How to stay awake during night feeds?

[vincettenoir]

How do people stay awake during night feeds? Has anyone got any advice about what helped them stay awake. I know about safer co sleeping but I would really like to know what can be done to stop falling asleep in the first place.

I just couldn't in the end which is why I ended up cosleeping

Mumsnet!! Or other reading on my phone. I got through a lot of books!

I used to stand up when dd was tiny. Then after a terrifying moment where I fell asleep with her (she was fine thank god, but I still haven’t forgiven myself 2.5 years later) I started cosleeping. Saved my sanity!

Mumsnet, put a lamp on, ask DH to get up and make a brew if your BF! X

It depends on the stage? First few weeks were KILLER, I had to have my phone and would sometimes poke DP awake to keep an eye on me.

Later on, the emergency jelly baby and mini flapjack stash to give me a burst of energy (and cavities). Weeks 4-12 were all about the snack bowl in bed.

Now, cosleeping. Half the feeds lying down, other boob sitting up (I haven't mastered lowering the upper boob, or rolling with the baby, yet). Also I think I'm used to the sleep deprivation.

I absolutely had to learn cosleeping safely as I was so tired I knew Id sleep so I wanted to plan for it rather than accidently sleep which I thought more dangerous.

Eventually she'd stir Id make sure my boob was near her and I'd go back to sleep!

Don't try to stay awake, you'll be exhausted. You need as much rest as you can with a baby.

Sit up properly, kindle and a Himalayan salt lamp.

Books really got me through the night feed!

Before 8 weeks I used to sit down stairs on the sofa (more
Comfortable for stitches) with a cup of tea and the TV on. Then the Tv and lights are started to keep her awake so now I read my kindle.

I'm sat waiting for number two to arrive currently!

I've bought this light this time, as looks like I won't need to always turns lights on etc. Just clip it on and it gives the bit of light you need.

MeeMoo Baby Meelight - Soft and Soothing Portable Nightlight for Feeding and Caring for Your Baby at Night https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01EG4OIMQ/ref=cmswwrcppapiii_9J0IDbMY161VH

Downloaded lots of books on kindle and series on tablet. :-)

Leaving aside co-sleeping (which honestly saved my sanity!).
Could you try reading books on your kindle/phone
Having a box of posh chocs for feeding time to perk you up?
Watching a box set with headphones

I couldn't stay awake. I decided to safely cosleep as it was much less risky than nodding off sat up with a tiny baby.

I never co-slept, personally didnt like the idea of it.
I used to sit upright either on the edge of the bed or up the headboard. I'd look at my phone (normally googling a million baby questions) or reading mumsnet
Sip some water every 5 mins or so
You could download a book to your phone maybe

My friend got a night light necklace thing that buzzed/vibrated every few minutes which she swore by as she didn't want to cosleep. I sat up to feed to keep myself awake but caved in the end and coslept as it wasn't worth the risk (and DS fed what felt like 5000 times a night).

I checked social media and MN on my phone. Didn't turn on any lights or tv because I wanted baby to learn the difference between day and night. I think it worked as both slept through from early on. I have a 3 month old now that sleeps 9 til 7