Practical question re night feeds

[Babbaganoush]

I'm 32 weeks and hoping to BF my baby. Just pondering night feeds and wondering about logistics. What did people do for light in the middle of the night?? I can't imagine I will want to put the bedside light on as it will wake my DH and also possibly make it more difficult for me/baby to get back to sleep. But I obviously want a bit of light so I can see what I'm doing, especially if I need to change the baby. Was considering getting a small night light or would that be a pointless purchase?

The nightcare may be primarily feeding, but may well not, depends on the baby!

Unless he operates dangerous machinery, is a roofer or does surgery or something like that his paid WoH requires no more rest than your parenting a baby during maternity leave. You need to be well to recover from pregnancy and birth and care for the baby and yourself safely. Some babies allow you to rest and do leisurely things during the day but a lot don’t!

I always bang on about this because of my experiences with DC1, eg health issues, several near misses for accidents. And seeing numerous friends go through similar and feeling terrible while their DH’s were running half marathons and chipper! I was lucky in that, after problems at first, DH “got it” and stepped up. Some DHs don’t, sadly.

You'll probably want your baby next to you, get the cot or whatever you're going to use as close as possible. Then you can at least reduce the likelihood of getting up and falling over. A nightlight will be useful to you for years to come so I would definitely recommend one. We have two ikea ones that have been going 5 years. I tried to find a link but I don't think they're sold anymore. Were called Spoka. We use them every night.
I shall also echo others and say your dp has a role in the night too. Whether he does the soothing or changing or if you even decide to express milk and do bottle feeds your dp is 100% responsible for his own role and that role is equal to yours. All people are different and do what is best for both of you but you shouldn't be awake and exhausted but having to repeatedly ask for your dp to wake up and help. It's not your job to manage his responsibilities! Sorry if I sound cross about this. I have good reason. I'm sure your dp is lovely.

I cannot recommend this enough

VAVA Night Lights
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B071SGJ8NL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7-R-AbNXGYMEA

Tap to turn on, small and portable when you go away anywhere, charges and then lasts for ages so doesn't have to stay plugged in. Just the right amount of light at its dimmest to locate your own nipple and your tiny baby's mouth and line them up (you'll be able to do it in the dark eventually but the very early days can require some practice)

I absolutely love this little lamp and am still using to get changed for bed when DD is already asleep in the cot etc

I think I bought it in a lightening deal, so slightly cheaper but I like it enough that I would happily pay full price

After struggling before, I invested in this for my last: www.babysecurity.co.uk/cheeky-rascals-zazu-reading-light-fin-grey.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwqWZst6H2wIVhOcbCh3pTgQkEAkYAiABEgJtt_D_BwE

I found having a low level light that was also portable was really useful. Apparently phone lights aren’t good to be used all the time (according to my husband) so I got the sheep one and it was really great for feeding and then for moving round for nappy changes.

I have just remembered that DD would only sleep with a lamp on for the first 6 weeks!

We also use the Owl nightlight and it’s great.
Enough light to feed but not too much. Ours turns off automatically after 20mins.

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009UPUC36/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_i4T-AbTV76K3J?tag=mumsnetforum-21

I used a pale blue night light purely because it gave the sort of light that didn't interfere with my ability to get back to sleep later.

You'd be surprised at how little light you actually need though. And the darker you can keep it, the better for both your sleep and the baby's. Having a blast of white light can wake you up too fully.

Hi @Babbaganoush I got mine from Amazon -
Emotionlite LED Plug Through Socket Night Light with Dusk to Dawn Senor Night lamp Children Protect Socket Indicator Lighting Mood Lighting Multi Colors (Green, Blue, WarmWhite) Interchangeable 0.6W 2990W 13A

I found after the first 6 weeks they didn't really need a nappy change during the night so it was just feeding. I wouldn't really worry about a light waking your dh to be honest he will have to learn to cope with broken nights!
For the early stages definitely have a little changing set up in your bedroom somewhere so you have everything to hand.

We just left hall light on then left bedroom door slightly open to let a little light in. Dark enough to sleep but also light enough to see what you’re doing.

I've always preferred minimal light when BF in night, so screen brightness at lowest setting has been sufficient - in fact am feeding DD to sleep while typing this post! I wouldn't buy anything special until DC arrives and you have a better handle on what works for you.

Ei