Sleep & Breastfeeding: What’s Normal for Newborns?

Breastfeeding a baby a baby and sleeping well go together

If you’re a new parent, you’ve probably heard the phrase “sleep like a baby” and wondered who came up with it—because your baby certainly didn’t get the memo! Many parents worry about whether their baby sleeps “normally” and how breastfeeding affects sleep patterns. Let’s explain what to expect and how to navigate the newborn phase.

🌙 What’s Normal for Newborn Sleep?

Newborns have very different sleep cycles compared to adults. Here’s what to expect:

✔ Short Sleep Stretches – Most newborns sleep in cycles of 2–4 hours, day and night. Their tiny stomachs mean they need to wake frequently to feed.

✔ Light Sleep Stages – Babies spend a lot of time in active (REM) sleep, which helps brain development. This means they move, make noises, and wake more easily.

✔ Night Feeds Are Normal – Many breastfed babies wake every 2-3 hours to nurse, which is biologically normal and helps maintain milk supply.

🍼 Does Breastfeeding Help or Hurt Sleep? Are breastfeeding and sleep compatible?

Breastfeeding and sleep are deeply connected. Here’s how nursing affects both baby and parent’s sleep:

💤 Faster Sleep Onset for Baby – Breast milk contains melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone, which can help babies settle more easily.

🌙 Frequent Night Wakings – Breastfed infants wake up regularly at night, which helps maintain milk production and according to research helps prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

💖 Helps Parents Fall Back Asleep Faster – When you breastfeed, your body releases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes relaxation and sleepiness. This means that nursing parents often fall back asleep more easily after nighttime feeds compared to those who bottle-feed.

🛏 Tips for Better Sleep While Breastfeeding

1️⃣ Follow Baby’s Cues – Instead of watching the clock, watch your baby. Early hunger cues (rooting, sucking on hands) mean they’re ready to feed before full wakefulness.

2️⃣ Optimize Night Feeds – Keep nighttime nursing calm and quiet with dim lights and minimal stimulation to help babies go back to sleep faster.

3️⃣ Practice Safe Sleep – Follow the AAP’s safe sleep guidelines, keeping your baby on their back in a separate but nearby sleep space (like a bedside bassinet).

4️⃣ Try Dream Feeding – Offering a feeding before you go to bed can sometimes extend your baby’s first sleep stretch.

5️⃣ Take Care of Yourself Too! – Nap when you can, accept help, and don’t stress about sleep schedules—your baby will gradually settle into longer sleep stretches with time.

✨ When Will My Baby Sleep Longer?

Most babies start having longer night stretches (5+ hours) between 3–6 months, but every baby is different. Growth spurts, teething, and developmental leaps can cause temporary sleep disruptions.

If you’re struggling, know that frequent waking is normal in the first few months. But if you’re experiencing exhaustion or need extra support, working with an IBCLC (like me!) can help troubleshoot any feeding concerns that might be affecting sleep.

Need More Support?

I offer one-on-one lactation consultations (both in-home and virtual) to help parents with feeding and sleep challenges. Book a free intro call https://www.abclactation.com/free-call to evaluate your needs! 😊