This is when you should wake your baby to feed
You’ve likely heard the age-old saying, “never wake a sleeping baby.” However, this adage isn’t entirely accurate, especially when it comes to the early stages of your newborn’s life. Understanding when to wake your baby and why can be crucial to their health and well-being, particularly in those initial weeks postpartum. Let’s delve into the specifics of when you should consider waking your newborn for a feed.
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The Early Weeks: Watching the Clock for a Good Reason
During the initial postpartum period, parents have a vital role in helping prevent jaundice in their newborns. Jaundice occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin in the bloodstream—a substance that babies need to eliminate through pooping. To ensure effective elimination, your newborn needs to maintain a regular feeding schedule.
In these early weeks, it may be necessary to wake your baby every two to three hours to feed, aiding their bowel movements and helping them rid their body of bilirubin. This period is one of the few times when keeping an eye on the clock can be beneficial.
Understanding Newborn Sleep and Feeding Patterns
As your baby grows past the initial weeks, you’ll notice they have no established diurnal rhythm—they don’t know the difference between day and night just yet. This often results in your newborn taking longer naps during the day, which can affect their feeding patterns.
While daytime naps are great, your baby still needs to meet their daily caloric needs. If your baby enjoys long periods of sleep during the day without feeding, they may compensate by wanting to eat frequently at night. This can lead to disrupted sleep for both you and your child.
Daytime Feeds for Better Nights
To help regulate their day-night feeding schedule, consider waking your baby if they have been napping for longer than two hours during the day. Offer a feed upon waking and continue this cycle if they tend to nap for extended periods. By ensuring your baby receives ample milk during the day, you’ll help them meet their caloric needs before nighttime, potentially leading to more restful nights.
Patience and Practice: Key to Night-Time Peace
Remember, establishing a regular feeding schedule that favors the daytime over nighttime doesn’t happen overnight. It takes patience and practice. However, consistently working on this routine can lead to an easier nighttime rhythm for both you and your baby.
In conclusion, while the idea of waking a sleeping baby might seem counterintuitive, doing so with intention and understanding can play a crucial role in their health and your sleep sanity. If you have questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out for support or leave comments. Happy parenting!
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If you need more support
I lead a team of Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners around the globe, who share my programs and who I personally mentor.
If you are struggling with your baby or child, you can reach out and we can help. We do in person and virtual feeding assessments. We also offer women’s health services and can help you achieve optimal hormonal health. Our services are often covered through insurance.
You can find the nurse closest to you here. If you need more help you can reach out to [email protected].
Thank you so much for being a part of our community,
Carrie Bruno RN, IBCLC, MSCP