Melissa Portunato, IBCLC

Breastfeeding can be one of the most rewarding experiences for new moms, but it can also come with its challenges. One of the more common issues breastfeeding mothers encounter is a sleepy baby at the breast. Babies may fall asleep during feeding before they’ve had enough milk, leaving moms concerned about whether their baby is getting sufficient nutrition. If you are concerned about how your well your baby is feeding, it is important to seek the advice of an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), who can provide expert guidance and personalized support. 

Read on to learn simple strategies to help keep baby awake and engaged during breastfeeding. 

1. Skin-to-Skin Contact

Skin-to-skin contact is a powerful tool for promoting breastfeeding and keeping a baby engaged during feeds. Placing your baby directly on your bare chest helps regulate their body temperature, breathing, and heart rate, which can support more effective breastfeeding.

Research shows that skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth helps babies latch more easily and encourages bonding between mother and baby. It also stimulates the baby’s natural feeding instincts, making them more alert and ready to nurse. Limit swaddling and start every feeding skin-to-skin with your baby. Never underestimate the power of going back to the basics. If your baby becomes sleepy during feeding, consider skin-to-skin as a first-line strategy to spark their interest in nursing.

2. Hands-On Nursing

Another effective way to keep your baby awake at the breast is through hands-on nursing. This method involves softly massaging and compressing your breast while your baby nurses to keep them alert while feeding. Gentle compression of the breast can encourage milk flow and keep the baby engaged. When the baby begins to slow down or appear drowsy, lightly massaging the breast can help maintain milk flow and encourage the baby to continue feeding.

When your baby falls asleep or pulls off the breast, burp them and offer the second breast.  Each nursing session is unique, and not all babies will take the second breast every time. By consistently offering both breasts, you can ensure your baby is getting enough milk and nutrients during each feeding session.

3. Supplemental Nursing System

If your baby continues to struggle with staying awake or gaining weight appropriately, a supplemental nursing system (SNS) may be a valuable tool to consider. An SNS allows babies to receive additional milk (either pumped breast milk or formula) while nursing at the breast, keeping them engaged and motivated to continue sucking. This system consists of a small tube that is taped near the mother’s nipple, allowing milk to flow as the baby sucks, which can help keep them alert and actively feeding.

The SNS is particularly useful for babies who may need more milk but still want to continue breastfeeding. It encourages them to stay at the breast longer and helps ensure they are receiving the nourishment they need without becoming too sleepy to nurse effectively.

Incorporating these three techniques—skin-to-skin contact, hands-on nursing, and the use of a supplemental nursing system—can make a significant difference in keeping your baby alert and active at the breast. By staying proactive and attentive to your baby’s cues, you can support their feeding success and ensure they’re getting the nutrition they need to grow and thrive.

For help finding an IBCLC near you, contact our team at IBCLC@spectrababyusa.com.

References

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. (n.d.). ABM clinical protocol #3: Hospital guidelines for the use of supplementary feedings in the healthy term breastfed neonate, revised 2017. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. https://www.bfmed.org/protocols