Did you know your baby can feed while not fully awake but not if they are asleep?
Babies will usually wake in time for a feed; however, some may be extra sleepy due to illness or the after effects of the pain relief given to you during labour.
Sometimes, your baby may demand feeds more frequently than usual and then sleep for a longer period. This is called “cluster feeding.”
Early on, it is important for your baby to feed frequently, as this will aid your milk supply and help baby get all the nutrients they need to thrive.
Sometimes, if your baby drops off to sleep during a feed, they might be full.
Also, don’t forget to check your breasts at start and end of feeds, be aware of fullness and after feed to check they are soft and relaxed.
Waking your baby
If you do feel you need to wake your baby, here are some simple ideas on how to go about it:
- Talk to your baby while maintaining eye contact
- Change your baby’s position
- Gently massage their back
- Stroke their hands and/or feet
- Change their nappy
- Give them a warm bath
- Skin to skin contact with your chest.
You know your baby and their behaviour patterns best. Therefore, only you will know if your baby’s tendency to drift off during a feed or sleep through feed time altogether is normal. It generally takes one hour from the time your baby wakes to feed to when they go back to bed.
If you are concerned, contact your family doctor for advice.
