Night feeds also vary and may disappear within 6-8 weeks but more often will continue for 6-8 months!Hormone levels are higher at night, so it is important to give night feeds. In this way you will make sure that the supply and demand of your milk stays balanced, allowing you to produce enough milk for your growing baby. A few minutes to feed and put down your baby is no great hardship and it's a good excuse to have a cuddle! Once you get proficient, it really can only take 10 minutes from lifting your baby and putting him back, all fed! I know because I have timed it! (purely for research purposes!). I stay pretty much asleep and don't even put the light on, although a dim nightlight can be helpful. If you have to change a nappy, do it before the feed, so that you can put the baby down when he falls asleep on the breast. Once settled, don't forget to place your baby on his back and towards the bottom of the cot, so that he cannot wriggle down under the covers (which could cause overheating).
© Sharon Trotter
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