Surviving Night Feeds: A No-Nonsense Guide for New Parents
Night feeds – those bleary-eyed, sleep-deprived moments when you stumble out of bed to tend to your hungry little one. Let’s face it: they’re tough. But fear not! Here’s an honest and practical guide to help you navigate those midnight rendezvous with your baby.
Embrace the Chaos, No Rules Apply:
First things first: there are no hard and fast rules. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, night feeds are part and parcel of parenthood. So, cut yourself some slack and do what feels right for you and your baby.
Ignore the experts who claim you’ll never sleep again if you don’t follow their strict guidelines. Babies change, and what works now won’t necessarily hold true in a year. Trust your instincts.
Dim the Lights, Set the Mood:
Babies are born without a clue about day and night. Teach them the difference by keeping lights low after 7 pm. Invest in blackout blinds if needed.
Late at night, use a gentle night light to maintain the “it’s bedtime” message. Plus, it helps you see what you’re doing without blinding yourself.
Preparation Is Key:
Create a handy kit for night feeds. Include essentials like nappies, wipes, and a feeding pillow. Bleary-eyed fumbling is no fun.
If you’re breastfeeding, keep a big bottle of water nearby. Midnight snacks are optional but encouraged!
Co-Sleep or Not? It’s Your Call:
If you’re breastfeeding and finding those night feeds difficult- you might want to look into bedsharing. Tips for making it safer can be found here
Want to cuddle your baby all night? Absolutely. Do what feels right for you.
Remember, this phase won’t last forever. All babies eventually learn to sleep through the night.
Keep Baby Close:
When your little one dozes off, maintain a calm environment. Soft lighting, hushed voices, and proximity work wonders.
Bonus: You won’t have to stumble far when hunger strikes. Plus, it’s comforting for both of you.
Share the Load:
Partners, friends, or helpful family members – enlist their support. They can handle nappy changes or soothing while you catch a few winks.
Emotional support counts too. You’re in this together.
Consider hiring a Postnatal Doula to take the load off
Remember, It Gets Easier:
Those sleep-deprived nights will fade. Babies grow, routines shift, and eventually, everyone sleeps longer.
So, cuddle that tiny bundle, feed them, and know that you’re doing an incredible job. You’ve got this!
