My baby falls asleep while nursing. What can I do?
Newborns often fall asleep at the breast, especially after feeling satisfied from
a good feeding. (You'll know if your baby isn't nursing if you don't hear swallowing
sounds, like little clicks, or see the jawbones moving.)
If you think your baby is asleep and hasn't finished nursing, here are some
tips to try:
- undress your baby and rub the back
- tickle the feet
- burp your baby
- try changing your baby's diaper or switching to the other breast
Babies who latch on incorrectly may fall asleep at the breast. If this happens,
break the suction and reposition your baby onto your breast to include both your nipple
and areola. You can break the suction by slipping your finger in the side
of your baby's mouth (between the gums) and then turning your finger a quarter turn
to break the suction. (If you just pull your baby off your breast, it will likely
startle your little one and hurt your breasts as well.)
After you've broken the suction, try to burp your baby and switch your little one
to the other breast. A lactation consultant can show you the right latch method and
help you with any questions or concerns you might have.
Is it OK to nurse my baby to sleep?
In the first few months of life, it's practically impossible to keep a nursing
baby awake who is satisfied with a full belly. Once babies get older, however, most
doctors advise against nursing a baby solely for the purpose of getting him or her
to sleep. Doing this regularly may prevent your baby from learning how to fall asleep
on his or her own.
At nap times and bedtime, try to put your baby down slightly awake so that he or
she will get used to falling asleep without having to nurse. Make breastfeeding sessions
more about nourishment and less about pacifying.
If your baby is sick or has been separated from you, you may want to nurse for
comfort, but try not to make it a habit.
If your baby has trouble falling asleep, consider giving him or her a pacifier. Experts
recommend giving babies under 1 year old pacifiers at nap time and bedtime to reduce
the risk of SIDS — but only after breastfeeding has become established, so no
sooner than 3 weeks of age. But if your little one doesn't want a pacifier, don't
push it.
Try to encourage your baby's sleep by establishing a bedtime routine that will
be familiar and relaxing. Bathing, reading, and singing can soothe babies and signal
an end to the day. Be consistent and your baby will soon associate these steps with
sleeping.