Breastfeeding moms get more sleep at night

In case you needed another reason to breastfeed, studies show that breastfeeding mothers — and their partners — get an average of 40-45 minutes more of sleep per night compared to parents who supplement with formula. If you are a breastfeeding mom who is still feeling sleep-deprived, here are some tips to make breastfeeding at night a breeze.

Good news for breastfeeding moms! Not only do you get more sleep at night, but a study has shown your baby also has less “sleep disturbance” than those babies who are given formula.

If your nighttime feedings have still left you feeling tired, get tips for breastfeeding at night.

Tips for breastfeeding at night

When your baby wakes up ready to eat, follow these tips from mother of two Kristi Valentini of mommycribnotes.com, to help baby feel satisfied and ready for sleep:

1. Don’t turn the light on in the nursery (if baby is in a separate room). Use a night light, or if you have the light on the dimmer just turn it on low.
2. Change the baby’s diaper first because usually the baby will fall asleep at the breast, and the last thing you want to do is wake up that peaceful child by changing his or her diaper after nursing.
3. Keep a blanket draped over the rocking chair, or wherever you nurse in the middle of the night, to keep you and baby warm and cozy.
4. Wear pajama tops with buttons. That way, you can just unbutton enough of your top to breastfeed without exposing your whole upper half and freezing during your nursing session.
5. Keep your “essentials” next to your nursing spot on a nightstand. My essentials were a cloth diaper to use wiping up spit-up and milk mustaches, a pacifier and a glass of water.

What if baby keeps falling asleep during feeding?

“If moms are struggling to keep the baby awake in order to get the full feeding,  [I suggest you] rub their cheek. If this still isn’t keeping the li’l one eating, then sprinkle cold water on their face — basically, dip your hand in ice-cold water and flick it onto the baby for a light, rain-like feeling,” suggests BreezyMama.com Chelsea P. Gladden, who also says to unswaddle them to help them wake up.

When will baby sleep through the night?

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