Guilt over falling asleep a while breastfeeding?

Question

I keep falling asleep while I'm feeding my son! Last night it happened three times - he actually spent 90% of the night sleeping in my arms as I slept. Now I'm concerned his back or neck will be effected because I'm sure he wasn't perfectly supported the entire time. Every time I say I won't do it again but it just keeps happening. I'm going to start sitting up on the couch for all night feedings now. How can I stop feeling guilty? What are the chances that last night could cause long term issues?

Answer

He will be just fine don’t worry! I think that there is not one Breastfeeding Mom out there that’s not guilty of falling asleep while nursing. Maybe start nursing him laying down that way you don’t have to worry about this or him slipping out of your arms. Just make sure that there are no pillows or blankets.That’s what I did. Once my daughter was asleep I moved her to her pack’n play. To stay awake I just browsed Facebook or Glow on my phone.

Answer

My dr said to just make sure he was laying flat on the mattress next to me with no sheets or blankets and no pillows and if I fell asleep with my arm around him I would most likely wake up that way. Every time I have done it I made sure he was in a safe position if I felt sleepy and when I woke up we were always in the same position. I don’t completely fall asleep when my baby is with me if that makes sense. My body is always aware of them and I wake up feeling as though I wasn’t asleep. It’s weird and it’s not good sleep but it’s something when I am exhausted and it gets better after the first couple weeks. I always felt guilty and afraid so I talked to the drs and they assured me if I fell asleep that way but still had that sense of being awake I was fine. I was told not to do it on the couch because he could roll off of me and into the cushions or off my lap and onto the floor.

Answer

Stop worrying. Your doing awesome. Taking care of a new baby is hard and we’ve all been there and fallen asleep. Babies are exhausting. If your concerned about supporting baby I’d suggest using a boppy pillow. Or maybe have your spouse check in on you and remove baby if you do fall asleep.

Answer

You should get one of the in bed cribs or something along those lines so instead of having to get up you can lay the baby next to you in bed. I know people say “yadda yadda that’s not safe.” But they wouldn’t sell it if it wasn’t safe.

Answer

Most likely there isn’t any harm done, but it is recommended that babies sleep straight and flat on there backs at night my doctor told me. But be careful to not fall asleep on the couch! It could be more dangerous. good luck😊

Answer

He will be fine... if anything he will just enjoy cuddling more as he gets older.  This happened so much for me with my first... hardest part was getting him to not crawl in with me as he got older (7-10) loved every minute I got to cuddle with my guy

Answer

My kid sleeps on my boob everynight lol. Just make sure you have the area set up to support him so he doesn’t fall. Or just feed him while laying on your side

Answer

I️ coslept with my son and often fell asleep with him in my arms while breastfeeding. He is 15 months old and has no neck or back problems :) get your sleep girl! Just set yourself up in a comfy position for the both of you just Incase you fall asleep

Answer

The AAP has just started to recognize that falling asleep while breastfeeding is common. However, it is still dangerous-particularly if you fall asleep while holding your LO due to the possibility of baby falling in between pillows and such and suffocating. 
Have you tried laying down on your side to BF? That way if you are going to fall asleep, baby is laying flat and not being propped up. AAP says this is better than falling asleep sitting up. You just have to make the space you are laying down in as safe as possible (remove all pillows and blankets, etc, and if possible lay on the floor or a mattress on the floor).

Answer

honestly if you happen to fall asleep on the couch could be way worse... theres that chance he could fall outta your arms & fall the couch. . your baby is fine, babies are very flexible for the first year or so of their lives. youre doing just fine, i fell asleep & i still fall asleep after 14 months of my little ones life breastfeeding her . please stop worrying!

Guilt over falling asleep a while breastfeeding?

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