How to Wake a Sleeping Newborn to Nurse

Parents usually look forward to their babies sleeping through the night. Newborns often lose weight in the first few days after birth, though, so it̵7;s important they get enough nutrition. According to the Mayo Clinic website, babies need to nurse every two to three hours and, in the first few weeks of life, you may need to wake your baby to nurse to make sure he gets all the nutrients he needs. Frequent nursing also helps new moms produce milk and establish a breastfeeding routine.

Instructions

    • 1

      Wake your baby during REM sleep if you can, as advised by well-known pediatrician and author Dr. Bill Sears. During REM sleep, your baby̵7;s eyelids will flutter, she might make faces or seem to smile and her fists may clench. During this lighter stage of sleep, it will be easier to wake her.

    • 2

      Hold your baby upright and talk to him. Cradling him encourages him to relax and sleep, the opposite of what you want him to do when it̵7;s time to nurse. An upright position helps him wake up, as does extending his arms.

    • 3

      Rub the bottoms of her feet and the palms of her hands to help her wake up. You can also stroke her face with a cool washcloth.

    • 4

      Undress your baby from the waist up, open your shirt and place your baby against your bare chest if you can. Cover your baby̵7;s back with a light blanket or towel. According to Sears, this helps your baby wake up and your body heat will keep him warm.

    • 5

      Express a few drops of breast milk by hand. Rub your milk-moistened nipple against your baby̵7;s lips to encourage her to start nursing.

    • 6

      Switch breasts if your baby starts to fall back asleep. Burp him or rub his back a bit when switching sides to help him wake up again.

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