That breast milk is the best food for your baby is unquestionable. In fact, the World Health Organization recommends the exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age and, in combination with other foods at least up to two years. But if you're a nursing mom, you've probably heard hundreds of times that "bottle-fed babies sleep better" and therefore their moms get more rest.
I don't know about you, but when I was breastfeeding my children, I would get drowsy that on more than one occasion would knock me out. On the other hand, babies also do not escape this feeling of relaxation. Surely on more than one occasion your baby has fallen asleep on your chest. Then, What's true in these myths about breastfeeding and sleep?
Breast milk helps mother and baby sleep
Yes, yes, that despite the myths that circulate, various studies indicate that Breastfeeding favors the rest of both the baby and the mother.
It is true that breastfed babies wake up more often, but this does not mean that they sleep worse. Sleeping without interruptions does not mean sleeping well. Keep in mind that your baby's stomach is very small and that breast milk is digested very easily, so it is necessary for him to wake up several times during the night, to feed and avoid hypoglycemia.
Frequent feedings increase prolactin secretion to ensure good milk production. Prolactin has a relaxing effect on mother and baby, promoting sleep for both. The baby falls asleep at the breast and it is easier for the mother to fall asleep again. Prolactin also increases the quality of sleep so that, although there are nocturnal awakenings, the breastfeeding mother is more rested.
In addition, breast milk changes its composition throughout the day. At night levels increase L-Tryptophan, an essential amino acid for falling asleep. Tryptophan is the precursor of other substances such as serotonin and melatonin. All of them involved in providing a feeling of well-being and regulating the wake-sleep cycles.
Breastfeeding and sleep, a perfect tandem
This hormonal cocktail that we have just mentioned, together with foot-to-skin contact since breast suction is relaxing, make breastfeeding and sleep, create a perfect tandem to promote the correct development of your baby. In addition to favoring both their rest and yours. If, in addition, you practice co-sleeping, it will be much easier for you to breastfeed your baby and continue resting while you do it since you will save yourself having to get up and stay up.
As you can see, breastfeeding your baby favors the rest of both. So relax and enjoy. Over time, feedings will spread out and your child will be weaned one day. Then, You will even miss those night shots and that warm little body that was looking for you in the privacy of the night.