Herbie Murray
Breastfeeding a newborn comes with a unique set of challenges, and it's normal for new parents to have several questions. While breastfeeding is a natural process, it is important to be aware of the best practices to ensure a safe and healthy experience for both mother and baby. This includes understanding the impact of breastfeeding on sleep patterns, the frequency of feeds, and the various techniques to keep a sleepy newborn awake during feeds. Additionally, creating a safe sleep environment and prioritising your own sleep as a new parent are also crucial aspects of this topic.
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What You'll Learn
Side-lying position
The side-lying position is one of the most popular breastfeeding positions, and for good reason! It can be done as early as the first feed and is a great way to rest your body while feeding your baby. This position is also ideal if you've had a C-section, as your newborn won't be putting pressure on your stomach or incision site. Here's a step-by-step guide to breastfeeding in the side-lying position:
Step 1: Get Comfortable
Lie down in a comfortable position on your bed, couch, or floor. If you're on a bed or couch, you can place a pillow under your head and lean against the backrest or place pillows behind you for support. You can also put a pillow between your knees for added comfort. Just make sure to keep all pillows and blankets away from your baby's face to minimise the risk of suffocation.
Step 2: Position Your Baby
Place your baby on their side next to you, facing you. Their head should be towards your breasts, and their feet should be towards your feet. If your baby is very tiny, you may need to give them extra support by placing a small pillow or blanket behind their back or bottom (again, make sure it's not near their head).
Step 3: Adjust Your Baby's Position
Slide your baby up or down so that their nose is in line with your nipple. Keep your arm clear of their head to avoid making it sweaty, and use it to support your baby by placing it under their head and around their body. You can also use your forearm to cradle their back.
Step 4: Latch Your Baby
If your baby needs help latching, use your bottom hand to support their head and gently guide them to your breast. Remember, breastfeeding should not hurt. If you feel pinching, gently detach your baby by putting your little finger into the corner of their mouth and try again.
Step 5: Switch Sides, If Needed
If you have larger breasts, you may need to roll yourself and your baby over to the other side to feed from the second breast.
Step 6: Be Mindful of Sleep
If you think you or your baby might fall asleep during feeding, remove any pillows keeping your baby in place so they can roll onto their back and be clear of your breast. Bed-sharing can be dangerous, so it's important to follow safe co-sleeping guidelines or put your baby back in their crib or bassinet after feeding.
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Latching
Tickle your baby's lips with your nipple
This will help your baby open their mouth wide. Aim your nipple just above your baby's top lip, making sure their chin isn't tucked into their chest. You want your baby's mouth to open wide around your breast, not just the nipple.
Aim for a deep latch
As your baby presses their chin into your breast and opens their mouth wide, they should get a deep latch. This means their tongue will be extended, and your breast will fill their mouth. Their lips should be turned outward, and you should see or hear them swallowing.
Try different positions
You may need to try different positions until you find one that is comfortable for you and your baby. Some common positions include the clutch or "football" hold, which is useful if you have large breasts or had a C-section. The cross-cradle or transitional hold is good for premature babies or those with a weak suck. The laid-back hold is a more relaxed, baby-led approach where you lie back on a pillow and let gravity and your baby's instinct guide them to your breast.
Break the suction if needed
If your baby latches on just the tip of your nipple or it hurts, gently place a clean finger in their mouth to break the suction and then try again. Your nipple should not look flat or compressed after feeding but should retain its original shape.
Create a calm environment
If you're having trouble getting a good latch, try moving to a quiet, calm place and holding your baby skin-to-skin. Let your baby lead and find your nipple on their own. Support their head and shoulders, but don't force the latch.
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Feeding cues
Breastfeeding a newborn comes with its own set of challenges and questions. Here are some important feeding cues to look out for:
Newborns should be nursed whenever they indicate hunger, but at least every 2 hours during the day and at least once during the night. Crying is a late indicator of hunger, and breastfeeding will be easier for both mother and baby if earlier hunger cues are recognised. Some common infant hunger cues to look out for include: sucking on hands or fists, smacking lips, or opening their mouth when your nipple or breast is near. Newborns may also nuzzle your breast or their hands may ball into fists near their face.
If your baby is younger than 4 weeks, it is recommended to wake them at least every 4-5 hours to nurse if they do not wake up on their own. After this period, if your baby is gaining weight at a healthy rate, you can let them sleep as long as they want at night, as long as they are peeing and pooping regularly. Newborns often fall asleep at the breast, especially after a satisfying feed. If you think your baby has fallen asleep without finishing nursing, you can try undressing them, rubbing their back, tickling their feet, burping them, or changing their diaper to wake them up.
