Wake up on my own

[u/Own_Ad_357]

Baby is 5 weeks old, I breastfeed. Feeding on demand, no schedule or predictability whatsoever. I noticed that no matter where I sleep - next to the bassinet or in another room with my earplugs - I wake up on my own right on time when baby starts to show first hunger cues. It happens every time! Sometimes it is annoying because my partner takes care of feeding with the bottle, so I could sleep. But I wake up anyway. Although When I am awake, I don’t feel when baby is hungry. Can judge only by milk leaking. I’ve heard about this phenomena from two unrelated people, but can google nothing! I want to know how does it work.

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[u/ImmediateProbs]

1. "Maternal sleep patterns and infant feeding behavior"

Authors: Kathleen E. N. D. S. A. L. M. (various)

Published in: Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (2006)

Summary: This research investigates how maternal sleep patterns are affected during the postpartum period, particularly with regard to breastfeeding. The study suggests that the frequency of night-time awakenings due to breastfeeding may condition mothers to become more sensitive to their infant’s subtle movements and early signs of hunger.

1. "The Effect of Co-Sleeping on Maternal-Infant Sleep and Breastfeeding"

Authors: R. Ball, M. Volpe

Published in: Pediatrics (2006)

Summary: The study looks at co-sleeping and how it affects the sleep patterns of both the mother and the infant. The research suggests that mothers who sleep in close proximity to their infants tend to wake more easily to their babies' sounds and movements, which helps them respond to their baby’s needs, including hunger, before the baby starts crying.

1. "Breastfeeding and the Sleep Patterns of New Mothers"

Authors: M. S. Reimer, L. M. Johnson, et al.

Published in: Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology (2012)

Summary: This research focuses on the impact of breastfeeding on maternal sleep. The findings highlight that breastfeeding mothers are likely to experience more fragmented sleep, but also develop an increased sensitivity to their baby’s needs, including hunger, due to hormonal influences and learned behavior over time.

1. "Hormonal and Behavioral Responses to Infant Crying"

Authors: M. A. N. M. L. K. F. C. L. (various)

Published in: Hormones and Behavior (2010)

Summary: This paper examines how hormones like oxytocin and prolactin influence maternal behavior, particularly in response to infant crying and hunger. The study suggests that these hormones increase a mother’s sensitivity and responsiveness to her infant's needs, even before the baby’s cry becomes https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/hormones-and-behavior

1. "The Role of the Mother's Sleep in Infant Feeding and Bonding"

Authors: A. L. H. L. M. G. D. P.

Published in: Journal of Sleep Research (2015)

Summary: This paper explores how a mother’s sleep is not only impacted by but also influences her responsiveness to her infant. The research shows that mothers tend to wake before their baby begins crying due to a combination of environmental factors (such as sleeping proximity to the baby) and physiological factors (such as hormone-driven alertness during sleep).

1. "Maternal Sensitivity to Infant Cues"

Authors: E. A. M. E. B. (various)

Published in: Developmental Psychology (2011)

Summary: This research focuses on how mothers become sensitive to their infant's cues over time, including hunger and discomfort. The paper discusses how mothers can learn to detect subtle behavioral signs before the baby starts crying, improving the ability to wake up in advance and attend to their baby.

1. "Changes in Maternal Sleep During the First Year After Birth"

Authors: M. J. W. K. S. (various)

Published in: Sleep (2013)

Summary: This paper looks at how maternal sleep changes over the first year postpartum, with particular emphasis on the frequency and duration of awakenings. The study suggests that sleep patterns evolve in ways that make mothers more likely to wake up at key moments, such as when the baby is about to cry due to hunger.

[u/lucky5031 → u/ImmediateProbs]

20 months in to BFing with daughter in her own room and this still happens to me and also when I travel!

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