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It will surprise few mothers that parenting is tough. But did you know that more than 1 in 4 mothers fall asleep while feeding? Understandable? Absolute. But also risky, experts say Parents. According to them, this is how you keep yourself and your baby safe.
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Researchers from the University of Virginia asked more than 1,250 mothers with a 2- to 3-month-old baby about their experiences. What turned out? As many as 28 percent of mothers admit to sometimes or often falling asleep while feeding. At least 34 percent do this in bed, and 17 percent on a couch or chair. The danger? When a baby falls asleep on a soft couch or is surrounded by pillows, the risk of suffocation or SIDS increases.
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Risk of suffocation
Lactation specialist Sarah-Ashley Law explains: “If you fall asleep on a soft sofa or chair, a baby can sink between the cushions and become short of breath. They can also fall off the chair and sustain injuries.”
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According to pediatrician Shaelise Tor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, it’s completely normal for parents to doze off while feeding – whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding. “It is important that parents hear during pregnancy and after delivery that this can happen,” says Tor. Although co-sleeping in bed is officially discouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), experts agree: if you do fall asleep, it is safer in your bed than on a couch or chair.
Create a safe feeding place
Good preparation is everything, especially for those feeding moments in the middle of the night. These tips help:
- Choose a firm mattress. Make sure your bed is far from the wall and there are no blankets, pillows or cords nearby.
- Lie down while feeding. A side position reduces the chance of accidentally rolling over onto your baby.
- Put your baby back in his own bed. Once your baby is asleep, place him on his back in a crib or co-sleeper.
Stay awake
And yet: prevention is better than cure. So try these hacks to stay awake:
- Provide incentives. Watch a series, listen to a podcast, or turn on a light. A sip of cold water can also help.
- Ask for help. Have your partner or another family member check whether you are awake.
- Avoid sleeping pills. Think of melatonin or antihistamines. Always consult your doctor if you take medication while breastfeeding.
- Change of location. Sometimes a different room or position can keep you alert.
- Then there is growth. Naps during the day can work wonders. Don’t hesitate to ask family or friends for help during the day.
Bron: Parents
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Parenting: Drowsiness and Dilemmas
Ah, parenting. It’s the only job in the world where you’re paid in crumbs, cuddles, and the occasional heartfelt scrawl of “I love you” in crayon. But did you know that over 1 in 4 mothers are so dedicated that they occasionally succumb to the siren call of sleep while feeding? Yes, napping while nursing has become the new Olympic sport—gold medalist in the feed-and-snooze category! But experts say, it might be time to trade in the Snooze Button for something a bit less lethal, like… well, just staying awake!
Researchers from the University of Virginia discovered that a staggering 28% of mothers admit to dozing off while feeding, with 34% doing so in the bed. Let’s just hope those blankets, pillows, and soft couches aren’t planning a coup against parental vigilance!
The Peril of Pillows
As lactation specialist Sarah-Ashley Law pointedly warns, “If you fall asleep on a soft sofa or chair, a baby can sink between the cushions and become short of breath. They can also fall off the chair and sustain injuries.” In other words, make it safe for junior, or you might wake up to a situation more suspenseful than a horror movie!
And just when you thought sleep was the enemy, pediatrician Shaelise Tor chimes in, “It’s completely normal for parents to doze off while feeding.” So fret not—let’s add “sleep deprivation” to the list of acceptable parental conditions, right next to “hair that could use a shampoo” and “clothes with mysterious stains.” Just know, if you doze, make it in your bed. The couch is for Netflix binges, not baby lounging!
Create a Safe Feeding Place
Preparation is everything, especially when it comes to those midnight feedings. Try these tips to avoid turning your feeding routine into a sleepytime tragedy:
- Choose a firm mattress. Because let’s face it, you’re not a burrito, and neither is your baby.
- Lie down while feeding. A side position is like a parental safety net; it reduces the chance of an accidental role reversal—baby’s awake, you’re the one dominating the pillows!
- Put your baby back in his own bed. The baby cot is a baby’s best friend; let’s not give them any philosophical questions about why they can’t sleep on the couch!
Stay Alert or Get Creative
If you still find yourself drifting into dreamland, prevention is key! Here are some nifty hacks to keep those eyelids from doing a hibernation dance:
- Provide incentives. Watch a thrilling series or start a podcast—nothing like a cliffhanger to keep you on the edge of your seat!
- Ask for help. Engage a partner—or an unsuspecting family member—to play the role of your personal ‘nap monitor.’ Trust me, it’s a solid plan.
- Avoid sleeping pills. Stick to real remedies; sleeping pills are for bedtime, not for feeding-time quandaries!
- Change of location. Sometimes a switch in scenery can wake even the sleepiest parent. Call it a “feeding field trip!”
- Daytime naps are essential! Even superheroes need a sidekick, so don’t hesitate to recruit family and friends for a power boost during the day.
So, there you have it, folks! The great feeding dilemma wrapped up with a cheeky bow. The ultimate rule of parenting? If you’re going to fall asleep mid-feed, do it safely and with purpose. And remember, you’re doing an amazing job—even if that job sometimes looks like you’re auditioning for the role of ‘Pillow Potato.’
What are the benefits of side-lying positions for feeding my baby?
Feeding. Side-lying positions can help keep your baby safe while you both rest your eyelids.
Now, while parenting isn’t exactly known for its sleep-inducing nature, there are some clever strategies to help keep you alert: One thing’s for sure—parenting is a wild ride, filled with highs and lows, and keeping your little one safe is always the top priority. Whether you’re navigating sleepless nights or finding creative solutions to stay awake during feedings, remember that you’re not alone on this journey. So, take a breath, laugh a little, and embrace the chaos! Source: ParentsStay Awake (if You Can!)
