The Nursing Baby - Q&A

One mother asks:

My six month son is breast and formula fed, due to a true low supply - I take Motilium and Fenugreek, pump every 2 and 1/2 hours and still do not produce enough for him:(

My question is about napping and nursing. We practice the family bed at night and I am fine with night nursing. My problem is that he wakes within 5 to 10 minutes if I lay him down by himself during the day. If I hold him or lie down with him he sleeps deeper and when he stirs I let him nurse back to sleep. My relatives say that I have created this by sleeping with him at night - that he is unable to sleep by himself now. But I know other mothers that night sleep with their babies and their children nap by themselves. So, did I do something wrong or is it just one of those things and he will eventually out grow it? In some ways I guess it's a positive excuse for me to take a nap!

It sounds like you've got the right attitude! This is a great excuse for you to take a nap. Or bring a magazine/book and relax while nursing.

There are no studies that indicate that cosleeping makes it more difficult for babies to fall asleep for naps. That doesn't mean it's not true, it just means no one has studied the issue.

Speaking from anecdotal experience, I believe that there may be a link for some infants. My own daughter was the same way. From age 3 weeks to 9 months, she did not take any formal naps. She would, however, catnap for 10-15 minutes at almost every nursing during the day. She generally just fell asleep on her nursing pillow in my arms, and I kept her there (I'm sure you can guess I was at the computer working on answering questions and processing orders during these times!).

Really, how your baby naps is unique to your baby, and not a concern as long as your baby seems well rested.

If it's any comfort, the idea of naps for small infants, separated from their mothers is an extremely recent idea in the history of parenting. In more traditional cultures, babies are worn by their mothers almost continuously for the first 9 months or so, and simply fed on demand.

As your baby's sleep habits mature, he will most likely begin sleeping deeply enough for you to leave him alone during naps. However, there are no guarantees! You may find your baby needs particular things in order to sleep deeply - music or quiet, darkness or night lights, warm blankets or "free style".

Wishing both of you happy napping!

These tips are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.

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