When Your Newborn is Too Sleepy to Breastfeed
- Rani Aslam
- May 19
- 9 min read
By Princess Aslam, RN, IBCLC
Newborns typically sleep a lot—around 18 hours daily—but what happens when your baby seems toosleepy? Can sleepiness interfere with proper feeding? This comprehensive guide explores normal newborn sleep patterns, optimal feeding frequency, and effective strategies for feeding a sleepy baby to ensure they thrive during these crucial early weeks.
Normal Newborn Sleep Patterns
Newborns generally sleep 16-18 hours out of every 24 hours
Sleep usually occurs in 2-3 hour stretches
Some babies may have one longer sleep period of 4-5 hours
Extra sleepiness during the first 24 hours after birth is common
Sleep patterns are typically irregular with no distinction between day and night
Babies cycle through active (REM) sleep and quiet (deep) sleep
During active sleep, babies may twitch, grimace, make sucking movements, or flutter their eyelids
Healthy Feeding Patterns
Breast milk digests quickly—sometimes in as little as one hour—and newborns have tiny stomachs (about the size of a cherry at birth, growing to the size of an egg by day 10). This means they typically need to feed:
8-12 times per 24 hours
Every 2-3 hours (measured from the start of one feeding to the start of the next)
Sometimes more frequently, especially during growth spurts or "cluster feeding" periods
Feeding sessions typically last anywhere from 10-45 minutes total
Nighttime feedings are normal and necessary for maintaining milk supply
Feeding cues include: rooting (turning head searching for breast), hand-to-mouth movements, lip smacking, sucking on fists/fingers, increased alertness, small sounds, and squirming
Early feeding cues are ideal times to initiate breastfeeding—crying is actually a late hunger cue and can make latching more difficult.
When Sleepiness Becomes a Problem
While sleeping a lot is normal for newborns, excessive sleepiness can sometimes indicate issues. A baby may be too sleepy if they:
Consistently sleep longer than 3 hours without waking to feed
Fall asleep immediately after latching, without active feeding
Are difficult to wake for feedings
Show signs of dehydration (fewer than 5-6 wet diapers after day 5, dark urine)
Have dry lips or sunken fontanelle (soft spot)
Are not regaining birth weight by 10-14 days
Appear jaundiced (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Seem lethargic or difficult to rouse
Potential causes of excessive sleepiness:
Birth interventions: Cesarean delivery, forceps, ventouse (vacuum extraction) or medications used during labor and delivery
Prematurity or health concerns: Babies born before 37 weeks or with other medical conditions often need more support with feeding
Separation from mother: Babies who aren't kept in close proximity may "shut down" to conserve energy
Insufficient milk intake: Creating a cycle where less milk leads to more sleepiness, which leads to even less milk
Jaundice: Elevated bilirubin levels make babies sleepy, which reduces feeding, potentially worsening jaundice
Overstimulation: Too much handling, bright lights, or noise can cause babies to "withdraw" into sleep
Missed feeding cues: Due to swaddling, pacifier use, being too warm, or separation from mother
Severe breast engorgement: Makes it difficult for baby to latch properly and transfer milk efficiently
Maternal medications: Some medications taken by the mother can transfer to breast milk and cause drowsiness
Dehydration: Can create a dangerous cycle of increasing lethargy
How to Wake a Sleepy Baby for Feeding
If your baby isn't waking at least 8-12 times in 24 hours, try these techniques:
Watch for light sleep cycles: When baby shows rapid eye movement (REM) under closed eyelids or begins to fidget, make small movements, or has fluttering eyelids—these are optimal times to attempt feeding
Hold your baby in feeding position: Sometimes this alone triggers feeding reflexes as familiar positioning cues their body to prepare for feeding
Practice skin-to-skin contact: Place baby lightly dressed or naked against your chest to stimulate feeding instincts and natural reflexes
This "biological nurturing" position activates baby's feeding behaviors
