What you need to know about breastfeeding your baby to sleep

Breastfeeding a baby can be an incredibly comforting experience for you and your baby. Deep bonds can be created through skin-to-skin contact, and sleep-inducing hormones can lull your newborn into a world of relaxed dreams. However, as your child grows, it is important that he learns to fall asleep on his own and has an independent sleep schedule.

Just like adults, kids can get used to a routine. They begin to associate certain things with sleep, such as putting on pajamas, reading, and being quiet at the end of the day. While breastfeeding a baby to help him sleep isn't necessarily dangerous, it can be addictive. Then your child may not fall asleep without it.

Here are some effects of breastfeeding on your baby's sleep that you may want to avoid:

Suck to sleep association. When your baby starts to rely on breastfeeding to get to sleep, it can make it harder for him to get to sleep. Your baby may wake up during the night and his return to sleep depends on breastfeeding. And as they get older, weaning will be more difficult.
Others find it harder to feed your baby. There may come a day when you return to work or have a fun night out on the town. If your child refuses to go to bed without feeding you, this can be a serious problem. Early bottle introduction allows your partner and loved ones to take care of them (while you get a well-deserved break).
Emotional toll. Parents already face sleep deprivation after the birth of their new baby. If only the mother can put the baby to sleep, it can be detrimental to her emotional and physical health. Sharing the responsibility of feeding a baby can greatly reduce stress and set everyone up for long-term success.

When to stop breastfeeding your baby so he can sleep

As your baby grows, watch out for the following signs that it's time to stop breastfeeding for sleep:

Some babies suckle without swallowing, this is called comfort breastfeeding. While this is normal from time to time, your baby should not breastfeed frequently for greater comfort.

We all have habits that help us fall asleep. If your baby has a habit of relying on breastfeeding to get to sleep and refuses to go back to sleep until you breastfeed him again, this may be a sign that it's time to stop breastfeeding.

Babies have shorter and lighter sleep cycles than adults. If your baby is addicted to breastfeeding to fall asleep, that means he will wake you up every 45 minutes throughout the night. In this case, sleep training can be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers.

Getting your baby to sleep without the breast

Here are some ideas to help your child establish a healthy sleep pattern:

Create an environment conducive to relaxation. Do your business early in the morning. You and your baby will probably sleep better if you take the time to unwind before bed. You can take your child for a nice evening walk around the block or just go outside and take a few deep breaths. Fresh air can do wonders for calming and relaxing.

At the end of the day, keep your child close and make sure the environment isn't too noisy. Certain regular noises and regular conversations can help your baby fall asleep.

Make breastfeeding about food. While breastfeeding, wear something that is harder to remove from your breast, which will delay breastfeeding a bit. It's a way of saying, "I'm here, but preparing for breastfeeding takes time. Your older child may decide it's not worth the wait and agree to a hug. To keep your baby awake while breastfeeding, pay attention to signs that he is full. Then roll over and turn your back after feeding. You are still there for your baby, but not for your breasts.
Follow a regular nightly routine. Start a predictable bedtime routine, including activities like "brushing" your gums or teeth with a damp cloth, reading together, singing your favorite songs, all quietly and the same every night. If you have a partner, ask him or her to do a nightly routine with your child on a regular basis.

Before going to bed, lie down with your baby pressed against your chest, this will release calming hormones in both of you. Try holding your baby for about 20 minutes after their eyes are closed. Thus, it is much more likely that they will not open again as soon as you put the child to bed.

Talk to them through it. As your child's understanding grows, you can add a few extra steps, such as talking to your child about the daily routine. Briefly breastfeed your baby, then stop and move away for a while. You can explain to the child that you need to take something or put away, and you will immediately return. Gradually extend the breaks a bit, but always keep your promise to return. This process can help build confidence and make it more likely that your child will fall asleep on their own while waiting for you to return.

You can also explain to your child that breastfeeding takes place during the day, but only once at night.

Every child is unique and will develop their own sleep habits. You can help them establish a good nighttime routine by staying active during the day and calm at night.