Breastfeeding & sleep:

·       Infant sleep is highly variable.

·       Infants have small tummies so need to be fed frequently.

·       Frequent feeding, on demand, help to establish supply.

·       0-3 months, most sleep a maximum of 3-4hr as their longest stretch.

·       0-6 months nighttime sleep typically increases, with most having a longer night sleep by 4 months.

·       12 months, 50% of infants still wake once/night for feeding.

·       Breastfeeding mothers get the same amount (& better quality) of sleep as mothers who bottle feed.

Circadian rhythm:

·       Takes 3 months + to develop.

·       Most infants have a longer sleep at night by approx. 4 months.

Why do infants wake during the night?

·       They do not have a circadian rhythm developed in the early months.

·       Hunger.

·       Illness.

·       Environmental discomfort (too hot/cold, dirty/wet nappy).

·       Emotional factors (scared, lonely, bored).

·       Drug effects (tea/coffee/other stimulants).