supply and demand so if you don't feed often, you'll start producing less. If you feed more often, you'll start to produce more.
27 Mar 2024
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Meranda
Lactation tea, Cooks, I heard a certain drink can do it
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