Breastfeeding While Sleep Training

The Breastfeeding and Sleep Training Relationship

One of the heated topics of the parenthood journey (and oh boy, are there a lot), is the breastfeeding and sleep training relationship and the many misconceptions around it. I’m telling you now, that both can exist in the same space, they did for me, and I help others through the same journey. Sleep and nutrition are two of the most important building blocks of your baby’s growth, development, and overall well-being, and sleep training can support both these important needs.

First things first - let’s clear the air around sleep training and night weaning – which are sometimes mistakenly assumed to be the same thing.

Sleep training is helping your child learn to fall asleep, and put themselves back to sleep during the night, independently.  

Night weaning is decreasing or eliminating feedings whether bottle or breast that occur through the night. If your baby needs to continue feedings through the night, or you just aren’t ready to eliminate the feedings, you absolutely can choose to sleep train without disrupting your nighttime feeds.  

Sleep training does not mean that you need to change night feedings or wean them in any way unless baby is developmentally ready for it, and you choose to do so.

Let’s explore some of the positive aspects of breastfeeding while sleep training:

1.       It’s Naturally Soothing

The act of nursing not only provides nutrition, but also releases hormones like oxytocin, which promotes relaxation and bonding with your baby. Nursing during the sleep training process can provide comfort and calmness to your little one as part of their bedtime routine, setting the stage for a peaceful transition to sleep.

2.        Regulation of Sleep Cycles

Breastmilk contains components that help regulate a baby’s sleep-wake cycle. The hormone melatonin, present in breast milk, plays a role in promoting sleepiness and establishing circadian rhythm. By breastfeeding ahead of bedtime, mothers provide their babies with a natural source of melatonin, which is a natural cue to them that its almost time for sleep.

3.        Sustainable Sleep Patterns

Having consistent sleep at night through sleep training, can allow for more predictable breastfeeding patterns for nighttime feeds. Breastfeeding during the night can still occur for mom and baby, in a way that promotes longer stretches of sleep, and fuller feeds. 

If you’re breastfeeding and considering sleep training, I hope you can see that the two can be complimentary to one another! By promoting healthy sleep habits while also promoting a strong bond with your baby and meeting nutrition needs, you can be supporting your little one’s well-being through both their sleep and breastfeeding journey.

Sweet dreams,

Katie