Your most common sleep and breastfeeding questions answered

Is formula better for sleep?

‘Formula is great for families where this is necessary and preferred, however, there are some myths around formula and sleep.

“Formula is more nutritious”

Formula is a modification of cow’s milk, formulated with ingredients similar to human milk nutrients. Formula unfortunately can’t contain all the amazing variety of things our bodies can create - like relevant antibodies when a cold passes through the family or hormones released at certain parts of the day or night that support sleep. (Victoria et al, 2016)

“Formula is heavier”

There is a train of thought that formula milk sits more heavily on the stomach and is harder to digest, meaning babies sleep for longer periods. This is related to traditional formula recipes and hungry baby milks, which contain lots of Casein and take longer for a baby to digest (Lonnerdal, 2014; Lien, 2003).

To conclude, Formula is not a guaranteed solution for improving your baby's sleep. The type of milk (formula or breast milk) is less influential on sleep patterns than parenting behaviours and sleep associations. For better sleep, focus on consistent bedtime routines and addressing sleep habits rather than switching from breast milk to formula.’

• Sleep Studies: Research shows that formula-fed infants do not sleep longer or have less fragmented sleep than breastfed infants.
• Night Feeds: Most studies indicate that mothers of formula-fed babies are more relieved by the ability to share night feeds rather than seeing an actual improvement in the baby's sleep duration.

"Is it wrong to breastfeed to sleep?"

‘Feeding to sleep is a tool that has been used globally for millennia. It's a perfectly natural and common way to support a child's sleep and doesn’t need to be stopped if it works for your family. Personally, anyone who tells you that you must stop breastfeeding to sleep is a red flag! This should be an informed and balanced decision that you, as the family, reach when the time is right for you!

Benefits of Breastfeeding to Sleep

Soothing Effect: Nursing is inherently soothing for babies. The warmth, smell, and heartbeat of the mother create a calming environment that helps babies relax and fall asleep.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Optimal Nutrition: Breast milk is tailored to meet the baby’s nutritional needs, providing the perfect balance of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins. This ensures that the baby is well-nourished and satisfied before sleep.
• Easy Digestion: Breast milk can be easier to digest than formula, reducing the likelihood of digestive discomfort that could impact sleep.

Sleep-Inducing Hormones:

• Tryptophan: Breast milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that is a precursor to melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Higher levels of tryptophan in breast milk at night can help babies develop a healthy sleep-wake cycle.
• Melatonin: The presence of melatonin in breast milk helps signal to the baby that it is time to sleep, promoting a natural circadian rhythm.

Lower Stress Levels:

• • Oxytocin Release: Breastfeeding releases oxytocin (the love hormone), which helps both mum and baby feel relaxed and content.
  • Increased Arousability: Breastfed babies tend to have better arousability from sleep, which is thought to be protective against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The frequent waking and lighter sleep cycles associated with breastfeeding can reduce the risk of SIDS.’

"At what age should I stop breastfeeding to sleep?"

‘There is absolutely no right or wrong age to be feeding a baby to sleep, you can continue to breastfeed well into toddlerhood if this is an effective and functional method for your family. There are lots of benefits to feeding your little one and if they happily drift off as a result then there is no reason you need to stop because it feels like a societal expectation.

Here are some things to consider relating to moving away from feeding to sleep short-term or more permanently:

• • If the breastfeeding parent is feeling totally overwhelmed and touched out and needs a break. Basically if they want to for their own sanity!
  • If there are medical concerns for the feeding parent, including medications, ill health or mental health considerations.
  • If this has become totally unsustainable for your family for whatever reason.
  • If feeding to sleep has become problematic for your child.

"Can babies sleep whilst breastfeeding?"

‘Babies can indeed fall asleep whilst feeding and even do sporadic sucking motions whilst they are asleep. The sensation of sucking is soothing for babies, not to mention their proximity to you. This is especially comforting for babies under 3 months in what’s called the fourth trimester. There are no issues with a baby sleeping on the breast so long as you feel comfortable and safe doing so.

Breastfeeding mothers tend to get more overall sleep, partly due to the convenience of breastfeeding, which can be done while lying down and often requires less preparation and cleanup. Research suggests that mothers who breast-sleep (bedshare and breastfeed) have increased quality and quantity of sleep (Quillin and Glenn, 2004).’

For more safe sleep advice check out the lullaby trusts website here.

Feeding and sleep are complex issues therefore, you may wish to consult with a lactation consultant on feeding issues to support best practice.