![]() ‘There is lots that partners can do to help in the middle of the night. For families where women are breastfeeding, this doesn’t mean that partners can’t help. Involving your partner or a family member or friend with night feeds can make a huge difference. Just knowing you’re not the only one who has to deal with night feeds can help you feel less lonely and like you’re both in this together.įran says: ‘In the early weeks, when partners are on parental leave, having some company (and support!) while feeding can be invaluable. Some couples take it in turns to offer a feed to their new baby. Put a glass of water and even a snack by your bed or feeding chair so you have some refreshment for yourself during feeds. This can all help the night feeds feel like less of a mission. It’ll help to have your baby in the same room and close to you for the first six months so you can hear when they wake and you don’t have to go too far. However, only change them if they’ve done a poo or their nappy is very wet, as it might overstimulate them when you’re trying to keep them relaxed. If possible, try to change baby’s nappy before a feed to avoid waking them up too much afterwards. Place a changing mat, nappies, change of clothes if needed and wipes (or cotton wool balls and fresh water) close by so you can change your baby quickly. It can help to be as prepared as possible to minimise the amount of time you have to spend getting everything ready when you’re tired and your baby’s hungry. If you’re mixed or formula feeding, make sure you have bottles already sterilised, and formula or expressed milk to hand. This is part of newborn behaviour that ensures they get enough milk but also to keep them safe.’ Be prepared ‘It’s really normal for babies to wake lots in the night to feed in the early weeks and months. NCT breastfeeding counsellor and postnatal practitioner Fran Bailey says: It would be a cause of concern if they didn’t! Unfortunately, this means that your own sleep will be incredibly disrupted for the first few months. After busy days looking after your baby, you’d be forgiven for looking forward to a good night’s shut-eye.īut the fact is, newborn baby’s tummies are small, and they need to wake up every few hours to feed. Sleep – or lack of it – is one of the biggest challenges when you have a newborn.
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