Falling asleep while nursing (you - not the baby) :)

[marigold91]

Hi!

I'm pregnant with my second currently, but formula fed my first straight away (big regret) - so therefore... I really don't know anything about breastfeeding!

I've been reading a few books, but thought I'd ask you guys this - Is it safe to fall asleep while your baby is nursing?? I came across a lot of people talking about this when discussing breastfeeding positions and such, but I'm wondering if that's safe? It seems like it wouldn't be a good idea to fall asleep with your baby in the bed with you, but I also understand how necessary it is to doze off whenever you can.

Do you kind of wake up naturally when the baby breaks his latch? Sorry if this is a really stupid question lol

 

[LoraLoo]

This is why I co sleep (safely) when breastfeeding. It's much better than becoming so exhausted that you fall asleep in a chair or on a sofa.
I do think you are very aware whilst breastfeeding though- I never really slept properly, I was always aware of baby latching on and positioning

 

[noon_child]

I think it is really beneficial to find out about safe co-sleeping even if you don't plan to co-sleep full time. There will just be those nights when you just need to be horizontal, and being able to quickly set yourself and baby up safely rather than accidentally dropping off in an unsafe position is much better in my opinion.

 

[gingmg]

A breast feeding mother is very aware of her baby next to her even during sleep. Before I had my son I used to think it was very dangerous to have a baby in bed and I used to say I would never do it. Then I had my son and my feelings changed. I realized that I was incredibly aware of him, even in my sleep. Our brains know where the edge of the bed is even when we sleep, its the same with your baby. Its a very light sleep but it sure beats properly waking up to have to get out bed to tend to and feed a baby or no sleep at all.

 

[pansorie]

The only time I can nap is while breastfeeding her, although I wish that wasn't the case, lol.

But yeah, if I am breastfeeding and we are laying together we can nap for a good 5 hours together. I think what helps make me so aware is that after a while she starts rooting again, and I wake up to put it back in. Probably not the best of habits, but you do what ya gotta do to get some sleep in.

 

[tulip1975]

When my LO was 2 weeks old, my pediatrician told me that if I could get him to feed side-lying, it would be awesome for me because then I could catch a nap. And I do nap occasionally. It's weird - when I am sleeping next to baby, I never move a centimeter. I'm subconsciously aware of him the whole time.

 

[melfy77]

I co slept with DD2 (still does even though she takes up 3/4 of a Queen sized bed I live alone with my girls now but back then she was NEVER between my ex and me, but between me and her cot (which was used as a wall lol). So yeah basically make sure she is not between you and your DH. It was the only way I could sleep for more than 45 minutes and now I enjoy all the cuddles☺

 

[todmommy4568]

I fell asleep while BF DS most nights, as others have said you are very aware. I would fall asleep and miss pretty much the whole feeding session but when he moved even the tiniest bit I always woke up right away.