Published recently in the journal Pediatrics, researchers report that they found no difference in the amount of sleep a mother receives whether she is breastfeeding or formula feeding her baby. In their study, 80 new mothers were monitored electronically over a ten-week period beginning at 2 weeks post-partum. Additionally, the mothers completed daily diaries. Researchers measured total sleep and time awake, sleep quality, fatigue and daytime sleepiness. In addition to finding no difference in the amount of sleep, the researchers found no difference in fatigue or daytime sleepiness.
The fact is many of us have long believed that breastfeeding mothers get as much sleep (if not a little more) and perhaps a better quality of sleep than their formula feeding counterparts. One reason may be that when we breastfeed, the hormone relaxin is stimulated and released from our brain. Relaxin helps us to feel more relaxed. So, we tend to fall asleep very easily after feedings, nature’s way of encouraging rest for a new mom. Furthermore, little effort is required to bring baby to breast when he awakens for a feeding. And the milk is already warm and waiting! No formula mixing, warming, etc. is necessary. More time to sleep! Finally, breastfed babies tend not to over-feed or take in large amounts of air during feedings, so they are not prone to the discomforts of stomach distention and aerophagia commonly seen in formula / bottle-fed infants. In the event you’d like to read more, I have added a couple of links to more information about the study. However, please don’t lose valuable sleep over this. Remember the old adage “sleep when your baby sleeps” and you should be fine!
We are excited to be a part of your birthing experience, and assure you we are here to help you meet your breastfeeding goals. The lactation team at MoBap includes eight board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs). We are all registered nurses who have more than 100 years of combined experience as lactation consultants and many more years as OB nurses. One of our consultants is also a registered dietitian.
We want to provide you with the support you need to meet your personal breastfeeding goals. Whether you’re nursing your first baby or your fifth, we are here to help. Most babies are healthy and will breast feed just fine. However, we are also experienced in helping when there are difficulties such as prematurity, multiple births, and babies with special needs.
We individualize our approach to your specific needs and understand that moms don't all have the same breastfeeding expectations and goals. Our lactation consultants will work with you during your stay at the hospital, but are also available after you go home, either by phone, our popular breastfeeding support group, or by outpatient consultations.
Congratulations, and please let us know what we can do for you and your new family as you begin this exciting journey!
Missouri Baptist Medical Center lactation consultants discuss breastfeeding, infant care, baby safety, and other parenting and birthing issues. For more information about breastfeeding, pregnancy, giving birth, and infant care visit www.MoBapBaby.org.
