Night-time feeding is an integral part of breastfeeding, and most women observe that feeding baby to sleep helps the baby sleep longer.

Babies have a small stomach and require feeds every 2-3 hours. Many mothers give up night feeding due to the physical discomfort; thus, a comfortable position is a must for successful night feeding.

Make yourself and the baby more comfortable:

• The baby and your breasts should be well supported to avoid physical discomfort  while nursing.
• Tuck a few pillows behind your back to sit upright.
• A breastfeeding pillow can often help in the proper positioning of your baby. However, a regular pillow may also support your arms well.
• Feeding in the lying down position can be comfortable for both the mom and  the baby, but care should be taken that the baby can breathe comfortably.

What breastfeeding positions can I use?

If you have a low milk supply, you can go for assisted breastfeeding as follows:

Domperidone breastfeeding – If you produce less milk than the baby’s needs, you can take the medicine domperidone under your doctor’s guidance to increase milk production.
A breastfeeding tube can be used to feed your baby at your breast  with breast milk as well as formula.

Do you experience painful breastfeeding?

Improper latching and clogged ducts cause pain while breastfeeding. A breastfeeding shield can be used to reduce the soreness of the nipples.

Cracked nipples are more prone to infection; you should visit your doctor immediately and treat the condition to avoid further complications.

When do babies sleep all night?

Every baby is different, but babies usually start sleeping well at night  between 6-12 months.

Making breastfeeding at night less disruptive for a well-rested mom and baby:

• Make your baby sleep near you or in the same room.
• Keep healthy food and a bottle of water handy for when you are breastfeeding.
• Breastfeeding twins can go faster if the twins are fed one on each side.

What should be my diet during breastfeeding?

A breastfeeding diet should include:

• Starchy foods like rice, bread, potatoes, whole wheat rotis, oats
• Multigrain foods that add fiber to the diet
• Dairy products like milk, curd, paneer
• Foods high in proteins such as pulses, eggs, lentils, and lean meat
• Fruits and leafy vegetables
• An adequate amount of water

Breastfeeding at night need not be a task for the new mommy. If done right, using the correct breastfeeding positions and diet, night-time breastfeeding helps the baby sleep longer and the new mom to be well rested and energetic through the day.

References:

https://breastfeeding.support/why-does-breastfeeding-hurt/
https://www.tesco-baby.com/baby/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-your-newborn-baby-at-night/
https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a553835/sleep/-and-breastfeeding
https://www.canadianbreastfeedingfoundation.org/induced/when.shtml
https://www.familyeducation.com/life/breastfeeding-basics-positioning
https://breastfeeding.support/why-does-breastfeeding-hurt/

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