Breastfeeding at Night: Tips for a Smooth and Restful Routine

Breastfeeding at night is a common and often crucial part of a newborn's early months. Though nighttime feedings can be hard, they offer many benefits to the baby and mother. Nighttime breastfeeding helps establish and maintain milk supply, comforts your baby, and creates a strong emotional bond. For mothers, it also becomes a time of quiet connection, though it comes with its own set of challenges, from sleep deprivation to navigating the logistics of nighttime care. Knowing what the dynamic is between nighttime breastfeeding can help prepare parents better for the unique yet demanding stage that is parenting.

Should I Breastfeed at Night?

Whether to breastfeed at night or not depends on many factors, such as your baby's needs, your personal preferences, and your general goals concerning parenting. However, there are many reasons why nighttime breastfeeding may be good for both of you:

1. Support milk supply: Night feedings, especially in the first months, serve to maintain the milk supply in good shape. Milk is produced as per demand, and night feedings are a part of it.
2. Nutritional benefits for the baby: The night breast milk, even though sometimes with higher fat content, is especially crucial for growth and development.
3. Comfort and bonding: Feeding at night can be a time to comfort your baby in the quiet hours of the night. It might calm your baby, assuring them that they are safe and loved.
4. Baby's sleep regulation: Some babies want to eat in the nighttime periods to get themselves back to a full feeling and to settle to sleep once more. They will be comforted knowing that their needs are met at night.

That aside, if nighttime breastfeeding is not working for you, or if you are unable to sleep, options include pumping and bottle feeding or lying down with your baby as she begins sleeping for longer periods at night as the baby gets bigger. At this point, your baby will begin naturally sleeping through longer periods, which will ultimately reduce the need for feedings at night.

Tips for Breastfeeding at Night

Breastfeeding at night can be one of the more challenging aspects of new parenthood, especially in the early months when your baby is waking frequently. But here's the bright side: with some simple strategies, you and your little bundle of joy can make those nighttime feedings more bearable for both of you. From creating a soothing, comfortable atmosphere, to how to get restful when you need to, these tips will make you feel more relaxed and prepared for successful nighttime breastfeeding.

• Get Breastfeeding Support. The baby’s needs grow as they grow too. Their evolving needs will naturally help establish your milk supply and shape your feeding routine. If you're exclusively breastfeeding, don't hesitate to ask for support during those late-night and early-morning feedings. If you're pumping, consider having your partner or another family member feed your baby with previously expressed milk.
• Establish a Pumping and Breastfeeding Schedule. Since your breasts tend to be fuller in the morning, take advantage of this by pumping to express every drop of milk. Another idea is to pump one more session either an hour before or after nursing to, hopefully, push your milk supply up a notch. Having a trusty breast pump that can be easily managed even at night is ideal. Momcozy M9 Breast Pump has a personalization setting via the Momcozy app, adjusting mode and intensity to suit your comfort and preference. Pump effortlessly at night with Momcozy M9.

1. Keep Baby in Your Bedroom. Having your baby close by allows for quicker, less disruptive feedings since you won’t need to get up or go to another room. It also gives you peace of mind, as you can easily check on your baby the whole night. Just make sure your sleep setup follows safe sleep guidelines to ensure your baby’s safety while room-sharing.

2. Stay Comfortable With a Nursing Pillow.A nursing pillow can make a world of difference in your comfort during nighttime feedings. It helps support your baby in the right position, and it also helps reduce strain on your arms, back, and neck. . Get your added support from Momcozy Nursing Pillow. Momcozy’s Nursing Pillow is adjustable and takes the pressure off your arms and back by lifting your baby to a more ergonomic position when nursing or bottle feeding. Whether you're sitting or lying down, a nursing pillow can make feedings less stressful and more relaxed.

3. Keep Your Nursing Essentials Nearby.Keeping most of your nursing stuff within easy reach will make middle-of-the-night feedings much easier. Consider water, snacks, a burp cloth, some nipple cream, or a phone or book for downtime close at hand so you can keep feeding without getting up in the middle of things. You will feel calmer and more focused on nourishing your baby once everything is available and accessible to make the best use of the feeding session without having to scramble together what you need in a rush.

