Sleepy baby

Why are some babies sleepier?

In the first few days, some babies can sleep a lot and show little interest in breastfeeding. Some reasons may include:

• Recovery from a more demanding birth
• Medication used during labour
• Prematurity
• Jaundice
• Separation from the mother

What to do if my baby is very sleepy?

Fortunately, there are many strategies you can use to wake up a sleepier baby, to ensure they get an adequate amount of milk and that your breasts continue to be stimulated.

• Keep your baby close to you, preferably in skin-to-skin contact
• Offer some expressed colostrum with the help of a healthcare professional

Most of the time, just a few drops of colostrum are enough for the baby to wake up and start feeding.

• Remove a layer of clothing
• Ensure a calm, dimly lit and quiet environment
• Talk to your baby
• Gently massage their back or feet

Breastfeeding a sleepy baby

• Try more reclined positions
• Use breast compressions
• Switch breasts
• Make the most of any times when they are more awake
• Offer colostrum or expressed breast milk
• Ensure a deep latch

If they remain too sleepy to feed effectively, you should seek an assessment from a healthcare professional or an IBCLC.

We share a video here that can help you identify a deep latch