Hi
My child is around 58 days old. He has been fighting sleep. He does not sleep until the nipple is in his mouth. As soon as I put him down, he wakes up. I have been contact sleeping since a week now. I feed him for around 45 mins each feed plus another hour to put him to sleep. I have tried all the other ways to put him to sleep but nothing is working out. I am worried where my milk is not being enough and so he is not sleeping. Can u please help me

Question

Accepted Answer

It's challenging when a newborn struggles with sleep and feeding. Here’s a structured approach to address the issues:

### Addressing Sleep and Feeding Concerns:

1. **Assess Feeding Patterns:**
   - **Milk Supply:** Ensure your milk supply is adequate. If you’re concerned, you can consult a lactation consultant who can provide personalized advice and check if your baby is feeding effectively.
   - **Feeding Duration:** Newborns typically feed frequently, but if your baby is feeding for extended periods, it could be helpful to evaluate if there are any latch or feeding issues.

2. **Sleep Strategies:**
   - **Establish a Routine:** Begin establishing a consistent sleep routine. Even at this early stage, gentle routines can help signal to your baby that it's time to sleep.
   - **Safe Sleep Environment:** Ensure your baby’s sleep environment is conducive to sleep. A quiet, dark, and cool room can help.

3. **Comfort Measures:**
   - **Swaddling:** If your baby likes to be swaddled, it can help them feel secure and may improve sleep.
   - **White Noise:** Consider using white noise to mimic the sounds of the womb and help soothe your baby.

4. **Gradual Changes:**
   - **Gentle Transitions:** Gradually reduce the amount of time your baby spends nursing to sleep. Start by letting him fall asleep with the nipple in his mouth but then gently remove it once he’s drowsy.
   - **Comforting Techniques:** Try alternative soothing techniques, such as rocking, gentle patting, or using a pacifier if your baby accepts it.

5. **Health Check:**
   - **Consult a Pediatrician:** If you’re worried about your baby’s feeding or sleep patterns, or if you suspect there might be an underlying issue, consult your pediatrician. They can check for any potential issues and provide reassurance or additional guidance.

6. **Support and Patience:**
   - **Seek Support:** Don’t hesitate to seek support from family, friends, or parenting groups. Sometimes sharing experiences and strategies can provide new insights and comfort.

Addressing these aspects systematically can help improve your baby’s sleep and feeding patterns.