Operation Lactation

I have worked many night shifts in my time, so I have personally seen the transformation that occurs on a baby's second night of life. Every once in a while I meet a baby who decides to have a "second night" a day early or late, however I cannot think of a baby who has not had a "second night". "What is this second night?"- you ask; well I am going to tell you because knowledge is power.

Generally, a baby is quite sleepy after birth and takes a 24-hour nap, and then they start to wake up. Babies tend to be nocturnal so when night comes the party starts. When the end of the 24-hour nap and the nighttime hours converge, that is the making of the "second night". Following a long nap, a baby wakes up more alert and aware, and let me tell you what, it's a rude awakening! Just imagine it: for the past 40-weeks you have only known warmth, comfort, quiet, (aside from the sound of your mother's heart) and all the nutrients you need are delivered directly to you, and now it all changes. Talk about a shock! Transitioning to this world is not an easy task, and I think having an appreciation for this fact will help give you, as parents, some patience on baby's second night. As baby adjusts to temperature changes, hunger, dirty diapers, sounds, lights, and so many other new sensations, s/he wants what anyone would when facing the unknown: comfort.

Although you may find yourself wondering what happened to your content, sleepy newborn when the "second night" hits, there are things you can do to help ease the transition into this unpredictable world. The number one things I would suggest is plenty of skin-to-skin. This is not just something to try immediately after birth, but something that has huge benefits with continued practice. In this case, a baby who is uncomfortable in new surroundings is going to find comfort in the familiar things that skin-to-skin provides. Laying on your chest baby will hear the familiar sounds of the womb (heartbeat, breath sounds) and feel warm and cozy. Another way to create a womb-like haven for your little one is utilizing the "5 S's". This is something best explained by seeing it so check it out here: https://youtu.be/Bx2shYNtZVk

Something you may notice on the "second night" is that your baby persistently shows you her/his feeding cues, maybe even after a long breastfeeding session. Sucking provides great comfort for baby, and babies are smarter than they look, baby knows that if they cue to eat they can get something to suck and they also get nice and close to their momma. On the "second night" you may find yourself wondering, "Is it enough?" and I would like to reassure you that baby usually has ulterior motives for seeking out the breast, not purely hunger. So you may experience cluster feeding (meaning baby wants to eat for a loooong time) for the first time on the "second night, but here is the good news: when babies Demand it that is nature's way of bringing in more breastmilk.

Peace, joy and blessings!