Ashwin Lewis
It is common for newborns to be very sleepy and hard to keep awake, especially in the first few weeks of their life. This is because they are adjusting to life outside the womb, and they may still have their days and nights mixed up. If your baby is too sleepy to feed, you will need to wake them to ensure they get enough milk. This can be done by undressing your baby and holding them skin-to-skin, changing their nappy, giving them a warm bath, or gently massaging their back in circular motions. If your baby is frequently falling asleep during nursing, you should consider contacting a lactation consultant or a pediatrician for advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of feeding | At least 8-12 times in 24 hours |
| Active nursing | Swallowing regularly |
| Nursing frequency | Every 2-3 hours |
| Nursing duration | For 10-15 minutes |
| Nursing technique | Switch nursing |
| Baby's sleep cycle | Light sleep |
| Baby's diaper | Diaper-only |
| Baby's position | Belly-to-belly with mother |
| Baby's latch | Mouth wide open, taking in a good portion of the areola |
| Baby's weight gain | 200-235g per week for the first 2-3 months |
| Baby's alertness | Increasing alertness |
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Skin-to-skin contact
To do this, undress your baby and place them belly-to-belly with you. You can do this skin-to-skin or with light clothing. Watch for signs that your baby is stirring and gently encourage feeding. If your baby starts to doze at the breast, cup your breast with your hand, near your chest wall, with your thumb opposite your fingers in a C shape. Keep your hand well back from the nipple area. Wait while your baby breastfeeds actively, with their jaw moving all the way to their ear. When they stop swallowing, compress your breast firmly. They will probably start swallowing again. Hold it squeezed until they stop nursing actively.
You can also try placing your baby on your lap with their legs near your tummy and their head on your knees. Gently support your baby, raise them into a sitting position, and repeat a few times. Skin-to-skin contact also allows you to notice subtle feeding cues that otherwise may be missed. Your baby may only make a slight wiggle to signal that they are ready to feed, and if you are holding them closely on your chest, you are more likely to notice.
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Breast compressions
To perform breast compressions, cup your breast with your free hand, making a C-shape with your hand. Keep your hand well back from the nipple area, close to the chest wall, with your thumb opposite your fingers. Gently squeeze your breast until your baby starts suckling more actively. You should feel your baby's suckling become more active as the milk starts to flow.
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Change nappy
Changing a nappy is a delicate task, especially when dealing with a sleeping newborn. Here are some detailed steps to help you navigate this process effectively:
Firstly, it is essential to assess the situation. If your baby has soiled their nappy, a change is usually necessary, especially if it's a poop. Leaving a baby in a soiled nappy for too long can lead to skin irritation and diaper rash, which can be uncomfortable and painful for your little one. Newborns tend to pass stool frequently, and breastfed babies' poop is less likely to cause immediate irritation. Therefore, if they are sleeping soundly and you anticipate their waking time soon, you can consider changing them after they wake up. However, if the stool is particularly runny or if your baby is formula-fed, a prompt change is recommended to prevent skin issues.
On the other hand, if your baby has only wet their nappy, the decision to change them becomes more nuanced. It is essential to consider the level of wetness and your baby's comfort. If the nappy is soaked or there are signs of leakage, it is advisable to change it. Additionally, some babies are more sensitive to the feeling of wetness and may wake up due to the discomfort. In such cases, changing the nappy is necessary to ensure your baby's comfort and a peaceful sleep.
When changing a sleeping baby's nappy, it is crucial to maintain a calm and quiet environment to minimise disruptions to their sleep. Soft lighting and gentle movements can help you navigate the task without fully rousing them. Ensure you have all the necessary supplies within reach, such as a fresh nappy, wipes, and a clean change of clothes if needed. Work efficiently but gently, keeping the baby's comfort and safety as your top priorities.
Lastly, to prevent nappy rash and skin irritation, there are a few additional steps you can take. Applying a barrier cream or products like Vaseline or Sudocrem can protect your baby's delicate skin from irritation due to wetness. Additionally, allowing some "nappy off" time during the day can help air out their skin and reduce the chances of rash development. Regular nappy changes during the day will also ensure that your baby's skin remains healthy and rash-free.
