Demystifying Breastfeeding and Sleep Training
As a new parent, you’ve likely heard about the importance of breastfeeding and the benefits of sleep training for your baby’s development. But it always seems to beg the question – “how do you manage both at the same time?” I vividly remember being pregnant with my first child and thinking to myself “I really want to breastfeed but I also want to have a baby that sleeps!”. I quickly realized you can have both and it can be a wonderful thing. Here I am 7 years and 4 babies later, having successfully breastfed my babies while fostering independent, confident sleepers.
Let me be honest, navigating the realms of breastfeeding and sleep training simultaneously can be both rewarding and challenging for new parents. This is probably why I am so passionate about supporting breastfeeding mothers through the sleep training process because ultimately they can work together … beautifully! By integrating specific strategies, you can absolutely create a nurturing environment that supports your baby’s growth and development while continuing to nurture your bond through breastfeeding. Here are the strategies I followed and now share with parents.
Before we get into the details, let me remind you that how you feed your baby, bottle vs. breastfeeding, formula vs. breast milk doesn’t define you as a parent. If you take one thing away from this post, it’s this. Okay, now to the details.
here’s how you can get the most out of your breastfeeding and sleep training journey:
Establish a Daytime Rhythm (that promotes great feeds!)
Sleep training is not just a method – it also involves establishing routines around sleep, daily activities, and feeding. A well-rested baby often breastfeeds more effectively and sufficient caloric intake during the day will help your baby get longer stretches and restorative sleep at night. During the day be sure to feed your baby often, usually every 2 to 3.5 hours depending on your baby’s age. It can be helpful to think of the day in “cycles” of eating, playing and sleeping. We recommend parents follow this “cycle” rhythm because it promotes full feeds (more on that next!) and eliminates the likelihood that your baby will develop a feeding association for sleep. As your baby gets older you can navigate to more of an age-appropriate flexible schedule.
Focus on full feeds (as much as possible)!
When you are breastfeeding you don’t always know how much your baby is taking in, so it’s important to focus on how effectively your baby is feeding, their cues following the feeding session and how empty your breasts are feeling after the feed. Each baby’s feeding efficiency and each mother’s flow and supply are different. A full feed when nursing isn’t a set number of ounces or minutes, it’s about observing that your baby was actively sucking, swallowing and engaged in the feed and you ending the session saying “that was a great feed”. If you find your baby is struggling with latching or getting frustrated when feeding we encourage you to reach out to a lactation consultant to evaluate your technique and your baby’s oral function.
Respond to overnight feeding cues
During the early months, night feedings are necessary as babies need frequent nourishment. As your baby gets older, they have the ability to take in more during the day which sets them up for longer stretches overnight. During sleep training, you can still respond to your baby’s hunger cues during the night while encouraging longer stretches of sleep. Always assess how the day before was with feeds and if your baby wakes, always wait, watch and listen before jumping in to feed – sometimes your baby may just be rousing through a sleep cycle. When you do feed, keep the middle of the night feed boring and to put your baby back in the crib 100% awake after the feed, this way they use their skill to fall back to sleep!
Get a non nursing caregivers involved, when possible
When sleep training, there is often a lot of crib side soothing that happens. It can be helpful to have a non-nursing parent or caregiver be involved to assist. The nursing parent is the food source and it can be harder for your baby to be consoled. If you have been nursing to sleep and are hoping to get started with sleep training, ask your partner how involved he or she can be and even start with having them hold or rock your baby to sleep so you can break that feed-to-sleep association. This is a great starting point!
Consistency is key in sleep training, but it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice breastfeeding. Whether you choose a gradual method or a more direct approach, ensure that your approach to sleep training aligns with your breastfeeding goals.
Be mindful of your milk supply … and take care of yourself!
As a breastfeeding mother, your body needs just as much care and support during the sleep training process! If your baby has been feeding several times overnight and all of a sudden is now sleeping long stretches it’s important to be mindful of how quick your body is responding. It can help to add a pump session before you go to bed and to also pump after your baby’s first feed in the morning to fully empty yourself. It can also be helpful to find ways to work on your own soothing and nurturing. One of the greatest outcomes of sleep training is more predictability so you may even find time to exercise, meditate or be able to enjoy grabbing dinner with friends because you are confident your baby can fall asleep without you!
Embrace the Journey
Parenting is a journey with several twists, turns and often roadblocks along the way! Breastfeeding and sleep training are both integral milestones of early parenthood. Remember, every baby is unique, so trust your instincts and be flexible in adjusting your strategies as needed. With patience, perseverance, and love, you’re setting the foundation for a healthy and harmonious start for you and your little one.
Also, you don’t have to go at this alone. We are here to help guide you, support you and cheer you on! For more details or if you find yourself needing support, reach out for a complimentary consultation call.
Meg O’Leary is an Infant and Child Sleep Expert and the Founder of A Restful Night. She and her team offer sleep training support to families worldwide.
