Are you constantly feeding your newborn? The newborn feeding and this period is rough for mamas. Sometimes your breasts feel empty, making you wonder whether you are not producing enough milk. Here’s how to address the issue of newborn feeding every hour and lack of sleep.
Reasons for Newborn Feeding Every Hour
Have you found yourself constantly feeding your newborn baby, feeling like you’re now a walking milk producer instead of a regular human being? The struggle of newborn feeding every hour can be overwhelming for mothers, leaving them exhausted and wondering if they are producing enough milk. The cycle of feeding every hour, where each nursing session lasts 30-60 minutes, can really take a toll on parents.
Baby is snacking instead of taking a complete feed
One of the reasons your newborn may be feeding every hour is that they are simply snacking instead of having a full meal. Snacking in babies refers to drinking just enough milk to feel satisfied and fall asleep in their mother’s arms. This behavior can lead to frequent feedings as they never fully fill up on milk during each session.
Babies may stop feeding after a few minutes and stare
It’s not uncommon for babies to stop feeding abruptly after just a few minutes and stare at their mothers with those adorable eyes. This behavior can indicate that the baby is not actively drinking milk but rather using nursing as a soothing mechanism or for comfort. In such cases, the baby may need additional strategies to encourage proper feeding.
Babies may rely on nursing to fall asleep
Another common reason for newborn feeding every hour is that babies may develop a habit of relying on nursing to fall asleep. If a baby associates feeding with falling asleep, they may wake up frequently during the night and seek to nurse back to sleep. This cycle can lead to more frequent feedings and disrupt the baby’s sleep patterns.
In conclusion, understanding the reasons behind newborn feeding every hour can help parents address feeding challenges and establish a more structured feeding routine for their babies.
Tips to Stop Newborn Feeding Every Hour
Are you constantly feeling drained from feeding your newborn baby every hour? The struggle is real for many mothers during this period. It can feel like you’ve transitioned from being a normal human to a full-time milk producer overnight. The endless cycle of constant feeding leaves you questioning if you’re producing enough milk and longing for a moment of peace.
Understanding why your baby feeds every hour is the first step in finding a solution. If your baby is constantly snacking rather than having full feeds, it can lead to frequent feeding sessions. So, how can you help your baby transition to longer stretches between feeds and get some well-deserved rest?
Ensure Baby is Drinking, Not Pacifying
- Check for visible movements in the baby’s throat while feeding. Swallowing sounds indicate active drinking.
- If the baby is falling asleep while feeding, gently stimulate them to keep awake.
- Encourage full feeds by paying attention to cues that your baby is still hungry even after feeding.
Offer a Pacifier Post-Feeding
- Use a pacifier to soothe your baby to sleep after a feeding session.
- Help your baby transition from feeding to pacifying by gently inserting the pacifier.
- Allow the baby to self-soothe with the pacifier instead of relying solely on feeding.
Dream Feed Before Bedtime
- Introduce a dream feed before your bedtime to ensure the baby has a full tummy for longer sleep.
- Feeding the baby while they are still asleep can help them stay content for an extended period.
- Establishing a dream feeding routine can improve the baby’s sleep patterns.
Take Help from Another Adult
- Work out a shift schedule with your partner to manage night-time feeds.
- Allow your partner to handle some feeding sessions so you can get uninterrupted sleep.
- Prepared pumped bottles can be a lifesaver to facilitate shared feeding responsibilities.
Create a Routine for Consistent Feeding
- Set up a feeding routine that aligns with your baby’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
- Consistent feeding times help in managing hunger cues and promoting longer sleep durations.
- Establishing a structured routine can bring a sense of predictability for both you and the baby.
By implementing these strategies and being proactive in managing your newborn’s feeding patterns, you can bring some relief to the endless cycle of hourly feedings and create a more sustainable routine for both you and your baby.
Conclusion
Having a newborn can be both rewarding and exhausting, especially when it comes to newborn feeding and sleep patterns. It’s common for babies to feed every hour, leaving parents sleep-deprived and in need of solutions to help their little one sleep better.
One effective strategy is to offer a pacifier to soothe the baby to sleep. Pacifiers can provide comfort and help babies self-soothe, aiding them in falling asleep and encouraging longer stretches of rest.
Another helpful tip is to consider working with your spouse to establish a routine that allows both parents to get longer periods of uninterrupted sleep. By taking shifts to care for the baby during the night, parents can ensure that they each have time to rest and recharge.
Keeping pumped bottles filled with milk can also be a convenient solution for night feedings. Having milk ready to go can save time and make nighttime feedings easier for both parents and babies.
TL;DR: Offer a pacifier to help your baby sleep, work with your spouse for longer and more restful sleep, keep pumped bottles ready for convenient feeding.