It’s common for new babies to fall asleep after eating. Sleepiness with feedings can be a concern in some situations if your baby is not getting enough milk. Instead of falling asleep because they are cozy and satisfied, some will fall asleep because they are working too hard to retrieve the milk, so they tire out before they can finish a full feeding.
You’ll be able to distinguish normal sleepiness from concerning sleepiness in partnership with your pediatrician or certified lactation consultant. Here are some general things to look for:
Positive signs:
You can hear your baby swallowing while nursing
You can feel your breast empty by the time they unlatch
Before your baby falls asleep, they go from actively sucking to sucking lightly
Red flags:
Fewer wet or dirty diapers
Slowed weight gain
Extreme sleepiness, sometimes associated with jaundice
Clenched fists
Don’t worry about clock-based logs: A baby who nurses for five minutes and falls asleep is not necessarily worse off compared to a baby who takes twenty minutes to nurse. Duration alone is not a key indicator of whether or not they are getting enough milk. Check for the signs listed above, and when in doubt, ask your medical provider.