Reading this in the middle of the night while breastfeeding your baby, wondering if you’re ever going to sleep again? We’ve all been there. Let’s just say it for what it is: trying to sleep train a baby can be like teaching a fish to walk on dry land. You’re exhausted, you’re on call 24/7, and your baby seems to think that nighttime feeding is just a night-long buffet. Sound familiar to you?
If you’ve googled things like “can I sleep train if I’m breastfeeding?” at 3 am while rocking a baby and leaking through your last clean shirt, you’re in the right place. Here’s the thing: sleep training and breastfeeding (which includes both pumping and nursing) aren’t mutually exclusive. But it does require strategy, patience, and letting go of what you thought this would look like.
In this post, we’re going to talk about how to approach sleep training and healthy sleep habits. And don’t worry; you can still value your supply and mental health in the process.
Sleep Training A Breastfed Baby: What You Need to Know
It’s absolutely possible to sleep train your breastfed baby. However, this might look a little different to what your formula-feeding friends are experiencing. Why? Because breastfed babies often wake up more at night than formula-fed babies. Breast milk digests faster than formula, leading to more overnight feedings—especially during those early months.
Plus, many breastfed babies feed for comfort , not just nutrition. That can become a tough sleep habit to break! But don’t worry; this post is your handy little guide while you navigate this new terrain. First, we’ll explore whether sleep training a breastfed baby is even possible (spoiler alert: it is!). Then, we’ll discuss when and how to start, as well as how to maintain a steady milk supply. Because yes, it is possible—even when your baby learns to fall asleep without a nipple!
Planning to pump while working on your baby’s sleep habits? Check out my post on how to choose the right breast pump to get started. You can also sign up for The Ultimate Pumping Course! This is where you can learn everything you need to know about pumping in a safe, supportive environment.
Can You Sleep Train A Breastfed Baby?
Yes, of course you can! But it takes patience, intention, and realistic expectations. Here’s what can make it a little tricky at times:
- Many mamas feed to sleep, which creates a strong association between nursing and bedtime.
- Breastfed babies can feed more often during the night, especially in the first few months.
- We’re told to feed on demand–and for good reason. After all, responsive feeding is great for baby growth and milk supply. But, it can clash with sleep training.
The trick is to gradually separate feeding and sleeping without completely eliminating the comfort component. When sleep training your baby, you have to be in it for the long run. This isn’t something that happens on day one or overnight—it’s a process. Encouraging independent sleep is all about slowly adjusting sleep and feeding cycles.
When Can You Start Sleep Training Breastfed Baby?
Research shows that babies actually can’t develop natural melatonin until around 3 months. What does this mean for you? They aren’t able to distinguish between that “night and day” cycle that we’re well accustomed to. Because of this, experts generally recommend starting sleep training somewhere between 4 to 6 months of age. This is because by that age:
- Babies are developmentally ready to learn new sleep habits.
- They don’t need to wake up at night just for food. However, some may still need 1-2 night feeds.
- Your baby’s sleep cycles are beginning to become more consistent.
- The quality of sleep becomes better.
But here’s the thing: you know your baby best! If you’re not ready at 4 months, that’s okay. Some parents wait until 6 or even 9 months. It’s not a process you can put a timeline on. The most important thing is that both you and your baby are ready.
Don’t be afraid to chat with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant if you’re not sure where to begin. Here at One with the Pump, we also offer 1:1 consultations that can help you make a plan that works for your baby and boobs.
How To Sleep Train A Breastfed Baby
Create a consistent sleep routine.
I know it sounds cliché, but routine is magic. A consistent daily routine signals to your little one that sleep is coming, which builds trust in the process. This new process can be as simple as a bath, feeding, a short book, a cuddle, and then bedtime. Notice the change of pace here? The key is to move the feeding near the start of the routine so your baby isn’t falling asleep while nursing. Which, ultimately, will teach your baby to sleep without a nipple.
To be totally transparent, this is likely to feel awkward or even difficult at first. Your baby may cry, fuss, or resist. But trust me, within a few days, they’ll begin to connect the dots and understand this new routine.
Stretch out night feeds gradually.
I’m not here to tell you to cut out night feeds cold turkey. That can actually interrupt your milk supply and your baby’s sense of security. Instead, you can try increasing the time between overnight feedings by 15-20 minutes every few nights. Eventually, your baby’s body will begin to adjust, and so will their tummy.
Pick a sleep training method that feels right.
As I said before, your baby will most likely cry when you begin this process. However, please know that this is normal, and you aren’t doing anything wrong. Nonetheless, it can break your mama heart to just sit there and listen to it.
To help with this, find a sleep training method that works for you. To name a few, you can try gradual withdrawal, pick-up and put-down, and the Ferber method. Remember: there is no rulebook to this. What works for one mom may not work for you, and that’s okay! A lot of it is trial and error.
Focus on daytime calories.
If you want to begin reducing night feeds, make sure your baby is getting enough milk during the day. The more calories they consume, the longer they stay full and satisfied. You may also need to adjust your own pumping or nursing schedule to support this. A baby feeding log can be extremely helpful in keeping track of feedings.
Respond with other forms of comfort.
It’s okay to offer other forms of comfort when your baby wakes. You can soothe them with a cuddle, gentle rocking, or just your voice. Let me be the voice of reason: you don’t need to feed your baby each time they wake up. And, you don’t have to feel guilty about that! Once they learn to resettle on their own, their sleep pattern will become much more sustainable.
Stuck on sleep training? You’ve got this!
Trust me, you don’t have to choose between breastfeeding and sleep—at least not forever. Sleep training a breastfed baby is definitely possible, even if it feels like a puzzle with a million missing pieces. Start slow, protect your supply, set realistic expectations, and above all, be kind to yourself. This is hard, and you’re doing a wonderful job with what you have.
If you’re still wondering how to make this all work without tanking your milk supply or your sanity, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why we have a kind, supportive, and knowledgeable team of lactation consultants here at One With The Pump. We can help you build a routine that works for you, especially if you’re working toward that moment your baby starts sleeping through the night.
And hey, whether you’re up feeding or finally sipping your 9-hour-old coffee while baby naps, just know this: you’re doing a great job. Sleep will come. Your baby won’t always need a boob or bottle to fall asleep. Until then? We’ve got you, mama.
