Contrary to what most people believe, the primary goal of my Sleep Training approach is not actually about getting babies to sleep through the night. Instead I have parents focus on putting in place the fundamentals that will develop healthy sleep habits. When parents are consistent with these sleep practices, over time, it enables the natural consolidation of night sleep. Put simply, baby will naturally drop night feeds and sleep through the nights as soon as they are biologically ready (which varies immensely per child). So we’re not pushing or forcing anything. It’s baby-led weaning in a literal sense of the word!
So back to the question, yes, it is normal and in fact critical for newborns and young infants to wake regularly throughout the night in order to feed. At the same time, with solid sleep habits in place it is entirely possible for a baby to sleep long stretches through the night by an early age. Eli was around 4 months old when he first started sleeping 11 hours straight through the night, with no feeds. As long as feeding and weight are on track and there are no medical concerns, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this.
In fact, I would suggest that when a baby is ready to drop night feeds but continues waking frequently to feed because the only way they know how to fall asleep is with milk, we need to be careful to ensure that the child (and rest of family!) is getting the overall amount of sleep that they require. Some babies feed and remain asleep or go straight back to sleep after feeding, which doesn’t pose a problem (unless it becomes a problem for that family!). Other’s don’t and remain awake for long or frequent disturbed periods throughout the night and that’s where I would be more concerned. Sleep is critical to our health and wellbeing. Not getting enough restorative sleep, has been linked to almost all diseases and our memory, immune system, physical and mental development all depend upon adequate sleep.
I breastfed both of my children and so I fully appreciate that breastfeeding is of course not just about the calories. Often children just need the comfort and closeness it offers and that is a wonderful experience together for both mum and baby. I’m not criticizing any mum that feeds their baby (of any age) in the night. To the contrary! Neither am I suggesting that anyone should stop night feeds as long as both enjoy it and everyone is adequately rested and healthy. Equally, for the mums that feel pressure to feed on demand, let me tell you, feeding to sleep every hour throughout the night is not essential and certainly not your only option. It is absolutely realistic and achievable for babies to independently settle back to sleep sometimes or even always too. It’s just about giving them opportunities to do so.
Like everything, it comes down to balance and assessment about what is in your little one’s best interests. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop me a message to share your experiences and questions.
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