Breastfeeding The Sleepy New Born

A sleepy baby is difficult to feed. He will either not stay awake long enough or he will not get up at all. It can be very frustrating for the parents. But if the child is getting minimal number of feedings in twenty four hours, his weight gain is normal, then there is nothing to worry.

Generally, mothers are asked to feed the baby every two hours as new born are prone to sleep for long hours and it is assumed that a sleepy baby is satisfied where as not getting feed for long hours can make the baby weak.

The main reasons for baby being so sleepy are:

1.) The labor and delivery was difficult and long and mother had received pain medication.

2.) The baby had jaundice, infection or circumcision. Jaundice in infants is very common and this is one reason which can make a baby very sleepy. Even after having normal Billy Ruben levels.

3.) Too much of milk can also be overwhelming for the baby and he may tend to sleep.

Inadequate milk intake can bring the sugar levels low in the baby, making the baby weaker and sleepy.

Here are some tips to encourage the sleepy baby to nurse:

1.) It will be difficult to wake up a baby from deep sleep cycle so try to feed the baby when it is in light sleep cycle. Feeding will be more successful if you catch him or her in light sleep cycle. If the baby is making rapid eye movement or facial expression is changing and there is movement in the body, he is in light sleep cycle.

2.) Undress the baby down to his diaper and loosen him up, he will be more wakeful. Babies who sleep in fetal position are sleepier.

3.) New born’s are sensitive to light and bright lights make them close their eyes and go to sleep. Try to keep dim lights in the room but you can have bright lights in the night if you want your baby to sleep through the night.

4.) While feeding, hold him right. Holding him is a football hold is better than cradle hold. Talk to the baby while feeding and gently rubbing his feet, spine, arms, and legs and back can keep him awake.

Remember, a sleepy baby needs more care during the first few weeks and should be monitored carefully.