Too Lazy To Bottle Feed, Too Tired To Breastfeed-Nursing At Night
The hardest part about having a baby, kids for that matter, is having to wake up at night. Yes as they get older, it gets easier and you won’t be waking up as much. What about now? Nights are tough for me. I am lucky (knock on wood) that my son only wakes up about twice a night but it’s still hard. What can you do to make it easier?
First, you can nurse laying on your side. Unfortunately, my son is still to young to master this. He usually ends up getting mad and I have to sit up anyway. Hopefully in a few more weeks, he’ll be able to do this. I must warn everyone that this can be a bit dangerous. With my girls, I remember waking up and finding my breast still exposed and a baby laying in my arms. The possibility to fall back asleep in this position is great, just make sure your baby is safe.
Second, make sure you have a bassinet or are planning on co sleeping. Having the baby near you eliminates the need to get up in the middle of the night.
Third, find a position that works for you but try not to make it too comfortable. Personally I sit up in bed with my legs crossed. Honestly, it hurts my neck a bit but if I get my pillows behind me and sit right, I find that I will fall asleep sitting up. This no only scares me as I worry about my son falling off the nursing pillow, but it also usually leaves me more sore in the long run.
The best advice I can give is try not to wake yourself up too much. The more awake you become, the harder it will be to fall asleep. God luck and good night!
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June 3, 2010
3:29 pm
I would love to get lying-on-side nursing working. My twins just turned 2 months, and they are not good at it. They kick, squirm, get frustrated. They won’t open their mouths wide when they’re on their side confronted by my breast, so I’m essentially trying to insert my nipple in their mouth and I get a shallow latch. Needs lots of advice, thanks!
Catherine