Breastfeeding at night can be very challenging for many mothers. There are several reasons why nursing an infant overnight is often more difficult than during the day.
Baby’s sleep patterns
Newborns have very different sleep cycles than adults. They enter a light sleep state frequently, rather than dropping into a deep sleep for long periods. This means they tend to wake more often to feed. It is normal for a breastfed baby to wake every 2-3 hours at night to nurse in the first few months. Some babies will even cluster feed, taking very short naps and wanting to breastfeed every 30 minutes to 1 hour overnight. This frequent waking can leave mothers exhausted.
Hormone changes
Levels of the hormone prolactin are higher at night, which triggers milk production. At the same time, levels of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for milk letdown, are lower. This combination can make it more difficult for milk to flow easily during night feedings. Mothers may find their breasts feel fuller, harder, and more tender overnight.
Decreased milk supply
Milk supply tends to be lower between midnight and 5 AM. This can result in baby being more frustrated and feeding for longer periods during those hours. The breasts replenish milk most efficiently when they are emptied completely. Longer feedings overnight that do not empty the breasts can perpetuate the low milk supply at that time.
Exhaustion
Frequent waking and long feedings through the night leave mothers utterly exhausted. Physical and mental fatigue make everything more challenging. It can be very hard to stay awake during night feeds. Fighting to stay awake all night impairs letdown and milk transfer.
Lack of support
During the day, fathers and other family members can help with diaper changes, burping, soothing, and taking the baby for a walk. At night, mothers are often on their own, having to handle all responsibilities between feeds. Without support, the constant wake-ups become much more difficult both physically and emotionally.
Disrupted sleep cycles
Waking every couple of hours prevents mothers from dropping into deep, restorative sleep cycles. The constant light sleep and wake-ups lead to extreme fatigue. It also inhibits milk production, as prolactin levels cannot rise appropriately. Being awakened during light sleep makes it very difficult to fall back asleep.
Dim lighting
Night feedings typically take place in very dim rooms. Low lighting can make it harder for mothers to stay alert and prevent them from fully waking up. It can also be challenging to properly latch baby on and achieve a good milk transfer in near-darkness. Squinting at baby can lead to eye strain and headaches.
Reluctant nursers
Babies often tend to be sleepier and more reluctant to nurse at night. They may latch on weakly or fall asleep at the breast. Prolonged feedings due to ineffective sucking and repeated re-latching further exhaust mothers.
Nipple confusion
Using a bottle at night in hopes of getting more sleep can sometimes backfire. Babies can develop a preference for the faster bottle flow. This can result in outright refusal of the breast at night. Nipple confusion further complicates feedings when breast milk supply is lowest.
Isolation
Night feedings mean mothers spend hours alone with baby in the dark while the rest of the household sleeps. The isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Many women feel entirely overwhelmed trying to handle hours of night feeds on their own.
Fussy babies
Some babies are simply fussier and more restless at night. They may have their days and nights confused, wanting to cluster feed all night long. Trying to settle an upset baby while exhausted and without support makes night feeds even more challenging.
Night waking regression
Infants often go through phases of waking more frequently at night around 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months old. These night waking regressions can be extremely difficult to cope with. Previously restful babies suddenly are awake for hours cluster feeding around the clock.
Teething pain
When babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months old, the discomfort can disrupt their sleep. Night wakings increase and feedings are frequently interrupted by crying fits. The endless crying and little sleep leave mothers at their wits end.
Illness
When babies are sick with colds, infections, reflux, or other ailments, their sleep is impacted. They have a harder time sleeping soundly and wake more often to comfort feed. Frequent feeding is a tiring but necessary part of helping babies heal.
Distractions
The quiet and dark overnight provides less distraction than the daytime. Babies who feed efficiently during daylight can become more easily distracted and upset when feeding at night. Mothers struggle to keep baby focused on nursing in the dim, quiet hours.
Strategies for easier night feeds
While night feeds are inherently challenging, certain strategies can help support mothers get more rest:
- Sleep when baby sleeps during the day
- Ask partner or family for overnight help
- Take shifts with partner to allow longer sleep stretches
- Room share with baby for easier night feeds
- Keep diaper supplies, water, and pump nearby so you can stay settled
- Use a nightlight to see baby and stay awake
- Play white noise to lull both you and baby back to sleep
- Side lie nurse to avoid fully waking up
- Massage breasts and use heat for better milk flow
- Pay attention to latch to maximize efficient feeding
- Limit stimulation and eye contact to keep baby sleepy
- Offer a pacifier after feeding to extend sleep
- Take naps together during the day
- Accept any help offered from loved ones
- Remain flexible – this phase will not last forever!
Conclusion
Breastfeeding at night comes with many challenges for mothers. However, it is temporary. With support and coping strategies, mothers can make it through this difficult period. Take things one night at a time. Know that your breastmilk is worth its weight in gold for your baby’s health and development.