Introduction to Breast Feeding Night Feeds
As a lactation consultant in London, I've worked with many mums who struggle with breast feeding night feeds. According to the NHS, breast feeding is an excellent way to nourish your baby, and night feeds are a crucial part of this process. In fact, the NHS recommends exclusive breast feeding for the first six months, as outlined in their guidelines (CG30). In this article, we'll explore the importance of night feeds, how to manage them, and provide tips for dropping night feeds when the time is right.
Importance of Night Feeds Breastfeeding
Night feeds are essential for your baby's growth and development. The NCT recommends that babies be fed on demand, including during the night, for the first few months. This helps to establish a good milk supply and ensures that your baby is getting the nutrients they need. For example, a study published in the BMJ found that breast feeding reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by 50% (NICE, 2019).
How to Manage Breast Feeding Night Feeds
Managing night feeds can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help. Here are some steps to follow:
- Establish a bedtime routine to help your baby wind down and prepare for sleep. This can include a warm bath, a massage, and a lullaby, all of which can help to create a soothing atmosphere, with the soft glow of a nightlight and the comforting sound of a baby monitor.
- Use a Wearable Breast Pump (Double), like TheRelievoo Wearable Pump, to express milk during the night, making it easier to feed your baby and get some rest. This can be especially helpful for mums who have to return to work, as it allows them to express milk discreetly and efficiently.
- Consider co-sleeping or having a bedside crib to make night feeds easier and more convenient. This can be especially helpful for mums who have had a caesarean section, as it reduces the need to get out of bed.
- Take turns with your partner to feed and care for your baby during the night, if possible. This can help to reduce the workload and allow both parents to get some rest.
How Many Times Should a Breastfed Baby Feed During the Night
The frequency of night feeds will depend on your baby's age and individual needs. According to the Tommy's website, babies typically need to feed every 2-3 hours during the first few months, including during the night. For example, a baby who is six weeks old may need to feed at 10pm, 1am, and 4am.
Dropping Night Feeds Breastfeeding
As your baby gets older, you may want to consider dropping night feeds. Here are some steps to follow:
- Gradually reduce the frequency of night feeds over a period of time. This can help to prevent engorgement and discomfort.
- Offer a comfort object, like a pacifier or soft toy, to help your baby self-soothe during the night. This can be especially helpful for babies who are used to feeding to sleep.
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine to help your baby learn to sleep through the night. This can include a warm bath, a massage, and a lullaby, all of which can help to create a soothing atmosphere.
Weaning Off Night Feeds Breastfeeding
Weaning off night feeds can be a challenging process, but it's an important step in helping your baby learn to sleep through the night. According to the La Leche League GB website, it's essential to be gradual and gentle when weaning off night feeds to avoid upsetting your baby's routine.
I remember working with a mum who was struggling to wean her six-month-old baby off night feeds. We developed a plan to gradually reduce the frequency of night feeds, and I encouraged her to offer a comfort object, like a soft toy, to help her baby self-soothe during the night. Within a few weeks, the baby was sleeping through the night, and the mum was able to get some much-needed rest. She told me that it was like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, and she was finally able to enjoy some quality time with her baby during the day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are several common mistakes that mums make when managing breast feeding night feeds. Here are some things to avoid:
- Not establishing a consistent bedtime routine. This can make it difficult for your baby to learn to sleep through the night.
- Not using a wearable breast pump to express milk during the night. This can make it difficult to get some rest and can lead to engorgement and discomfort.
- Not taking turns with your partner to feed and care for your baby during the night. This can make it difficult for both parents to get some rest and can lead to burnout.
Cutting Out Night Feeds Breastfeeding
Cutting out night feeds can be a difficult process, but it's an important step in helping your baby learn to sleep through the night. According to the NICE guidelines (CG30), it's essential to be gradual and gentle when cutting out night feeds to avoid upsetting your baby's routine.
Conclusion
Managing breast feeding night feeds can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, it can be a successful and rewarding experience. Remember to establish a consistent bedtime routine, use a wearable breast pump, and take turns with your partner to feed and care for your baby during the night. And, if you're looking for a reliable and efficient wearable breast pump, consider TheRelievoo Wearable Pump, now £85.90, was £171.80, with free Royal Mail tracked delivery, 30-day money-back, and lifetime warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about breast feeding night feeds:
-
Q: How often should I feed my breastfed baby at night?
A: The frequency of night feeds will depend on your baby's age and individual needs. Typically, babies need to feed every 2-3 hours during the first few months, including during the night. -
Q: How do I drop night feeds while breastfeeding?
A: Gradually reduce the frequency of night feeds over a period of time, offer a comfort object, and establish a consistent bedtime routine. -
Q: What is the best way to wean off night feeds breastfeeding?
A: Wean off night feeds gradually and gently to avoid upsetting your baby's routine. Offer a comfort object and establish a consistent bedtime routine. -
Q: Can I use a wearable breast pump to express milk during the night?
A: Yes, a wearable breast pump, like TheRelievoo Wearable Pump, can be a convenient and efficient way to express milk during the night. -
Q: How do I know if my baby is ready to drop night feeds?
A: If your baby is sleeping through the night and waking up for feeds less frequently, it may be a sign that they are ready to drop night feeds. -
Q: What are the benefits of using a wearable breast pump, like TheRelievoo Wearable Pump?
A: The benefits of using a wearable breast pump include convenience, efficiency, and comfort. TheRelievoo Wearable Pump is a hospital-grade, hands-free wearable pump, under 35 dB, with free Royal Mail tracked delivery, 30-day money-back, and lifetime warranty.
Written by Olivia Bennett, IBCLC
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (London, UK)
Olivia is an IBCLC and mum of two based in London. Since 2018 she has supported 500+ British families with breastfeeding, expressing and the back-to-work transition, and writes all TheRelievoo UK guides in-house with the product team. She has been quoted in Mother and Baby and Cosmopolitan UK.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Hannah Whitfield, MBBS MRCGP (London)
