I’ve breastfed three babies through countless late-night feeds, sleepy snuggles, and exhausted moments where I wondered how I’d keep going. Along the way, I’ve tried so many things to make nighttime breastfeeding easier:
I’ve read every breastfeeding tip I could find on Instagram.
I’ve scrolled through endless mom forums looking for advice.
I’ve dug into every FAQ about nighttime nursing on parenting websites.
And honestly? A lot of it helped. But if I had to do it all over again, these are the simple, sanity-saving tips I’d focus on to make breastfeeding at night way less exhausting.
What you need to get started
- A bedside caddy
- Earphones
- A large water bottle
- A Night light
- Breastfeeding pillow
- Breastfeeding bras
- Bedside crib
Tips for Breastfeeding at Night
1. Create a Cozy Feeding Station
Set up a comfortable spot near your bed with everything you need – water, burp cloths, snacks, and a dim nightlight. The last thing you want in the middle of the night is to be searching for something while trying to soothe a hungry baby. A dim light (like a salt lamp or nightlight) will help you see what you’re doing without fully waking you or your baby.
2. Use a Side-Lying Position
Instead of sitting up every time, try nursing while lying on your side. This position allows you to rest while your baby feeds, making it easier to go back to sleep afterward.
If you’re worried about safety, place a firm pillow behind your back for support and make sure there are no loose blankets or pillows near the baby.
It takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner!
3. Keep Baby Close
A bedside bassinet or co-sleeper makes it much easier to grab your baby for feeds without having to fully wake up. The less you have to move around, the easier it is to stay in a relaxed, sleepy state. If your baby sleeps in another room, consider bringing them into your bedroom for the first few months to make nighttime feeds more manageable.
4. Try Dream Feeds
A dream feed is when you nurse your baby while they are still half-asleep, usually right before you go to bed. This can help them sleep longer stretches, which means you might get a little more rest too. To do this, gently pick up your baby and offer the breast without fully waking them. If they latch and feed, great! If not, don’t stress – some babies respond well to dream feeds, while others don’t.
5. Minimize Distractions
Try to keep nighttime feeds as calm and low-key as possible. Dim the lights, keep interactions minimal, and focus on getting your baby back to sleep smoothly.
A lot of people say to avoid your phone – but honestly, I didn’t follow that rule. Instead, I’d read something uplifting, write a blog post or listen to a motivational podcast on my phone. It actually gave me something to look forward to during those long nights.
I know the goal is to feed and settle your baby quickly, but since you’re awake anyway, why not do something for you too?
6. Practice Gratitude
Not a tip you’ll expect in a guide about breastfeeding, but trust me, it works.
– I am thankful that my body can feed my baby
– I am thankful for this baby I have been blessed with
-I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
-This stage will not last forever so I’m going to soak it all in.
Simple mantras of gratitude can energise and give you a mindset shift.
7. Take Care of Yourself
You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself too.
Stay hydrated, eat nourishing foods, and rest when you can during the day. If possible, nap when your baby naps – yes, everyone says this, and yes, it’s easier said than done, but even 20 minutes can make a difference.
Give yourself grace; you’re doing an incredible job.
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Final Thoughts
Night feeds are tough, but they won’t last forever. Your baby will eventually sleep longer, and things will get easier. In the meantime, try these tips to make nighttime breastfeeding a little more manageable. You’re not alone, and you’re doing amazing!