The warmth of your body helps keep baby at the perfect temperature
Your heartbeat and breathing provide comfortable, familiar rhythms
Change the diaper: Often wakes baby enough to feed
Combine with gentle massage of hands and feet
Using a cool wipe can provide enough stimulation without being unpleasant
Talk to baby during the change to encourage alertness
Try different sensory stimulation:
Gently wipe baby's face with a cool washcloth
Express a few drops of colostrum or milk onto baby's lips
Stroke the palm of baby's hand or bottom of their feet
Gently move baby's arms and legs in a bicycle motion
Talk to your baby in a normal voice (avoid whispering)
Try different breastfeeding positions: Rugby (football) hold, straddle hold, or reclining positions might keep baby more alert
Laid-back positions can help gravity maintain a good latch
Upright positions might prevent baby from getting too comfortable
Changing positions mid-feed can re-stimulate interest
Create a conducive environment:
Dim lights rather than bright ones (bright light causes babies to shut eyes tightly)
Maintain a quiet atmosphere without excessive stimulation
Unwrap baby from tight swaddling during feeding attempts
Avoid pacifiers: These can pacify baby back to sleep, leading to missed feeding opportunities
Remove scratch mittens so baby can use hands for rooting and self-cuing
If baby sucks on fingers or hands, guide them to the breast
Keeping Baby Awake During Feedings
Getting baby to latch is just the beginning. To keep them actively feeding:
Ensure proper latch and positioning: Poor positioning makes milk transfer difficult
Baby should have a wide open mouth with lips flanged outward
More areola visible above baby's top lip than below bottom lip
Baby's chin pressed into breast, nose clear or just touching
No clicking sounds or dimpled cheeks during feeding
Use breast compressions: Gentle pressure on the breast keeps milk flowing at a stimulating pace
Cup breast with hand in C-shape, thumb on one side, fingers on the other
When baby's sucking slows, squeeze gently and hold while baby drinks
Release when baby pauses, then repeat when sucking slows again
This technique helps maintain milk flow and keeps baby interested
Switch sides frequently: When sucking slows on one breast, offer the other before baby falls asleep
This "switch nursing" technique uses the initial let-down response to keep baby actively feeding
Can switch multiple times during a single feeding session
The faster flow at the beginning of each breast stimulates baby to keep eating
Use gentle stimulation techniques during feeding:
Stroke baby's cheek, chin, or jaw to encourage sucking
Gently rub baby's back or tickle feet
Talk to baby to maintain alertness
Slightly adjust positioning to re-stimulate interest
Watch for active feeding: Look for jaw movement and audible swallowing, not just comfort sucking
Active swallowing often sounds like a soft "kah" sound
You'll see deep, rhythmic jaw movements that extend to the ear
Baby will have periodic pausing in the suck pattern when swallowing
A well-feeding baby typically has patterns of suck-suck-swallow
Express milk and supplement if needed: If baby consistently falls asleep before getting enough
Pumping or hand expressing helps maintain milk supply
Supplementing with expressed milk gives baby energy to breastfeed better at next session
Work with a lactation consultant to create a tailored plan
Consider mother's needs:
Stay hydrated and nourished yourself
Change positions if you're becoming uncomfortable
Ask for help with household tasks to focus on feeding
Rest when baby rests to maintain your energy
How to Tell if Baby is Getting Enough Milk
Active feeding looks like:
Jaw movements during sucking that extend all the way to the ears
Regular swallowing (pattern of one or two sucks per swallow)
Active feeding for 10-15 minutes or more from one or both breasts
Rhythmic sucking with periodic pauses for swallowing
Audible swallowing sounds (soft "kah" or gulping)
Baby appears satisfied after feeding (relaxed hands, calm demeanor)
Remember that time at breast doesn't equal effective feeding. A baby can be latched for an hour without getting much milk if they're comfort nursing rather than actively feeding and swallowing.
