Can i still breastfeed if i sleep train?

1st November 2023

One of the most concerning questions I’ve heard as a sleep coach comes from anxious mothers who have been told (or read) that sleep training means an end to their breastfeeding journey.  Nothing could be further from the truth!  It really hurts my heart to think that a mother, who’s already stressing about feedingandsleepinganddoingallofthethings, would have this as an added concern on their list!

I want to lay this out clearly to help you make an informed decision in this space!

Some facts:

• Up to 12 months it’s normal for some babies to still need a feed overnight.

• If you’re breastfeeding your body works on a supply and demand basis.  Beyond the first few weeks establishing your supply, reducing night feeds will not mean an end to your supply.

• It is possible to teach independent sleep whilst still giving night feeds that meet your baby’s needs.

Feeding to sleep:

Here’s the truth: If you feed (or rock, or cuddle, or pat) your baby to sleep it CAN cause additional wakings as opposed to your baby being able to settle to sleep independently.

• Is it a problem?  ONLY if you feel you can’t cope with those overnight wakings.  If you can feed and get back to sleep easily, and its working for you, carry on!

• Can you move away from feeding to sleep and still continue to breastfeed as needed? YES!

Things to consider before you start:

• Is your baby healthy and gaining weight?

• Is there any underlying discomfort?

• Is your baby over 6 months old?

• If you’re unsure on any of the above or ANYTHING ELSE AT ALL, check with your health visitor or GP

Your approach:

If your baby is waking regularly overnight and being fed back to sleep each time, they’ll likely have a hunger and expect the calories they’re taking at those times.  This means a gradual reduction in feeds as your first step is a good idea.  There’s options on how to do this to make sure its something that you're comfortable with for your baby and also yourself!

Teaching independent sleep:

Its a biggy!!  If you decide that teaching independent sleep is something you want to do, then you can still meet your baby’s feeding needs!  If you want to continue to feed once, or twice at night, that's ok and can be factored into your approach.  If you have a sleep consultant telling you to eliminate all feeds and that doesn’t align with your own goals, then its a hard pass!!!

Independent sleep isn't at odds with night feeds.

I hope this reassures you about feeding and sleep.  YES babies can definitely want feeds beyond nutritional need. After 12 months it’s most likely habitual or for comfort.  And then its YOUR CHOICE whether to continue to or move away from it.  (My own two pence-worth; i believe if you’re breastfeeding then its a GREAT tool to settle your baby when they’re teething or ill.  And you can get back on track with sleep once those moments pass!) And rest assured, meeting your baby’s need for milk is something you can ABSOLUTELY do, even if you teach your baby to self settle.

Are you finding your nights are filled with night feeds and you're looking at your options right now?  Has this given you some reassurance and/or food for thought?  Email me at caroline@thesleepremedy.co.uk and let me know your thoughts!