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Give a warm bath
Giving a warm bath is a gentle way to rouse your newborn and create a soothing and relaxing environment that can encourage feeding. Here's a step-by-step guide:
## Prepare the Bath:
- Fill a small bathtub or basin with warm water. Test the water temperature with your wrist or elbow to ensure it's comfortable and not too hot. Aim for a temperature around 36-38°C (97-100°F).
- Gather all the necessary supplies, such as a soft washcloth, mild baby soap or shampoo, and a clean towel, so that you have them at hand and do not have to leave your baby alone in the water.
- Undress your newborn, leaving them in just their diaper. Speak softly and calmly to them as you do so, providing gentle stimulation.
Bath Time:
- Gently lower your baby into the warm water, supporting their head and neck with one hand at all times. You can use your other hand to gently splash or pour water over their body.
- Use the washcloth to gently wash their face, taking care to avoid getting water in their eyes, nose, or mouth. Cleanse their body gently with the soap or shampoo, focusing on areas that tend to trap dirt, such as the neck, creases, and diaper area.
- Maintain a calm and soothing atmosphere by speaking softly and using slow, gentle movements. The warm water and your touch are stimulating enough, so there's no need for vigorous rubbing or scrubbing.
After the Bath:
- Once your baby is clean, gently lift them out of the water and remove their diaper. Wrap them securely in the towel and give them a gentle massage to dry and warm their skin.
- You can use this opportunity to further stimulate them gently. Softly stroke their arms and legs, gently move their limbs in a cycling motion, or gently massage their tummy in a clockwise direction to ease any gas pains.
- Keep your newborn in a warm and comfortable environment as you prepare to nurse. Dress them in clean, dry clothes, and ensure the room temperature is comfortable, usually around 22-24°C (72-75°F).
The warm bath, combined with gentle touch and soft speech, should help wake your newborn and create a calm and relaxed state that is conducive to nursing. Remember to always supervise your baby around water and never leave them unattended.
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Massage
When massaging your newborn, it is important to use gentle strokes, avoiding excessive pressure while ensuring it is not too light, so as not to tickle the baby. Opt for medium pressure and stabilize your baby with one hand. With the other hand, gently glide from the shoulder to the hand, repeating three times for each arm. You can apply the same technique for the legs, moving from the thigh to the feet.
For a soothing sleep massage, always massage in the direction away from the heart, as it is less stimulating for the baby. Place your hand flat against the baby's belly and make small clockwise circles with gentle but firm pressure. Avoid the belly button area, especially for babies under 1 month. After massaging the arms, legs, and belly, turn your newborn onto their belly for tummy time.
It is important to note that you should avoid sensitive areas like the face or abdomen during sleep. Keep the room dark to prevent your baby from associating the massage with daytime activities. Be cautious not to make sudden or jarring movements that could startle your baby. Slow and gradual motions can help maintain their sleep state.
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Frequently asked questions
If your newborn is too sleepy to nurse, you can try holding them skin-to-skin, expressing colostrum and letting a few drops fall into their mouth, or changing their nappy to wake them up. You can also try giving them a warm bath, placing them on your lap with their legs near your tummy and their head on your knees, and gently supporting them as you raise them into a sitting position.
If your newborn falls asleep after only a few minutes of sucking, take them off the breast, wake them up again, and start on the other side. You can continue switching sides as long as your baby stays awake and feeding. Breast compressions can also help your baby get more milk at the breast. When their sucking slows or stops, breast compressions will increase the flow of breast milk, encouraging your baby to suck and swallow more.
Watch your baby for signs that they are getting plenty of milk: lots of poos and wet nappies and increasing alertness. A good latch means that your baby’s mouth is wide open and they’re taking in a good portion of the areola. If you aren’t sure that your baby has a good latch, consider contacting a lactation consultant for assistance.
