Baby Night Time Feeds and how to survive them.
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Night Feeds ... and how to survive them!For any new mother... and father... night feeds are a matter of fact, and suddenly a good nights But oh, don't you wish you could get a good night’s sleep once more! |
Gentle Nightlights. An adjustable soft glow nightlight such as the Autofade Nightlight can help night-time feeds. |
What on earth can you do to minimise the shocking effects of lack of sleep, which result from the Twilight Shift? Accept night feeds - they're part of having babies. But you can do things to make it as easy as possible to fall back into that grateful slumber when it's all over. Night Feeds* The Golden Rule - make as little noise and fuss as possible. The last thing you want is to wake the sleeping sibling(s), the dog, the neighbours... * If it's winter, you may want to think about maintaining your central heating at a reasonable level. The nights can be very cold.... * Preparation is everything. Before you go to bed make sure ALL you need is ready to go. Bottles should be made up and stored in the fridge. Muslins, nappies, wipes and creams - you might not need them, but know where they are and have them to hand! * Don't rush about until late finishing off all those household chores you didn't have time to do during the day. Sleep matters! Relax, have a hot bubble bath, burn some candles, read a book...do whatever works for you to unwind before going to bed. * Breastfeed if you can. Breastfeeding, as well as providing excellent nutrition for your baby at just the right temperature, is easily accessible, requires no preparation and is readily available at any time of the day or night. * If you are breastfeeding, you may want to wear a supportive bra to bed. Breasts often feel full and heavy with milk at night and the extra support may help to make them more comfortable. * Leave a soft night-light on the landing or in the corridor. That way you can make your way from room to room without falling or bumping noisily into objects along the way. * Many parents prefer to keep their baby in the same room, causing less disruption to parents' and babies sleep. * Keep lights dimmed to maintain a night-time feel, for you as well as your baby. * Avoid too much interaction with your baby, tempting though it may be. Keep talking to a minimum and voices soft and low. Avoid eye contact. * Don't change your baby's nappy unless it's absolutely necessary. The unwrapping and undressing necessary to do this will most definitely rouse your baby, possibly to several decibels! * Keep your baby swaddled, or once they are old enough use a baby sleeping bag at bedtime. That way your baby will not be roused by changes in room temperature when they are lifted out of bed, or by cool bedding on their return. * Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, make sure your baby is well-supported and resting comfortably in your arms or on your knees. Raise your knees and use pillows for support. A comfortable baby will feed more efficiently. * Make sure you too are comfortable and supported. Invest in a comfortable chair with armrests and support your back with a pillow. Remember, if you are breastfeeding, then bring your baby to your breast, not your breast to your baby - "Tummy to Mummy, Nipple to nose, Baby to breast, not breast to baby." Raise your feet on a footstool or cushions to align your neck and spine at the correct angles, and prevent back and neck strain. It makes sense that if you are relaxed and comfortable during these waking hours, then you are more likely to fall asleep on your return to bed. * Try and keep your mind clear of all the busy, frenetic activities of the day and think calm and peaceful thoughts. Close your eyes and relax. * Make sure you take an extra few minutes to wind your baby well following the feed. It's much better to leave a comfortable, settled baby who will fall straight back to sleep in his cot, than a fretful, restless baby, who will wake again sooner rather than later. * Remember your sleep cues, particularly as your baby settles into a regular sleep routine. A musical sleep cue will gently remind your baby that it's time to sleep, and a comforter will make an ideal substitute for mum or dad after you've gone back to bed. |
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Remember, your baby will soon grow up. Enjoy the quiet night-time cuddles, don't resent them. |
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| Related Information. How To Swaddle Your Baby How to Chooose A Baby Comforter |
Related Products Maternity Pillows Night Lights Relaxing CDs |
