Breastfeeding and sleeping

[PlanetTeaTime]

Is it possible for a baby to be suckling but asleep?

This is such a huge question for me because my daughter barely sleeps

100% yes. When mine was little they would go on the boob and after 5 mins fall asleep. Then scream when you took it away

Also my wee one didn't put much weight on as ge always fell asleep so the health visitor told me to leave him on for a while so he could get some while asleep.

I think so yes

Absolutely DS (12 weeks) feeds 3 times a night but technically sleeps through as he doesn't wake up, he just starts fidgeting about turning his head and smacking his lips and I know he needs feeding so I latch him on, he remains asleep and I doze back off.

Based on what I’ve read about dummies which I know aren’t the same thing but it’s still the sucking reflex so it surely can’t be that different- it’s definitely possible for them to be in a light sleep whilst suckling, but when they go into a deep sleep the jaw is supposed to slacken isn’t it.

Yes definitely! I still breastfeed my daughter before bed at 23 months old and if she's had a long day and sleeps before we turn the lights off she will be fast asleep and still suckling 😂 I think it's a reflex due to nipple being in the mouth?
I follow an account on Instagram called Hey Sleepy Baby, and she regularly does stories where she puts an ask box and people can ask if their baby is doing something normal sleep wise and everyone will vote in a poll. It's really helpful to be able to see other people have the same experiences, if you're interested!

Honestly. This information has turned my world UPSIDE DOWN ladies

Can't believe it

You wouldn't believe the stress I've been under thinking my daughter isn't sleeping enough during the day 😭

Thank you

Yes absolutely!

But also the amount of sleep they "should" get varies hugely, and you shouldn't get too hung up on it.

Yes, also they can have micro-sleeps, BUT if you think she is sleeping a fraction of what she should be, its worth investigating causes. DD barely slept, I remember at one stage recording all her little snoozes and night sleeps into an app and coming up with a combined total of 6 hours in a 24 hour period when she was meant to be sleeping 16 or something ridiculous like that. She had CMPA and bad reflux. She's fine now, and about 9 months flipped a switch with her stomach and could sleep well (and she's nearly 3 and no ongoing problems from barely sleeping as a baby!) but its so tough as a parent and I swear sometimes I think people think you're making it up.

My baby is sleeping and suckling as we speak!