1 in 4 Moms Report Falling Asleep While Feeding Baby

Feeding your baby can be one of the most serene moments of parenthood—but for many, it’s also a moment when exhaustion takes over.

A recent study by the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals that more than 1 in 4 new mothers have fallen asleep while feeding their infants. While dozing off might feel inevitable during those late-night nursing feeding sessions, experts warn it can pose serious risks to your baby’s safety.

The study, which surveyed over 1,250 new mothers, found that 28 percent of participants had fallen asleep during feeding at least “sometimes” in the prior two weeks, with 83 percent of those instances being unplanned. Most mothers who reported falling asleep had been feeding baby in chairs, sofas or even in bed—places researchers caution can be particularly hazardous.

“While falling asleep while feeding young infants is not in itself too surprising, what is very alarming is that the majority of mothers did not plan to fall asleep, so the sleep space was potentially unsafe for the baby while both slept,” Dr. Fern Hauck, a safe-sleep expert at UVA Health explained in a press release. Research shows that cushioned chairs and couches can increase the risk of infant suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by up to 67 times.

Researchers point out that it’s not parents’ fault that they often feel sleepy when feeding. In fact, outside of the sleep deprivation that comes with those first few months and the calm that comes with baby quieting down to feed, the hormone oxytocin has been found to be released during breastfeeding naturally promotes relaxation and drowsiness in mothers.

So what can parents do to keep baby safe and reduce their risk of nodding off? Experts recommend these tips to stay safe and awake during feedings:

• Set Up a Safe Feeding Space: If you’re breastfeeding in bed, remove pillows and blankets to create a safer environment in case you doze off. Ideally feed in a uncushioned chair or on a firm surface. If you are looking for a comfortable place to feed and are between the couch, a chair or the bed, researchers and the American Academy of Pediatrics agree that feeding baby in bed is the safer option.
• Adjust Your Routine: If possible, schedule daytime naps or share nighttime feedings with a partner to reduce overall exhaustion.
• Keep Yourself Engaged: Play quiet music, listen to a podcast, or turn on the TV to help keep yourself alert.

Looking for more ways to cope with sleep deprivation during early parenthood? Check out these tips for how to survive on limited sleep and don’t be afraid to reach out for help. You can call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) at any time to speak with someone and get help finding resources.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.