Sleep Training while Breastfeeding – Yes, it’s Possible!
Happy Breastfeeding Week fellow Mums! Let me start by saying, you are doing an amazing job! Sleep training while breastfeeding is such a hot topic. Can you do both? HELL YEAH!
Being a new mother is a challenging yet rewarding experience. Amidst the joys and struggles that come with motherhood, there’s one thing that every new mother desires – sleep. Sadly, getting a good night’s sleep when you’re breastfeeding can be a nightmare, I have experienced it first hand. The good news is that it is possible to sleep train your baby while breastfeeding. In this blog, I will give you tips on how to make the process easier, so you can get the rest you need. But let`s first dive into the challenging yet rewarding universe of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is incredibly important for both you and your baby. It provides an abundance of health benefits, like promoting healthy body weight, boosting immune system and protecting against infections. Studies have shown that it can even reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases later in life.
Did you know there are psychological benefits too? It actually establishes and increases a mother’s bond with her baby, as well as foster intimate feelings of closeness and connection while also helping to promote a feeling of comfort and security for the baby. It is such a beautiful that fills our hearts and our little ones` tiny tummies with so much love.
Breastfeeding 101
Always bring your baby up to you to feed and use a breastfeeding pillow or any pillow. I am suffering for neck issues and have a hump behind my neck because no one told me what to do (we live far away from our families).
Find a comfortable position to feed, keeping in mind my tip above
Create calm and cozy atmosphere to cherish these moments and create the bond
Don`t forget swaddles. These genius products mimic a mom`s cozy womb making your baby feel more safe and secure. Just make sure these are made of breathable fabric and as soon as your baby starts showing signs of rolling, get the out and take out the sleep sacks or sleeping bags.
Many parents worry that sleep training will interfere with breastfeeding, but this is a myth.
It`s quite challenging for new moms but I believe with the right support from family, friends and healthcare providers it does become easier over time. It is important to remember that everyone’s breastfeeding journey is different and it can take some moms longer to get the hang of it. Took me one full week while I was pulling my hair out.
Many parents worry that sleep training will interfere with breastfeeding, but this is a myth. Sleep training does not have to mean completely abandoning your baby and letting him or her cry it out. You can still comfort your baby during sleep training and maintain breastfeeding.
It's also important to note that sleep training doesn't have to mean completely ignoring your baby's cries. You can still respond to your baby's needs while setting boundaries and establishing healthy sleep habits. Here`s an example, you can still respond to crying by offering comfort or pacifiers, but don't pick up the baby unless absolutely necessary.
Sleep training doesn't mean you have to sacrifice breastfeeding for a good night's rest! With a little patience and understanding, you can create an environment where both sleep training and breastfeeding are successful.
At the same time, it's important to remember that every baby is different and what works for one may not work for another. If you're having trouble finding a sleep training plan that works for both you and your baby, don't be afraid to reach out to me. I can provide advice and resources tailored specifically to you and your baby.
So how should you sleep train your baby while breastfeeding?
Establish a night-time routine: ROUTINE IS CRUCIAL MAMAS! One of the key things to effective sleep training is to set a routine or schedule for your baby. Establishing a routine that you can maintain every night can help your baby associate certain actions with sleep and will create a sleep rhythm that will set your baby up for success. This can include a warm bath, gentle massage, a bedtime story, soothing music, white noise and lullabies. Have you tried singing to your little one? Once your baby’s routine begins to settle in, your baby will start to wind down and be ready for bed and these clues help your baby understand that its time to sleep. It does take a few days to really get settled into but, trust me it`s so worth it!
Nurse your baby before bedtime: Breastfeeding is a great way to soothe your baby before bedtime. It can help your baby feel relaxed, comforted, and fed. Moreover, it`s a great comforting act especially when they are sick. It’s important to establish a feeding schedule so that your baby gets used to meal times and doesn’t wake up throughout the night, asking for a feed. Remember, when sleep training, it’s important to teach your baby to self-soothe and not to rely on nursing as the only way to fall asleep. How? See the next tip.
Separate feeding from sleeping: One of the main challenges of breastfeeding and sleep training is making sure that your baby doesn’t associate feeding with sleeping. During the early stages of sleep training, try to make sure that your baby is not feeding to fall asleep. Instead, feed them before or after a nap or bedtime routine. That way, they can learn to associate sleep with the routines instead of feeding. So for example, let feeding be the first step in your baby`s routine - feed, play, sleep or feed, change diaper, sing and sleep or feed, bathe, sleep. You see where I am going with this?
