Breastfeeding at Night

'You’re making a rod for your own back’ is what people love to tell you if you mention co-sleeping. ‘You’ll never get that child out of your bed’ is another one. 

Lisa and Philippa, co-founders of the Bshirt, are big fans of co-sleeping. It’s one of the 3 pillars of Attachment Parenting (co-sleeping, breastfeeding and baby wearing) and they both co-slept with their children. As their sons were born in the winter months, they struggled to find a way to stay warm during night feeds. They didn’t want the duvet anywhere near the baby and were getting cold shoulders at night. Their breastfeeding top the Bshirt is perfect for night feeds as it keeps your shoulders and tummy warm whilst still having super easy feeding access.

The choice is yours. We’ve created these two scenarios to illustrate how co-sleeping could save your nights.

The Up All Night Scenario

• 6:30pm Baby starts his bedtime feed
• 8:35pm Baby goes to bed after a 2 hour long cluster feed which is their normal bedtime habit. 8:40pm Mum and dad watch a single episode of their favourite show together
• 10:00pm Mum and dad go to bed
• 02:00am Baby wakes up for a feed (because it has been 3.5 hours and this is normal). Mum gets out of bed, gets baby and sits in a chair for 60 minutes to feed baby
• 3:00am Mum goes back to sleep
• 4:30am Baby wakes again. Mum gets out of bed, gets baby and sits in a chair for 60 minutes to feed baby
• 5:30am Mum goes back to sleep
• 6:00am Baby is up for the day. Mum and Dad groan.

In this scenario Mum has had 6 hours of broken sleep and has been up for 2 hours in the night. Dad has had 8 hours of sleep.

The Co-Sleeping Scenario

• 6:30pm Baby starts his bedtime feed
• 8:35pm Baby goes to bed after a 2 hour long cluster feed which is their normal bedtime habit. 8:40pm Mum and Dad watch a single episode of their favourite show together
• 10:00pm Mum and dad go to bed
• 02:00am Baby wakes up for a feed (because it has been 3.5 hours and this is normal). Mum gets out of bed, gets baby and brings baby into her bed to breastfeed.
• 2:10am Mum goes back to sleep
• 4:30am Baby wakes again. Mum barely has to wake up, she just has to find the other boob and she’s asleep within 2 minutes.
• 4:35am Mum goes back to sleep
• 6:00am Baby is up for the day. Mum and Dad groan.

In this scenario mum has had 7 hours and 50 minutes of broken sleep and has been up for 15 minutes in the night. Dad has had 8 hours of sleep.

Safe Co-sleeping

If you think that co-sleeping will work for you but you are worried about having your baby in your bed there are safe ways to co-sleep at night. Safe co-sleeping is a natural complement to night feeds and it can revolutionise your well being. 

Here is some guidance from the NCT about Sleep Safety:

•  Make sure your baby can’t fall out of the bed or become trapped between the mattress and the wall.
• Keep your baby cool by using sheets and blankets rather than a duvet
• Ensure bedding does not cover your baby’s face or head.
• You shouldn't co-sleep with your baby if you or your partner smokes (even if you don't smoke in the bedroom).
• You shouldn't co-sleep with your baby if you either you or your partner has drunk alcohol or taken drugs (including medications that may make you drowsy).
• Always put your baby to sleep on their back rather than their front or side.
• Babies don’t need a pillow until they are at least a year old. They should also be kept away from parents' pillows.
• Never risk falling asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair. If you’re feeling really tired and think you may fall asleep with your baby while feeding or cuddling them on a sofa or armchair, move to a bed (keeping in mind the safety guidelines above) or, if possible, ask your partner, friend or family member to look after them while you get some rest.

Give in to it

You will be breastfeeding your baby a lot. And we mean a lot. For hours at a time and then 20 minutes later for another FULL HOUR. Your baby will fall into a milk coma-like sleep which is the best freaking thing on this planet if you are a baby. Your baby will pin you down for the entire day and or night. You might feel like a dairy cow. Stock up on books and magazines. Binge watch something you wouldn’t normally have time to watch. This is YOUR time to simply grow that baby. You have nothing else to do. No laundry, no thank you cards, no dishes. Eat when you can. Doritos are a food group. Embrace it. It's like the best sick day of your entire life. It might feel endless but it really won't last long.

Sleeping through

Your child will eventually stop breastfeeding and sleep through the night. Do not fret about this. NEVER ASK SOMEONE IF THEIR BABY SLEEPS THROUGH if you want to support a breastfeeding mum. And if someone asks you this question, you are totally justified to reply by saying: 

This video by Dr Amy Brown is based on her research at Swansea University and explains why babies wake at night and why sleeping through really shouldn't be seen as a milestone, but just a natural stage that all babies reach at different times.

When you wean your child (or when they wean themselves) they may take 6-36 months to learn to sleep through. Which is (you guessed it) normal. So don't fret, follow your child’s lead, and rest assured that everything (including childhood) is a phase, and that it will pass.

The Bshirt nursing top is designed to improve confidence while nursing in front of other people. It has a clever flap that allows for quick, easy and fuss-free feeding access without the need for a breastfeeding cover.  You can simply cross breastfeeding cover off your list! The Bshirt is all you need to breastfeed with confidence. The multi award winning Bshirt is ethically made with organic cotton.

"The Bshirt nursing top is perfection. In spring and summer it is beautiful and versatile with various skirts and jeans on its own. And in autumn and winter layering up under a jumper makes nursing easy whilst staying warm and snuggly. It comes in beautiful colours and the quality is outstanding. I wear my nursing top most days and it makes nursing so easy."

Maria Betsworth, Little Peach London

“It allows me to wear certain clothing which I wouldn't normally wear while nursing, such as low cut tunics/dresses. I feel really confident and comfortable whilst nursing my baby wearing my Bshirt nursing top.” 
Juliette W