Chapter 5. Night Feeds
Night feeding is important to avoid milk blockage or mastitis. Also. it is quite important for milk establishment or maintenance particularly during the first month.
Generally speaking, babies only start to develop a day-night rhythm around two months old.
In the first two months after birth, if you have help at night so you can sleep, aim to feed at least once during the night to help stabilize your milk supply.
We understand that mothers are tired and want to sleep through the night. However, it is important to feed at least once during the night, as prolactin tend to peak in the middle of the night. Since prolactin is produced during the night, you are recommended to continue pumping at least once in the early morning until your milk supply stabilizes. Since your milk supply might be less than what your baby needs, frequent feeding is key to increasing it. Therefore, in the first 4-6 weeks, feeding at least once every three hours can help boost milk production.
You only need to feed at night before your milk stabilizes. Around 2-3 months postpartum, some mothers can wean night-time feedings.
It is normal for babies to want to feed more at night, especially during growth spurts. This behavior usually subsides within a few days. It is also possible that he is seeking comfort. You may consider using the side-lying position if you feel tired.
It is common for babies around this age to sleep longer at night as they grow and your milk supply starts to regulate.
Whether nighttime breastfeeding or pumping is necessary depends on your milk supply. Mothers with a larger supply might experience engorgement or blocked ducts if they do not express milk during the night. However, others can sleep through the night without affecting their milk supply the next day. Try following your baby's biological schedule for one night. If your breasts do not become engorged and your supply does not decrease the next day, you can continue following your baby’s biological schedule. However, if your breasts do get engorged if you do not breastfeed at night, pump a small amount until your breasts feel comfortable. Avoid emptying your breasts to prevent overstimulation and excessive milk production. Applying a cold compress can also help reduce engorgement. Your supply will gradually adjust to your baby's needs without engorgement, which is quite amazing - no engorgement but milk is readily available.
Of course, when your baby enters a growth spurt, he may need to be fed more frequently, including at night. You can adjust accordingly at that time.
First, determine if the baby is genuinely hungry or needs comfort. It depends on the amount the baby is taking. If it is within their growth period, it is normal for older babies to wake up and eat at night. If it is a matter of habit, consider training the baby to self-soothe with these routines and strategies.
Around six months of age, about 50% of babies can sleep for six hours at night. If he wakes up in the middle of the night, do not rush to comfort him. Give him the opportunity to learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep (generally, night feeding is not required).