Bed-sharing is not recommended: Bed-sharing or co-sleeping is a popular trend in breastfeeding families. However, this can make it harder for your baby to sleep on their own in the long run. When a baby is used to co-sleeping, it’s difficult for them to sleep on their own or in a crib. It’s best to allow your baby to sleep in their own crib, bassinet, or playpen, especially when sleep training. Not to mention the risk of SIDS. I know mamas, we are tired and mid night feedings are tough, but being so overtired we can doze off not knowing where we are. Just the other day I came across a social post about a mom having dozed off, she woke up with her baby crying and guess where the baby was? On the floor! It`s just not worth it. A lot of parents say - "oh I have co-slept without any issues." Yes, you are lucky, it only takes one time. I am not trying to scare you, but your baby`s safety should always come first. Prioritise safe sleeping.
Be flexible: Breastfeeding is unpredictable, and so is a baby's sleep schedule. You need to be flexible with your sleep training routine and schedule to accommodate breastfeeding. It's okay if the baby's feeding or sleep schedule changes. Don't panic. Be patient and consistent, and your baby will eventually fall into a routine that works for them.
Use a pacifier: A pacifier can help soothe and calm your baby, which helps them to fall asleep. It also allows you to delay feedings, giving you more time to establish a routine for their sleep. However, remember that the pacifier can be a sleep association and can make it difficult for your baby to self-soothe when they wake up at night. Make sure to remove the pacifier once they fall asleep. It should not become a prop. Yes its been said to reduce the risk of SIDS but eventually babies have been known to rely on it to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Keep your baby close: Breastfeeding moms might feel the need to keep their babies close during sleep training. You can opt for room-sharing instead of bed-sharing to ensure that you can easily attend to your baby's needs. I room share and my daughter is now 2.5 years old. Having your baby within reaching distance can ease the stress of breastfeeding during the night. You can also use a co-sleeper or bassinet to keep your baby close without bed-sharing. AAP suggests room sharing is important especially during the first 6 months.
Teach your baby to self-soothe: During sleep training, it’s important to teach your baby to self-soothe. Let me make this clear, this does not mean you are not around to provide comfort or attend to their needs. This involves allowing your baby to fall asleep on their own without the need for breastfeeding, a pacifier, or rocking. Encourage self-soothing by placing your baby in their crib and allowing them to fuss or cry for a short period. Check on them after a few minutes, but don’t pick them up unless necessary. This will help your baby learn to soothe themselves and fall asleep on their own. Remember, they need this important skill later to go back to sleep if they wake in the night (it`s an acquired skill).
Keep it consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to sleep training. It’s important to establish a routine that you can maintain every night, even on weekends. This way, your baby will know what to expect, be familiar with the routine, and be ready for bedtime. Consistency helps your baby develop healthy sleeping patterns which will lead to a better night’s rest for both you and your baby.
Breastfeeding should be celebrated and supported in all forms, as there are many benefits for both parent and baby alike. Increasing awareness around its importance is a great first step towards creating an environment where breastfeeding is encouraged and supported. I am a huge supporter of breastfeeding.
It is important to note that breastfeeding isn’t the only good choice for mothers and babies. Formula feeding can also provide plenty of nutrition and healthy growth for your little one. The most important thing is that you do what works best for you and your family.
With the right approach, sleep training and breastfeeding can go hand in hand! With a little patience, understanding and a pinch of creativity, you can find the perfect balance between the two for both you and your baby. And who knows? You may even find that sleep training actually helps improve your breast feeding experience by complementing it and it can be adjusted to meet your breastfed baby`s needs and can be adapted to include all your nursing sessions, but with slight tweaks.
Establish a routine, nurse your baby before bedtime, avoid bed-sharing, teach your baby to self-soothe, and keep it consistent. The more persistent you are with sleep training, the easier it will be for your baby to learn healthy sleeping habits that will last a lifetime. It's worth giving it a try!
Most importantly, don’t forget to catch up on your own sleep when your baby is peacefully sleeping through the night!
Finally, don't forget to take care of yourself too!
Make sure you are getting enough rest and eating a healthy diet full of nutrient-rich foods. If you feel overwhelmed or exhausted, reach out to family and friends for support or talk to your doctor about ways to manage stress. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby when it comes to sleep training.
Remember, that you know your baby best! With a little patience and understanding, you can find the right balance between setting boundaries and establishing healthy sleep habits while still allowing for breastfeeding and bonding with your baby. Good luck my lovely moms!