How to Nurse a Sleepy Baby

Trying to nurse a sleepy baby is a common concern for new moms who are breastfeeding. Newborns don't always recognize when they're hungry, so some of them have a tendency to sleep through it instead of wanting to nurse. The mother must learn gentle techniques for encouraging her baby to wake up to eat and stay awake during the entire feeding. Babies are usually able to start determining their own feeding times between a few days and two months of age.

Instructions

1

Undress your baby. Take off all blankets and clothes except for the diaper, because less warmth will encourage wakefulness. Keep your baby in contact with your skin so that he or she doesn't get too cold.

2

Use activity to keep your newborn awake. Do diaper changes before feedings. Switch back and forth between breasts frequently, or stop to burp when you notice that your baby is nodding off.

3

Provide gentle stimulation. Softly tickle hands and feet, give a massage, or run your fingers along his or her face. Ask someone else to help with this while you hold the baby if you need to. Talk to your baby and look into his or her eyes if they're open.

4

Hold your baby in a different position. Try using the football hold by placing your newborn on the side of your body with his or her legs under your arm. Try sitting up and placing the baby in an inclined, seated position rather than lying horizontally.

5

Take a break from trying to nurse if you become frustrated. Realize that stress isn't good for you or the baby, and nursing is more likely to happen when you're relaxed. Try again when you're calm.

6

Get help from a lactation consultant or nurse if you're still having a difficult time breastfeeding.