Signs of adequate milk intake:
Immediate indicators:
Audible swallowing during feeds
Milk visible in baby's mouth
Mother feels breast softening during and after feeds
Mother experiences let-down sensation (tingling, warmth, or increased milk flow)
Daily indicators:
5-6+ wet diapers daily after day 5 (urine should be pale yellow)
3-4+ bowel movements daily in the first month (yellow, seedy consistency)
Baby seems satisfied after most feeds for at least a short period
Feeding sessions include periods of active suckling and swallowing
Mom's breasts feel softer after feeding
Long-term indicators:
Steady weight gain after initial newborn weight loss
Returns to birth weight by 10-14 days
Gains approximately 4-7 ounces (113-200 grams) per week in first months
Consistent growth in length and head circumference
Meets developmental milestones
Periods of alertness and contentment between feedings
Tracking tools:
Baby feeding apps can help monitor frequency and duration
Simple paper logs work well for tracking wet/dirty diapers
Regular weight checks with healthcare provider
Photos can help track visible changes over time
When Additional Support is Needed
If your baby remains too sleepy to breastfeed effectively despite trying these techniques:
Express your milk regularly:
Pump or hand express at least 8 times daily (every 2-3 hours) to maintain supply
Use a high-quality double electric pump if available
Learn proper hand expression techniques as a backup
Store milk properly for future use (see storage guidelines below)
Supplement with expressed milk:
Options include:
Small cup or medicine cup (for alert babies)
Spoon or syringe for small amounts
Slow-flow bottle with paced feeding technique
Supplemental nursing system at breast (for babies who can latch but need flow encouragement)
Start with small amounts (10-15ml) and increase as needed based on age and weight
Always try at breast first, then supplement after attempting breastfeeding
Consult healthcare professionals promptly if:
Baby seems excessively lethargic or difficult to wake
Baby is not producing adequate wet or dirty diapers
Jaundice appears to be worsening (increasing yellowing of skin/eyes)
Weight loss exceeds 10% of birth weight
Baby has not returned to birth weight by 14 days
Baby shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken fontanelle, dark urine)
You're experiencing significant nipple pain or damage
You notice signs of mastitis or engorgement (redness, pain, fever)
Work with a lactation consultant:
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) have specialized training
They can provide personalized assessment and support
Can help identify underlying issues affecting feeding
May recommend specialized techniques or tools
Can develop a customized feeding plan for your situation
Can provide emotional support during challenging times
Breast milk storage guidelines:
Room temperature (77°F/25°C or cooler): up to 4 hours
Refrigerator (40°F/4°C): up to 4 days
Freezer (0°F/-18°C or colder): 6-12 months
Always label with date and use oldest milk first
Support for mothers:
Join breastfeeding support groups (in-person or online)
Ask for help with household tasks and other children
Consider arranging for postpartum doula support
Prioritize your nutrition, hydration, and rest
Remember that many families face feeding challenges—you're not alone
Bottom Line
While newborns naturally sleep a lot, they should wake regularly to feed. If your baby sleeps for extended periods without feeding or seems constantly sleepy, being proactive is key. Getting support early helps protect your milk supply and ensures your baby receives adequate nutrition while you work toward establishing effective breastfeeding.
Remember these key points:
Normal newborn sleep is 16-18 hours daily but should include waking every 2-3 hours to feed
Breast milk digests quickly, and babies need frequent feedings to thrive
Excessive sleepiness can create a cycle of poor feeding and decreased milk supply
Proactive techniques to wake baby and maintain active feeding can help overcome challenges
Expressed milk is an excellent way to supplement a sleepy baby while protecting supply
Professional support from healthcare providers and lactation consultants can be crucial
With proper support and techniques, most sleepy babies can transition to effective breastfeeding
Every baby and breastfeeding journey is unique. Trust your instincts, seek help early when needed, and remember that the early weeks are a learning period for both you and your baby. With patience, persistence, and support, you can overcome early feeding challenges and establish a successful breastfeeding relationship.
About the Author
Princess Aslam is a Registered Nurse (RN) and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with over 15 years of experience supporting new families through their breastfeeding journeys. She has worked in hospital settings, private practice, and community health clinics, helping thousands of mothers and babies overcome feeding challenges. Princess is passionate about providing evidence-based information to help families make informed decisions about infant feeding.
Additional Resources
La Leche League International: www.llli.org - Volunteer-led breastfeeding support
International Lactation Consultant Association: www.ilca.org - Find a certified lactation consultant
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine: www.bfmed.org - Evidence-based protocols
Kelly Mom: www.kellymom.com - Evidence-based breastfeeding information
Global Health Media Project: globalhealthmedia.org - Videos on breastfeeding techniques
Local hospital lactation departments and community breastfeeding support groups
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) programs offer breastfeeding support in the US
Breastfeeding helplines in many countries provide 24/7 telephone support
Comments