Can a Breastfed Baby Sleep Long Stretches of Sleep at Night?
If you’re breastfeeding and wondering whether your baby can sleep long stretches at night, you’re not alone. It’s a common concern for many parents, especially when you’re exhausted and feeling like uninterrupted sleep is an impossible dream.
Let me reassure you: it is possible for a breastfed baby to sleep longer at night. But here’s the most important thing—feeding your baby when they’re hungry always comes first.
This is the story of how I discovered a simple strategy that helped my baby sleep better, all while meeting his needs and respecting his natural rhythms.
My Struggle with Bedtime Feeds
Five years ago, I was where you might be now. Every evening, I’d sit in the dark, holding my baby, trying to get him to take a full bedtime feed. But he’d often doze off halfway through, leaving me thinking, How am I supposed to fill him up enough for a decent stretch of sleep tonight?
He’d inevitably wake an hour or two later, hungry again. I’d feed him all over again—exhausted, frustrated, and doubting myself. I kept wondering, How do other mums do this? Am I missing something?
If you’ve felt this way, you’re not alone. The truth is, many breastfeeding parents face the same challenges. And often, the solution isn’t about changing what you’re doing—it’s about tweaking the approach to suit your baby.
The Game-Changer: The Split Feed
One night, after another round of Googling for answers, I came across the concept of a split feed. The idea was to break up the bedtime feed into two parts: a small feed before the bedtime routine and a second feed just before placing the baby down.
It made sense, but the idea of limiting milk during the first feed felt counterintuitive to me. So, I decided to adjust it to meet my baby’s needs:
I gave a full feed before starting the bedtime routine, when my baby was alert and hungry.
Then I offered a top-up feed just before putting him down for the night.
The result? That very night, my baby slept a longer stretch than he had in weeks.
Why the Split Feed Works
Breastfed babies are unique, and their sleep patterns can vary. The split feed worked for us because it met my baby’s needs in two important ways:
A full tummy at bedtime. The first feed ensured he was satisfied and relaxed before we even began the routine.
A calming top-up. The second feed helped him drift off with a content belly, without the pressure to make that final feed “perfect.”
Most importantly, this approach allowed me to remain flexible. If my baby was still hungry or woke later, I always fed him. Feeding on demand is vital for breastfed babies, as it supports their growth, development, and your milk supply.
Can You Feed and Still Get Long Stretches of Sleep?
Yes, you can! But it’s essential to understand that longer stretches of sleep don’t mean skipping feeds when your baby needs them. Hunger is a biological need, and responding to it—whether it’s at 9 p.m. or 3 a.m.—is always the right thing to do.
Strategies like the split feed are not about forcing your baby into longer stretches of sleep but about creating an environment that supports their natural rhythms.
How to Try the Split Feed
If you’re curious about trying the split feed, here’s how to get started:
Offer a full feed. Before beginning your bedtime routine, give your baby a proper feed when they’re most alert and hungry.
Follow your usual bedtime routine. Bath, story, cuddles—whatever helps your baby wind down.
Finish with a top-up. Offer a smaller feed right before placing your baby down to ensure they’re going to sleep satisfied.
Remember, every baby is different. What works for one might not work for another, so be patient and adjust as needed.
Feeding Is Always the Priority
The most important takeaway is this: your baby’s needs come first. Feeding them when they’re hungry—whether it’s during the day, before bedtime, or in the middle of the night—is not only essential but also builds their trust and sense of security.
Longer stretches of sleep will come with time, but there’s no need to sacrifice your breastfeeding journey or your baby’s needs to get there.
If you’re looking for more gentle sleep strategies tailored to your family’s needs, check out my Wee Babe Handbook or reach out for one-on-one support. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone!
Breastfeeding and sleep can go hand in hand—with the right approach, you can support both your baby’s development and your own rest.
