How to Stop Falling Asleep While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a healthy choice for your baby. Not only does this form of nourishment encourage proper development, it soothes your baby and deepens the bond you have with one another. However, because it's also relaxing for the mother, it can cause drowsiness. Because falling asleep while breastfeeding can cause you to smother your baby or drop her, it's crucial to find ways to keep your eyes open until your baby has nursed and is safely tucked back into her crib.

Instructions

1

Get up to nurse your baby in the night. If you bring your baby into your bed to breastfeed, you're more likely to fall back asleep. Instead, move to another room and don't get too comfortable. Sit on the couch and watch television or move to a chair and sit up straight. Each of these will help keep you awake until your baby is done eating. Turning on the lights might help, too.

2

Do things to keep yourself awake if you tend to fall asleep while you're nursing during the day. Read a picture book out loud to your baby or call and chat with a friend while your baby nurses. Even watching television can help keep your eyes open while you're breastfeeding.

3

Walk around while you're nursing. This might take a bit of practice, but try cradling your baby just like you do when you're sitting down to breastfeed. Walk around the house or throw a blanket over your chest and go for a walk around the block. You'll squeeze in a bit of exercise, but walking will also prevent you from falling asleep.

4

Look for distractions. Watch your older children play, ask your children to put on a play for you or talk about your next family vacation with your partner. When you're actively engaged in something else, you're less likely to fall asleep.

5

Ask your partner or another adult that's with you to keep a close eye on you while you're nursing. Remind that person to wake you up immediately if you appear to be dozing while your baby nurses.