The truth about breastfeeding your baby to sleep

Picture this: it’s the middle of the night, and your little bundle of joy is fussing and crying, unable to drift off to dreamland. Exhausted, you cradle your baby close and offer the warm embrace of a breastfeed. In moments, a sense of calm washes over your little one, and they peacefully drift off to sleep. Their tiny hand gently holding on to you. As a breastfeeding mum, you might have wondered if it’s okay to breastfeed your baby to sleep.

Today, we’ll explore the wonderful world of breastfeeding to sleep, discovering why it’s more than just okay—it’s biologically normal! We’ll also delve into the sleep-inducing components of breastmilk and debunk myths about bad habits and negative affects on baby’s development.

Biologically Normal

Breastfeeding your baby to sleep is not a new thing; it’s deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. For countless generations, mothers have breastfed their babies to sleep, and there’s a good reason for it. Babies are designed to seek comfort, nourishment, and safety from their mothers, and breastfeeding gives all three. The act of breastfeeding releases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” not only promoting bonding, but also providing a sense of safety in your little one. Your baby’s need for comfort, nourishment and safety means they often don’t like to sleep separate from mum. They wake often to have these needs met. While this is normal and important for your baby’s health, it can be exhausting. Check out my Breastfeeding Through the Night Survival Guide for some tips on how to make night times easier with a breastfed baby.

Nurturing Infant Mental Health and Parent-Child Attachment

One of the most biggest reasons why breastfeeding your baby to sleep is beneficial has to do with infant mental health. During the early months of life, babies are forming their first and most crucial attachments with their parents. This process sets the foundation for all future relationships and profoundly influences emotional well-being throughout life. By breastfeeding your baby to sleep and responding to their need for comfort and closeness, you’re promoting a secure and ideal parent-child attachment. This bond provides a safe base from which your baby can explore the world, fostering confidence and resilience in the face of challenges throughout their life.

Sleep-Inducing Components of Breastmilk

Breastmilk is a magical mixture that goes beyond just nutrition. It’s not a coincidence that babies breastfeed to sleep. Breastmilk contains components that bring on sleep, such as tryptophan and melatonin, which play key roles in regulating sleep-wake cycles. Tryptophan helps produce serotonin, a substance that promotes relaxation and sleep. On the other hand, melatonin is the hormone responsible for signalling to our bodies that it’s time to wind down and rest. So, when your baby latches on, they not only get a full tummy but also a natural sleep potion that gently lulls them to dreamland.

Debunking the Myths

MYTH #1: Breastfeeding to sleep is damaging for baby development

Some people in your life might express concerns that breastfeeding your baby to sleep could negatively affect their development or create unhealthy sleep associations. However, numerous studies and experts in paediatric development agree that there’s no evidence to suggest that breastfeeding to sleep negatively impacts a child’s development. It actually fosters a strong sense of security and trust in the world, which are essential foundations for healthy emotional growth.

MYTH #2: Breastfeeding to Sleep is A Bad Habit

You might have heard that allowing your baby to fall asleep at the breast is a bad habit and creates bad sleep associations. But the truth is, babies naturally learn to self-settle over time, when they’re developmentally ready. Every time you help them to sleep, you show them how to regulate their body and teach them how to do this, and with practice, they will do it on their own. As they grow, they’ll become more independent in their sleep habits. Breastfeeding to sleep is just a temporary phase in your baby’s life and does not mean you’ll be doing it forever. By providing comfort and closeness during these early months, you’re actually nurturing a secure attachment that will allow them to feel safe and confident in settling to sleep later on.

Bringing it all together

Breastfeeding your baby to sleep is not only biologically normal but also beneficial for both you and your little one. The sleep-inducing components of breastmilk, combined with the emotional comfort and security it provides, create a soothing and nurturing bedtime experience for your baby. Also, fostering a strong parent-child attachment through responsive caregiving enhances your baby’s mental and emotional well-being, providing a solid foundation for future relationships and overall development.

If you’re a breastfeeding mum who’s experienced the magic of breastfeeding your baby to sleep, I’d love to hear your stories! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this with other mums who might benefit and feel reassured from this information.