There have been countless remarks on how moms are superheroes. They can juggle multiple chores at once, and only they know how best to run a home. However, there are times when moms feel face exhaustion and fatigue. New moms, particularly, struggle to stay alert when breastfeeding. This article will provide new moms with reasons behind their fatigue, the dangers of falling asleep, and how to combat the problem.
Reasons Why Moms Feel Sleepy When Breastfeeding
The Oxytocin & Proctalin Hormones
Oxytocin is also known as the 'love hormone’. The brain releases it when breastfeeding to help moms develop a loving bond with their baby. What most moms are unaware of is, oxytocin is responsible for stimulating a calm and relaxed feeling. This soothing, relaxation sensation puts a mom at risk of dozing off when breastfeeding. Another hormone associated with promoting a calm relaxed feeling for breastfeeding moms is proctalin. When the brain releases proctalin and oxytocin, it is difficult for a mom to stay alert during feeds.
Moms Spend A lot Of Time Caring For Their Newborn
Every 24 hours, newborns breastfeed every 2-3 hours. This schedule means that new moms have minimal time to take a rest. At times, infants latch on the breast for comfort, security, and attention, thereby increasing the feeding time. For this reason, it is easy for a mom to fall asleep when nursing.
The Setting Of The Nursery
When decorating a nursery, parents make an effort to ensure the room is quiet, inviting, and well-ventilated. The addition of a cozy chair or sleep surface can make the breastfeeding experience so comfortable, prompting a mom to fall asleep.
The Dangers Of Falling Asleep When Breastfeeding
For starters, Mom Junction explains that when you fall asleep when breastfeeding, you risk your baby falling from your arms, thereby causing physical harm. The risk is even higher when a co-sleeping mom slumbers when nursing. Sleep-deprived moms have poor judgment. They cannot tell when they are obstructing the baby’s face with their hand or blanket. First Cry Parenting adds that a mom can smother and suffocate the baby. Moms should, therefore, avoid co-sleeping in the first year for these reasons.
How To Stay Awake While Feeling Sleepy When Breastfeeding
Staying awake when breastfeeding can be difficult, but that does not imply it is impossible. The following five tips offer a great start.
1. Take A Walk Across The Room
Getting out of bed and walking across the room can keep you awake for longer. If you find yourself drifting off to sleep, develop a habit of moving around after 20 minutes. Regardless of the exhaustion, walking will help you remain alert when breastfeeding.
2. Engage Your Mind When Breastfeeding
As much as you are exhausted, having your mind engaged can help you stay awake. Why not read a book? You could download your favorite book on your electronic device. Use the night shield or evening mode feature at night to protect your eyes when reading. Another way to keep your mind engaged is by listening to music. Alternatively, you can listen to parenting podcasts to fight the sleep. Playing games on your phone or watching TV can also keep you awake when breastfeeding.
3. Eat Healthily
Did you know that consuming the right amount of calories when breastfeeding not only increases your energy levels but also boosts your milk supply? Therefore, ensure you eat foods rich in healthy carbohydrates and proteins. This will help you perform better for extended periods. You could also include a crunchy snack at night as you nurse. This will replenish your nutrients and keep your mind off sleeping. A glass of water can also help keep you hydrated and awake.
Refrain from the temptation of grabbing a caffeinated drink. Even though these drinks can offer much needed instant stimulation, the ingredients can be transferred through breastmilk.
4. Make An Effort To Rest
New moms barely have time to achieve quality sleep. However, you can turn the boat around by taking naps when your baby sleeps. Focus on getting quality over quantity sleep. Moreover, you can also request your partner, friend, or relative to look after your baby as you sleep. This will help you reduce your sleep debt and chances of you dozing when breastfeeding.
5. Set An Alarm
If you have tried other tricks to stay awake but have failed, it is time you used an alarm. Although it will not stop you from drifting off, the alarm will wake you up at designated times. A 5-minute beep is a great way to start. Romper advises you to reset the alarm once it goes off if the baby is nursing. You should also use the lowest volume setting to avoid distracting the newborn.
Sources: Mom Junction, First Cry Parenting, Romper.