Night time feeds...

Usually when I stayed awake at night it was to watch a really interesting movie or to go to the club and dance but this is a new reason for staying awake! Our baby needed us and when they cry you just get up- maternal instinct and paternal too.

This is how we coped...

I did breastfeeding for the first 14 months for my first born and it did not start off so easy.

You have to first figure out baby's cues for feeds, then get yourself in position to feed making sure you have your water, have already been to the toilet and have your feeding pillow if you need it. Have all your things for feeding close to where you usually feed baby so that it is easier for feeds.

I used these butler trays from Mr Price Home at the side of my bed to put my water bottle, cellphone, tissues, face towels and any other odds and ends that I needed.

I used to try to feed baby after his bath at night and then he would usually sleep for 2-3 hours until the next feed so I was usually awake at this time.

When you are asleep it can be very difficult to wake up instantly at the sound of a crying baby, you almost want to put your pillow over your ears and continue to sleep!

What I used to do is wake up my husband as well just to keep me awake so that I don't fall asleep while feeding. You have to first check baby to see if he/ she needs a diaper change or they are too hot or cold, so once you pick them up try to keep them close to you so that they don't wake up too much and start to get playful at 1 am! Once changed, get baby in position and start feeding, I used to surf the internet on my phone just to keep my eyes open.

I used to try to keep the feeds at 15- 20 minutes per side and then see if baby seemed full or not, I would usually judge that by if he was still crying or if he went to sleep. Don't forget to try to keep baby up or burp baby before putting him/ her down again to sleep. I tried not to talk too much and kept my voice to a whisper as I did not want to fully wake him from his sleep state- Baby, not my husband ;)

Eventually when he started taking the feeds as expressed milk from the bottle which was not many times then my husband did the feed and I stayed awake as company.

It is very tiring, no doubt and eventually your body does get into a new routine of it's own but you can still feel very tired. Keep taking your vitamins and try to rest during the day as well when baby is sleeping, it will help a little.

This is what worked for us with our first born but with our 2nd baby he was on formula much earlier. As early as 6 months, as he had to attend daycare, so we had to change the game.

My husband used to sleep next to him and wake up and do all the feeds as I had to be with my older son. I must say that I feel blessed to have my husband as I would not cope a single day without him and his encouragement. Eventually, we used to team up and I would get the bottle for my little one and my husband would feed. I have sat up a few times with him to make sure he does not fall asleep. Now, I try to do the feed if I can while my husband sleeps. You just have to take turns and rotate so that both parents can get a little additional sleep.

Whatever works for you, your partner and your baby/ babies, stick to it. Other people can share with you what they do but it might not work for you. Always remember do what works in your home.

In saying all of this, you really cannot catch up on sleep but lack of sleep does catch up with you ,so please do try to find a system that can help all those involved. Stay strong!