It can be really frustrating to wake up several times during the night but remember, this phase is temporary. Those late-night feedings are precious moments that won’t last forever. When frustration sets in, take a deep breath and try to focus on the special bond you’re building with your little one.

Will Not Nursing at Night Hurt My Supply?

Yes, not nursing at night may affect your milk supply because of the following reasons:

1. Supply and demand. Milk production is based on supply and demand; the more milk your baby takes from you, the more milk your body produces. So, if you do not nurse or pump for a long time, your milk supply will be less.
2. Prolactin levels. The breast milk-producing hormone called “prolactin” is produced more between midnight and 6 am. If you skip nursing or pumping during these times, it can impact your milk supply.
3. Engorged breast. Since you do not express milk, your breasts will be full and will cause engorgement. And when the breasts are engorged, the brain will receive a signal to make less milk.

Does Milk Supply Drop at Night?

Sometimes, milk production can slow down at night, but it doesn’t stop. It is normal for breasts to feel emptier at night because of the following factors:

1. Melatonin Production. The production of melatonin is slow at night, and melatonin helps boost prolactin, which is the hormone that helps with milk production.
2. Prolactin Levels. More prolactin is produced during night feedings, so skipping them can lower the prolactin levels and milk supply.
3. Breast Milk Composition. Breast milk has a higher fat content at night, so it is more nutritious for your little one.

Sample Night Breastfeeding Schedules

Here are some sample night breastfeeding schedules to help guide you through the nighttime routine with your baby. These examples can provide a starting point, but remember that every baby is different, and flexibility is key as you find what works best for you both.

When Do Newborns Sleep Through the Night Without Breastfeeding?

Newborns typically do not sleep through the night without feeding, as their small stomachs require frequent nourishment. Most babies enter a cycle of longer stretches of sleep from 3-6 months and even from these early months, though this tends to vary greatly. At 6-9 months, some babies are able to go 6-8 hours without needing a nighttime feed, although many still wake for comfort or nourishment.

For instance, growth spurts, teething, and other individual needs may call for a baby to start sleeping through the night. Furthermore, babies all vary, and they may need night feeds for a year or even longer.

What if the Baby doesn't Burp and Falls Asleep?

If your baby sleeps before being burped, you could try the following:

Burp them gently: You can try to burp your baby while he is still drowsy.

Let them sleep: In case you cannot burp him, then it is alright to let the baby sleep.

Do not make them uncomfortable: Let your baby sleep in a comfortable position so that he does not feel uncomfortable while sleeping.

Try burping after the next feed: You can always try burping your baby after their next feed.

Observe your baby's cues: You can observe the cues of your baby to know when they feel like burping.

Baby wrap or sling: A baby wrap or sling makes a baby sleep in a slightly upright position. In this position, air may come out easily.

FAQs about Breastfeeding at Night

How often should you breastfeed at night?

In the first few weeks after birth, the baby should be fed as often as they want, which can be every 1 to 3 hours, including at night. You shouldn’t wait for longer hours to feed them. Feed them as much as they feed in the morning.

When can babies go 4 hours between feedings at night?

Babies typically start to get 4 hours at night by 3 to 6 months of age. By 6 months, babies are often long enough for them to sleep through so that they no longer need nighttime feeding; this, however, does not occur with every child.

Do I need to pump at night when the baby sleeps through the night?

If your baby sleeps through the night and you're comfortable, you don’t have to pump. However, if you feel full or want to maintain your milk supply, pumping at night can help. If you’re not uncomfortable and your supply stays steady, you can skip it.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding at night can be both challenging and rewarding. While it may disrupt your sleep initially, it plays a crucial role in nourishing your baby, maintaining your milk supply, and strengthening the bond between you and your little one. With the right tips and strategies, such as creating a soothing environment and keeping essentials nearby, nighttime feedings can become a manageable part of your routine. As your baby grows, their sleep patterns will evolve, and you’ll find that nighttime feedings gradually decrease.

Remember, this phase is temporary, and each quiet, late-night moment contributes to a special connection with your baby. With patience and flexibility, you’ll find the rhythm that works best for you both, ensuring that both you and your baby get the rest and nourishment needed for a happy, healthy start to the day.