How to get my breastfeeding baby to sleep longer.

Summary

This video offers insights into why breastfed babies tend to sleep during the day and stay awake at night. It explains the benefits of breast milk, including reduced SIDS risk due to frequent waking. Tips are provided to help mothers and babies get more rest, such as inducing cluster feeding, adjusting bedtime routines, and trying dream feeding. The video encourages moms to seek help from partners and reassures them that the sleep pattern will improve over time.

Takeaways

• 👶 Breastfed babies tend to sleep all day and stay awake at night because they eat smaller amounts more frequently.
• 🍼 Breast milk is quickly digested, which is why babies need to feed more often.
• 🌙 Babies usually don't sleep through the night until they are at least six months old.
• 💤 A six-hour stretch of sleep is considered 'sleeping through the night' for babies.
• 👩‍🍼 Breastfeeding moms may get better rest because they don't have to get up and prepare a bottle.
• 🍽️ Cluster feeding is when a baby eats more often in the afternoon or evening due to lower milk volume and higher fat content.
• 🕒 To induce cluster feeding, offer the breast more often in the hours leading up to bedtime.
• 🎯 Keeping the baby up slightly later might help them sleep longer, but avoid overstimulation which can cause fussiness.
• 🌜 Dream feeding involves waking a sleeping baby to feed them briefly before putting them back to sleep.
• 🤝 It's okay to ask for help from your partner; taking care of a baby is a full-time job.
• 🌟 Remember that this challenging period will pass and sleep patterns will improve over time.

Q & A

Why do breastfed babies tend to sleep all day but stay awake all night?

Breastfed babies sleep all day but stay awake all night because breast milk is quickly and completely digested, leading to more frequent feedings. Additionally, frequent waking helps regulate their breathing, which is associated with a reduced occurrence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

At what age do most babies start sleeping through the night?

Most babies don't sleep through the night until at least six months old. A six-hour stretch of sleep is considered sleeping through the night.

Why do breastfeeding mothers get better rest according to researchers?

Researchers suggest that breastfeeding mothers get better rest because they don't have to get up and prepare a bottle, turn on lights, or move around the house as much. They can simply put the baby to the breast and go back to sleep.

What is cluster feeding and how can it help with a baby's sleep pattern?

Cluster feeding is when a baby eats more often in the afternoon or evening. This is because milk volume is lower at that time but has slightly more fat, which can help the baby sleep for longer stretches. Inducing a cluster feed before bedtime by offering the breast more often can potentially help the baby sleep longer.

What is dream feeding and how might it assist with a baby's sleep?

Dream feeding involves waking a sleeping baby to nurse for a few minutes before putting them back to sleep. This can help some babies sleep longer, but for others, it might wake them up fully. It's a method that varies in effectiveness and needs to be tried to see if it works for a specific baby.

How can a mother induce a cluster feeding session?

A mother can induce a cluster feeding by offering the breast much more often in the two to three hours before she plans to go to bed.

What is the advice for keeping a baby up later at night?

It's suggested to keep the baby up a little later at night, closer to the mother's bedtime, but caution is advised as overstimulation and overtiredness can make the baby fussy and harder to settle.

Can fathers help with nighttime baby care?

Yes, fathers can help by changing the baby's diaper, burping them, and laying them back down to sleep. It's important for both parents to share the responsibility of nighttime care.

How long can the period of a baby being awake at night and sleeping during the day last?

The period of a baby being awake at night and sleeping during the day can last a few days or even a few weeks, but it will improve over time.

What can mothers do if they are exhausted from lack of sleep?

If mothers are exhausted, they should ask for help from their partner or others. It's important to remember that nighttime care is a full-time job and it's okay to ask for assistance.

Where can viewers find more information on dream feeding?

Viewers can find more information on dream feeding by checking out the video that will be linked at the end of the current video.