Is it normal to get sleepy while breastfeeding

The baby may bite or clamp down on the breast. Breastfeeding What to do if your baby falls asleep while nursing If your baby falls asleep while breastfeeding, you may be worried about if he's getting enough milk. Photo: iStockPhoto. Joseph Communications uses cookies for personalization, to customize its online advertisements, and for other purposes. Learn more or change your cookie preferences. By continuing to use our service, you agree to our use of cookies.

We use cookies why? You may also notice that their body is tense — their hands in tight fists — at the beginning of the feed.

In those instances, extra sleepiness is a sign of a medical condition. The most common newborn condition that tends to make babies extra sleepy is jaundice. In addition to lethargy and poor feeding, babies with jaundice may have yellowish skin, fewer wet or dirty diapers, and may be extra fussy. Babies with jaundice should see a pediatrician to make sure there are no serious health concerns.

Rarely, babies who are sleepy during feeds may have underlying medical conditions such as a cardiac or respiratory condition. They may also be battling a virus or bacterial infection. If your baby is having difficulty breathing, has a fever , is vomiting, or is difficult to rouse, speak with your doctor or seek emergency medical attention. Luckily, there are many things you can try if your baby keeps falling asleep while breastfeeding or chestfeeding.

Here are a few favorites. If your baby falls asleep frequently while nursing, you can try a technique called switch nursing. This is as simple as it sounds.

As soon as your baby starts falling asleep you may notice that their sucking becomes less frequent or fluttery , you can try switching them to the other side.

This may wake them up, and they may find that the other side has milk more readily available. Your baby may become sleepy when milk flow slows down.

But some babies get frustrated when this happens and tend to zonk out. You can help get milk flowing again by doing something called breast compression. Using your free hand, cup the side of your breast, making a C shape with your hand. Then gently squeeze. Babies that are too warm tend to get sleepy.

So strip your baby down to their diaper and try nursing them. Your breasts work simultaneously, so, when you are feeding on one breast, the other side is also experiencing a letdown.

Once your baby begins to fall asleep, switch sides so that there is a fresh supply waiting for them. You can repeat this several times switch back and forth between breasts because you have more than one letdown per feed.

Changing breasts can make it easier for a baby to fill their tummy when breastfeeding. You can also mix it up by switching sides and use breast compressions together. If your baby falls asleep and stops feeding it's possible for babies to continue feeding while they are sleeping , gently stroking their hands and feet can stimulate them to stay awake for longer.

Sitting your baby up and giving them a gentle back rub can also help to wake them up and it gives them the opportunity to expel any trapped wind that they may have. If that fails, changing your babies nappy mid feed can rouse them enough to feed some more. As a general rule, if your baby is having at least six very wet cloth nappies or at least five very wet disposable nappies of pale urine, 3 or runnier bowel actions in 24 hours then you can be assured that your baby is getting enough milk.

Have you ever had a baby that always seemed to fall asleep at the breast? What did you do to improve the situation? This flexible bra is suitable for maternity and nursing.

Its design is wire-free, seam-free and tag-free for maximum comfort. In the first few days and weeks of frequent breastfeeding, many women experience nipple soreness and dry skin. Discover our new range of pacifiers — made in Switzerland. Choose a location.