Q&A Why is My Baby Waking Up At Night?
by Wendy Goldenthal1 Comments
Q My 10 12 month old wakes up two or three times in the night. She nurses and then goes right back to sleep. Is she doing this because she is not getting enough to eat during the day (she is not a good solid food eater)? Or is she doing it out of habit. She used to sleep through the night at about 4 months, but not anymore. What can I do?
A What you are experiencing is fairly common and can be as a result of a number of factors. It is common for babies to wake up in the middle of the night. In fact, most of us wake up in the middle of the night - sometimes more than once. Because most babies are not eating solid foods very well at this ages, breastmilk is still the main source of your baby's nutrition.
You can help your daughter a number of ways:
When she wakes up, rather than you going in to her, have your husband or another person go in to comfort her. She will naturally associate you with breastfeeding, but not others.
Also, you might want to sneak in an extra nursing in the evening hours to help her caloric intake. If you continue to nurse her those two or three times, she will come to expect it, and her stomach may also come to expect it. As with all things, changes in a baby's behavior happens slowly over time. Rarely does a baby change her habits or expectations in a week!
Good luck,
Warmly,
Wendy
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A Certified Breastfeeding Counselor with eight years of experience. She is the founder and owner of Nursing Mothers Supplies, a website where breastfeeding mothers can purchase breastfeeding supplies and get a little advice as well.
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