Slightly OT but how do you stay awake whilst bf?

[baileyscommet]

As I've said, slightly off topic but I really need help. I'm mum to a whirlwind 20 month old and now a 16 day old. My 16 day old is a really feeder and comfort sucker but I cannot keep my eyes open whilst feeding her. I'm becoming worried as I wake up and she's managed to get into all sorts of positions. She barely sleeps and my 20 month old is waking in the night again - any ideas as to how to stay awake? I try watching telly (with the lights off and very little noise) but this isn't working - I'm just worried about this from a danger perspective.

[Fiver]

I have to admit I did used to drift off at times when feeding DD (more so than DS).  When they're so small you can end up with a bit of an oxytocin surge when you're feeding which helps you to doze off.  Not a lot you can do about that really as it's a completely normal hormonal reaction to feeding your baby.

Is it daytime or nighttime dozing that you're worried about most?

[baileyscommet]

Hi Amanda,

Its both to be honest. Whether its day or night doesn't seem to affect my ability to doze off - I just cannot fight it!

I see you are in Bedfordshire, I'm in Cambridge 

[ZacsMumme]

At night can you feed lying down in a safe position in the bed? This may at least prevent the risk of LO sliding off you as she will be on the bed already - and you can make the bed safe KWiM?

Hugs, I struggle to stay awake at NF this time around (and we are on day 4 only) one thing that helped with Z was actually a milo when feeding at all feeds. It gave energy and fluids...

[RachelC]

Must be a second child thing    I was zonked out, especially overnight, when feeding DD2! 

[ZacsMumme]

Must be a second child thing    I was zonked out, especially overnight, when feeding DD2! 

You'd think we would cope better not worse aye! Maybe our bodies are trying to tell us something

[~Sara~]

*hugs* I still get sleepy when I nurse my DD now!  Not like I used to, but it will get better.  Totally a hormone thing...you just get so relaxed.  Having 2 I actually looked forward to bfing in those early days because even when I couldn't get a nap in, feeling that surge at least helped me chill out a bit (goodness know I needed it!).

I found it helpful in those early days to drink some cold water while nursing...kept me awake enough.  Also, you could try some pillows under your arms, helping you to keep the baby up with no chance to roll off of you.

[Fiver]

At night can you feed lying down in a safe position in the bed? This may at least prevent the risk of LO sliding off you as she will be on the bed already - and you can make the bed safe KWiM?

I was going to suggest the same thing for night time.

Also, you could try some pillows under your arms, helping you to keep the baby up with no chance to roll off of you

Also a great idea.

The number of times I dozed off at DD's BT feed