Survivor – Mommy Edition: Dealing with the 2nd Night
For the first two hours in your baby’s life he or she will be fully responsive, regarding overall reflexes- like sucking and rooting, until it goes into a sleepy state. This common ‘phase’ can last for up to approximately 30+ hours, until the baby finally ‘awakes’.
Following that it will cry and require a lot of feeding- this is typically called ‘cluster feeding’, as the baby will have three to five feeds in one sitting. If not all at once it will require feeding on and off for the next 12-24 hours.
Now, moms don’t panic.
Being worried about your milk supply is only natural. In this case however, you don’t need to be. It is only normal for newborns to act like that.
Many mothers will think that supplement feeds or pacifiers will help occupy their babies- but this can ultimately affect the function, and result of breastfeeding.
There are things that you, as a mother, can do to cope, or at least have a bit more peace of mind.
- Know that the continuous feeding acts as a natural stimulation for your milk supply.
- Your baby is simply adjusting to the fact that he or she is no longer in the womb.
- It’s also embracing the close proximity to your heartbeat and breathing.
- Remember to let your baby sleep on your chest in between feeding, so that when he or she wakes up their right by the breast to continue.
- Be aware that this is also a sensory overload for your newborn- different smells, textures, light, voices, temperatures, etc.
- Do talk to your baby, your voice will calm him or her- and over time it will familiarise that sound with comfort, and love.
- Use your time wisely- practice latching and positioning methods.
Imaging packing all your belongings and moving to a different country over night, that’s how your baby feels- everything is new. Let him or her slowly discover the surroundings- take in the sights, sounds, and smells. The most important thing you can do as a mother is to provide comfort which is done by placing the baby on you, near your breast.