It is recommended to put your baby to sleep in your room without sharing a bed, as bed-sharing puts babies at risk of suffocation and strangulation. Keeping your baby's sleep area close by allows for easier feeding and comforting, especially at night.
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Burping
When to Burp
There are no hard-and-fast rules about when to burp a newborn. Some babies need to be burped during a feed, while others need it afterward. You can try burping your baby every time you switch breasts or every 2-3 ounces (60-90 milliliters) if you're bottle-feeding. If your baby seems fussy during feeding, you can stop, burp them, and then resume. It's a good idea to always burp your baby when feeding time is over.
There are several techniques you can try to burp a sleeping newborn. Experiment to find what works best for you and your baby:
- Over the Shoulder: Hold your baby upright with their head resting on your shoulder. Use a cupped hand to gently pat their back. Sitting in a rocking chair while doing this may also be soothing for the baby.
- On Your Lap: Sit your baby on your lap, supporting their chin and chest with one hand. Use your other hand to gently rub or pat their back.
- Across Your Lap: Lay your baby facedown across your lap and gently rub or pat their back. Keep a cloth nearby in case they spit up.
- Lying Down: Lay your baby on their back and gently massage their tummy. You can also try moving their legs in a cycling motion, as if they are riding a bicycle.
- Sitting Upright: Hold your baby against your chest with their chin resting on your shoulder. Support them with one hand and gently pat their back with the other.
Additional Tips
- If your baby doesn't burp after a few minutes, change their position and try burping again.
- Keep your baby upright for 10-15 minutes after feeding to prevent milk from coming back up.
- If your baby has colic or is crying for extended periods, consult your pediatrician about gas relief.
- To prevent messes, place a towel or bib under your baby's chin or on your shoulder.
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Nighttime feeding
Safe Sleep Environment
Creating a safe sleep environment is crucial. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first six months, as it reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Place a bassinet, play yard, or crib next to your bed to maintain closeness and facilitate nighttime breastfeeding. Ensure the baby's sleep area is free from pillows, blankets, and other soft items to prevent suffocation hazards.
Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin contact with your baby can help ignite their natural feeding instinct and encourage them to feed. It also allows you to notice subtle feeding cues, such as slight wiggles or movements, that indicate they are ready to feed. Understanding these early feeding signals can help you respond to their needs and promote better sleep for both of you.
Feeding Techniques
Breastfeed your baby following their hunger cues. If your baby falls asleep at the breast, you can try gently stroking their hands and feet, sitting them up and giving them a gentle back rub, or changing their nappy to stimulate them to stay awake and feed. Additionally, changing breasts during feeding can help your baby get enough milk. Offer five minutes on one side and then 10 to 15 minutes on the other to ensure they receive both foremilk and hindmilk.
Managing Your Milk Supply
Breast milk supply is based on supply and demand. As your baby starts sleeping longer and feeding less at night, your body will adjust, and milk production will decrease. If you experience engorgement or fullness due to your baby sleeping through feedings, consider a "dream feed" or pumping just enough to relieve discomfort. Remember, your breastfeeding journey is unique, and you can decide what works best for you and your baby.
Prioritize Your Sleep
Taking care of a newborn is exhausting, and it's essential to prioritize your sleep. Sleep when your baby sleeps during the day if possible, and ask for help from a support person to care for your baby while you rest. Remember, your sleep is crucial for maintaining your breast milk supply and your overall well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to make your bed a safe sleep surface. Bed-sharing puts babies at risk of suffocation, strangulation, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Experts recommend room-sharing for at least the first 6 months of life, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
Keeping your baby in the skin-to-skin position can help ignite your baby’s natural feeding instinct. Undress your baby and rub their back. Tickle their feet. You can also try burping your baby or changing their diaper mid-feed.
Keep the room dimly lit and any noise to a minimum. Avoid feeding your baby on couches and armchairs as they carry a high risk of entrapment and suffocation. Put your baby back in a separate sleep area made for babies, like a safety-approved crib or bassinet, that is close to your bed.
Newborns feed frequently, sometimes at regular intervals and often at irregular intervals. For most newborns, the longest stretch between feedings is between three or four hours. Breastfed newborns need at least 10 to 12 feeds a day.
Breastfeeding offers several benefits for newborns, including protection from some infections and illnesses and a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Breast milk can also help prevent the development of childhood obesity and strengthens the immune system, resulting in lowered risks of ear infections, allergies, and respiratory and digestive issues.
