Naps and breastfeeding

[mamatoizzybee]

How on earth to breastfeeding mamas get their little ones to nap when they are going through growth spurts!
My little one has been feeding constantly all the day (7am - 2pm) for the last two days and has not napped until very late in the day - 3pm ish

Is this normal?
Thank you :)

Normal. It will pass. Try a total change in routine for a while, go somewhere for fresh air and get them to nap in car or pushchair so that you don’t start eating in to night time sleeping hours.

Hi @GoingRetroMN
Thank you for your reply . Would you suggest that I stop the cluster feeding and go out for a walk or drive to make her nap? And then continue when we return home?

How old?
Sometimes you just have to go with the flow.
Or try to introduce a routine.

@Stayawayfromitsmouth she's 6weeks

Are they doing that eating/sleeping thing? I wouldn’t worry too much about naps if they are eyes closed during part of their feeds. I think they know how to sleep and feed at same time. Naps will come as they get older.

As a pp said, at 6 weeks there aren’t really “naps” as such, just a continuous cycle of feeding and sleeping with short bursts of awake time.

Personally I absolutely would not interrupt her cluster feeding at this age - she’s trying to build up your milk supply and if you interrupt this it will be difficult for your supply to match her demand in the coming days!

My baby had her eyes shut a lot cluster feeding at the age. Am convinced she can feed and sleep at the same time (and still will do this now at 6 months if I've not got her to nap another way)

Also like PP said, if you want a break could always go for a little walk. My baby hated lying flat in the bassinet pram and much preferred to fall asleep in a sling, we use one of those long stretchy material wrap slings. However also like PP said you don't want to interrupt the cluster feeding too much but everyone needs a little break every now and again. I never could master it but you can also nurse your baby in the sling too.

P.s. You're doing great!

6 weeks they have a growth spurt and up your supply by feeding frequently and sleeping less- it gets easier after that! And the SO much easier after 12 weeks- keep going. Also have you tried lying down to feed? It's a faff but then you can co-sleep/nap with them! Look up safe cosleeping guidelines but this was a lifesaver for me!