Sleepy babies
”Sleepy baby” is a common issue - the information in this blog is aimed at parents and carers dealing with a sleepy baby in the first days/weeks.
Immediately, after after birth, a healthy baby will normally be quite alert, opening their eyes, lifting their head feeding with enthusiasm for an hour or so.
After this, it is very common for them to go into a deep sleep for 12 or 24 hours. This might be biologically normal - maybe we are designed to do this so that everybody gets the chance to recover from birth? Many hospitals have a protocol of waking babies to feed at least every 3hrs during this period, which can be a challenge!
Be aware too of “second night syndrome” - when babies wake up on their second night, and appear very agitated, wanting to stay on your body and feed constantly. This is also normal and natural.
If you are trying to rouse your baby to feed & they’re too sleepy then-
Unwrap them from any blankets
Take off a layer of clothes
Watch for rapid eye movements under their closed eyelids, arm and leg movements, sucking activity and changes in their facial expression
After 30mins, if no signs appear then try tickling & chatting & wiping their face etc - a bit more vigorous waking techniques.
General points:
Keep the room temperature at around 18°C or undress your baby a little if the room is warm. Being too hot can make a baby sleepy.
Suggestions from LLL;
Here is an excellent page on this subject of sleepy babies. It includes tips & tricks to encourage baby to feed for longer.
Use breast compression to keep your baby nursing actively
Offer the other side in the same way. You can switch back and forth several times if it helps your baby stay awake and feed
Encourage cluster nursing whenever your baby is more alert
And…
“Getting a deep, comfortable latch is crucial. If your baby is not latched on well at the breast, he will have to work harder to get your milk. He may tire easily and fall asleep. Sometimes just a small adjustment to the way your baby comes to the breast can make a huge difference”.
Some resources:
It can be worrying when your baby is sleepy - here is some info to help you feel confident things are on track. If you have any concerns, especially about jaundice or low nappy output do contact your midwife team.
Breast compressions help to get more milk in:
I’d love to hear what worked for your family.
If you have any questions regarding anything mentioned in this post, please feel free to get in touch.