How To Breastfeed Your Baby at Night Without Losing Much Sleep

A baby certainly changes your life--especially during the pre-solid food period. If you have committed to breastfeeding your little one but are exhausted from getting out of bed multiple times for night feedings, consider a somewhat easier way. Night nursing without getting out of bed can go a long way in getting your baby the nutrition and comfort he needs, and you the rest you want.

Instructions

1

Obtain your partner's support. This is key. Getting the hang of night nursing in this manner and getting in sync with your baby's sleep rhythms takes a little time and can disturb your partner's rest. Make sure you both agree to commit to this effort, even if it means your significant other has to make sleeping arrangements elsewhere in the home for a short time.

2

Create a safe sleeping space. Ideally, you and your baby should sleep next to each other. This can be done safely by using a co-sleeper bassinet secured to your bed or with a "sidecar" crib arrangement. Either of these two choices give you and baby your own sleeping space and prevents you from accidentally rolling over onto your child.

3

Sleep in easy-access clothing. The idea is to respond to your baby's nursing needs as quickly as possible before crying begins. Wear a gown or top that easily pulls down or to the side to make your breasts easily accessible.

4

Breastfeed your baby before you turn in for the evening. Called a "dream feed," you nurse your child without rousing her from sleep. This gives her a full tummy and helps you get longer uninterrupted sleep.

5

Nurse from both breasts, if possible. This helps extend the time between feedings so both you and your baby enjoy longer sleep.

6

Place baby back in his sleeping space after nursing. This maintains your safe sleeping environment and allows you both to comfortably stretch out while staying close. The result: more rest for you and baby.

7

Practice your night nursing positions during daytime feedings. Some women find breastfeeding horizontally is awkward at first, especially if they have larger breasts. Find positions that are most comfortable for you and baby during the day while you both are awake and sleep is not a concern. Using them at night will become second nature before long.