Son falls asleep on the breast during feeding.

Alissa - posted on 06/04/2012

Its called comfort nursing. I just read an article about it on kellymom.com. check it out. It might answer some of your questions.

Sara - posted on 05/26/2012

Julie - at what age did your daughter stop nursing to pacify?

If my son is having a rough night and overly tired and nothing will calm him down I do nurse him and he falls asleep within minutes. Is this bad practice?

Julie - posted on 05/26/2012

Mine fell asleep every time. I used it to get them to bed. As long as they are feeding first its fine. I used to call myself the human pacifier. I had to break my daughter's habit of it. She would wake up in the middle of the night and I'd nurse her back to sleep until I realized she wasn't really needing to nurse she just wanted to pacify.

Tizianna - posted on 05/25/2012

My son always fell asleep when breastfeeding. Its normal. As long as you're changing like 6 wet/soiled diapers a day, he is getting what he needs from you. If you are ever unsure about anything call his doctor or the maturity ward at a hospital which should refer you to the breastfeeding consultant and/or health department. Hope this helps.

Sara - posted on 05/25/2012

DS is 12 weeks tomorrow and is gaining steady weight. He is probably almost 14 lbs. I do feel he is draining my breast but I do not know how long that takes. I just recently started pumping and my right breast produces 3 oz / left breast 2 oz. in 15 mins. DS is certainly not getting the same amount during every other feeding. He consumed a 5 oz bottle 4 times yesterday. I have only been giving him one breast at a time since he falls asleep initially on the first breast. Since he does fall asleep, does he know when he has had enough? I normally unlatch him. Can he continue to drink more than the initial let down? I only experience the letdown sensation in the beginning if the feeding. From what I have read he could take 10-15 mins to drain my breast. I also do not want to over feed him by switching my breast. Your thought are greatly appreciated.

Sarah - posted on 05/24/2012

If he's gaining then I wouldnt worry too much. My ds was a sleepy feeder too. I used to feed him then when he fell asleep I would change his nappy, or take his clothes off to wake him up, or try skin to skin, then latch him on again. Eventually he learned to stay awake to take what he needed.

Jessica - posted on 05/23/2012

it is very common for a baby to fall asleep when full and snuggled into you...don't you sleep better after a good meal all cuddled up with someone you love? your baby is well fed and feels safe and loved after nursing...if your baby needs more frequent meals than once every hour or two check for other signs of discomfort ie soiled diaper, too hot or cold, gas, etc...then feed again.

Aleks - posted on 05/23/2012

Totally normal. Infact, during nursing there are hormones and chemicals released in baby's (and mother's too) brain that will naturally slow the body down and ready it for sleep.
If he is hungry, he will surely wake up and demand more nursing.

When nursing, both my kids seemed to fall asleep, and so did I :-)

Its natures way of getting baby's to sleep!

Btw, you did not mention how old your son is and whether he has longer nursing sessions between falling asleep, or whether he also nurses when he wakes up.

Melissa - posted on 05/22/2012

As long as he continues to gain weight and has enough wet diapers (which it sounds like he does), then he should be just fine. My son is the same way!

Sienna - posted on 05/22/2012

You're fine!! My sons always fall asleep on the boob, if he's peeing and pooing enough then don't worry about it!

Sara - posted on 05/22/2012

We change him probably 7-8 times a day... most diapers are full of pee. It feels like it is most of the time.

Sienna - posted on 05/22/2012

Hmmm, does he fall asleep everytime? How many wet diapers a day does he have?