NURSING
MOTHERS, INC.
Nursing the Sleepy Baby
Factsheet 9
A sleepy baby may seem a blessing to a weary new mother. Often we hear, "She's such a good baby; she sleeps all the time." Normal newborns sleep patterns can vary greatly. Some newborns may sleep 20 out of 24 hours each day while others sleep far less. If your newborn nurses 8 to 12 times in a 24 hour period, wets 6 to 8 diapers in a 24 hour period and averages 2 to 5 bowel movements a day, then you needn't be too concerned about her sleeping pattern.
However, an overly-sleepy newborn can develop serious problems. A baby who frequently sleeps through feedings or falls asleep at the breast before nursing well may have difficulty gaining weight. In some extreme cases, an underfed baby can become dehydrated.
Very often a newly delivered baby may be sleepy. Some babies, delivered by natural childbirth and unexposed to medication, seem to need a few days of recuperation before they become actively interested and involved in their world and their feedings. Sleepiness may also be caused by the medication or anesthesia the mother received during labor or delivery. Post partum medication can be transmitted to the baby through breastmilk, and may cause drowsiness, even though it may be considered "nursing safe". You should ask the doctor who prescribed the medication, or your baby's doctor, about possible side effects. Your doctor may be able to recommend an alternative medication or suggest timing the medication to minimize your baby's exposure.
The baby who is placid by nature or take more than a few days to awaken poses a different problem. This type of baby rarely gives the mother many signs that he is hungry and may make few demands on the mother. He may sleep 18-20 hours out of 24, cry very little, nurse only 4 or 6 times a day, and could be thought of as "exceptionally good." If this type of baby's needs go unrecognized, potentially serious situations can arise. However, these babies will do well once their mothers learn to understand their dispositions. These babies need to be nourished and stimulated at regular intervals.
The most important thing to remember is that your new baby needs to nurse well 8 to 12 times in a 24 hour period. Instead of waiting for the sleepy baby to awaken completely and ask to be fed, you should put him to the breast at the first sign of restlessness. Look for "active sleep states", when your baby starts sucking on his fingers, moves his eyes beneath his eyelids, or tries to stir. You will have more success rousing your baby from active sleep than from deep sleep. Using an alarm during the night can help you awaken for a feeding. Using the alarm during the day can help remind you that several hours have passed.
Many mothers have found the following techniques useful for waking a
sleeping baby:
· Uncover the baby. Removing blankets or socks, opening clothing or undressing the baby, or changing the diaper may waken him.
· Express breastmilk onto your nipples and the baby's lips. This may stimulate sucking even though he isn't fully awake.
· Apply a cool (not cold) wash cloth to his cheeks or forehead.
· Try gentle body manipulations (such as gently pulling him into a sitting position) or infant massage to stimulate him. When doing "sit ups", make sure the baby bends at the hips, rather than at the waist.
· Keep room light dim, as bright lights may encourage him to close his eyes.
To increase the baby's stimulation and keep him interested in nursing:
· Change the diaper between sides.
· Stroke the baby gently around the lips and under the chin.
· Gently jostle your nipple when you notice your baby's sucking pattern slow down.
· Rub or pat his back; walk your fingers up his spine; gently rub his hands and feet; massage his crown in a circular motion while nursing.
· Chatter or sing spiritedly to him as he nurses; try to maintain eye contact.
· Try "switch nursing". Whenever you notice your baby's sucking pattern slowing down, remove him from the breast, burp him, and offer the other breast. When his sucking pattern slows on the second side, remove him, burp him and return to the first side. Try to nurse at least twice on each side.
· Try using the clutch ("football") position rather than the cradle or lying down
Make sure your sleepy baby is latching on well, getting all the nipple and as much of the areola as he can in his mouth. The stimulation of the nipple well-positioned in his mouth may also help rouse him. You can also try breast compression, a simple technique used to help continue the flow of milk into the baby’s mouth to encourage him to continue drinking.
The sleepy baby requires lots of stimulation. Avoid quieting maneuvers such as rocking, too much non-nutritive sucking (especially pacifiers), and swings.
A sleepy baby has many of the same needs as other babies. Most of all, though, he needs a mother to understand his passive disposition and help him get the nourishment that will help him gain weight and remain healthy. Keep in close contact with your Nursing Mothers counselor as you work through your baby's sleepiness. She can provide the support and advice to help both of you.
Original: Ann Marie Silvius
Revised: 10/92, 2/95 Lisa Davis; 1/03 Megan Allen
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Nursing Mothers, Inc. is a
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