WATCH: Oh, Kmart!
Pamela Poole: Talk About a Choking Hazard! What I Never Expected to…
A Good Night's Breast: Does Breast-Feeding Mean Less Sleep?
Filed under: Feeding & Sleeping, Breast-Feeding, Research Reveals: Babies, Sleep
Don't stoop to infant formula because you think it might get you more sleep.
That's what the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization and celebrity-lactivist Gisele Bundchen might like us to take away from a recent study showing moms get seven hours whether they breast-feed or bottle-feed.
How did researchers convince mothers with newborns to do anything? Women were chatted up still aglow in pregnancy. Imagine that call from the research assistant:
Research assistant: Welcome to The Study of Maternal Sleeping Behavior.
Mom: This is a sleep study?
Research assistant: Yes ma'am, sort of. As you probably know some people actually think formula helps babies sleep better. We want to know if moms who breast-feed really get less sleep than moms who don't breast-feed, you know the women who either can't or refuse to try and resort to using formula.
Mom: I don't have to breast-feed?
Research assistant: Yes, no, I mean the experts recommend it and it's your baby and your decision whether to risk it so I can't tell you what to do. But we do need to find some mothers who aren't breast-feeding to test this myth about formula.
Motivated by altruism and perhaps a small financial token of appreciation, over 80 women signed up and shortly after giving birth, strapped on "actigraphs," wrist devices monitoring their physical movements. Remarkably, they logged every time they either fell asleep or woke up "in real time" on their PDAs.
Contrary to the belief that breast-fed babies wake more, and thus deprive their moms of sleep, there were no significant differences between women who breast-fed, bottle-fed or did some of each. This was a good study that measured sleep very well with plentiful data, like total sleep time day and night, number of night awakenings, sleep quality, and daytime fatigue. However, this was a small sample with somewhat surprising results that merit further investigation. So, before I make any proclamations about sleep and the bottle or the boob, I'd like to see these results replicated with more mommas. Also, quite frankly, I'd like some explanation as to why my breast-fed babies woke like every other hour for what seemed like months.
Oh, I'm no Friend of Formula. I got the breast-feeding creds. Three kids, minimum three months each, the bleeding nipples, the double-breast pump in the deserted parking garage. Been there. I supplemented only after my pediatrician assured me formula wouldn't condemn my daughter to chronic disease or sub-par SAT scores.* But I don't have to sit silently while yet another study glorifies the almighty power of the breast. Which this one did not. There were no advantages bestowed on lactating women or their babies.
Thank goodness someone did this study! Otherwise who knows how many more children would suffer for the sake of a good night's rest? I do wonder how many formula-feeders turned to the canned stuff on the mistaken assumption of more sleep. If you're not too exhausted, give a holler and let me know.
Sleep tight, sweet dreams!
*The Naked Truth in Breast-Feeding Campaign: I pledge to disclose the details of my breastfeeding behavior and demand the same of every researcher, health authority and journalist, male or female, who has ever uttered or written the word "breast-feeding."
That's what the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization and celebrity-lactivist Gisele Bundchen might like us to take away from a recent study showing moms get seven hours whether they breast-feed or bottle-feed.
How did researchers convince mothers with newborns to do anything? Women were chatted up still aglow in pregnancy. Imagine that call from the research assistant:
Research assistant: Welcome to The Study of Maternal Sleeping Behavior.
Mom: This is a sleep study?
Research assistant: Yes ma'am, sort of. As you probably know some people actually think formula helps babies sleep better. We want to know if moms who breast-feed really get less sleep than moms who don't breast-feed, you know the women who either can't or refuse to try and resort to using formula.
Mom: I don't have to breast-feed?
Research assistant: Yes, no, I mean the experts recommend it and it's your baby and your decision whether to risk it so I can't tell you what to do. But we do need to find some mothers who aren't breast-feeding to test this myth about formula.
Motivated by altruism and perhaps a small financial token of appreciation, over 80 women signed up and shortly after giving birth, strapped on "actigraphs," wrist devices monitoring their physical movements. Remarkably, they logged every time they either fell asleep or woke up "in real time" on their PDAs.
Contrary to the belief that breast-fed babies wake more, and thus deprive their moms of sleep, there were no significant differences between women who breast-fed, bottle-fed or did some of each. This was a good study that measured sleep very well with plentiful data, like total sleep time day and night, number of night awakenings, sleep quality, and daytime fatigue. However, this was a small sample with somewhat surprising results that merit further investigation. So, before I make any proclamations about sleep and the bottle or the boob, I'd like to see these results replicated with more mommas. Also, quite frankly, I'd like some explanation as to why my breast-fed babies woke like every other hour for what seemed like months.
Oh, I'm no Friend of Formula. I got the breast-feeding creds. Three kids, minimum three months each, the bleeding nipples, the double-breast pump in the deserted parking garage. Been there. I supplemented only after my pediatrician assured me formula wouldn't condemn my daughter to chronic disease or sub-par SAT scores.* But I don't have to sit silently while yet another study glorifies the almighty power of the breast. Which this one did not. There were no advantages bestowed on lactating women or their babies.
Thank goodness someone did this study! Otherwise who knows how many more children would suffer for the sake of a good night's rest? I do wonder how many formula-feeders turned to the canned stuff on the mistaken assumption of more sleep. If you're not too exhausted, give a holler and let me know.
Sleep tight, sweet dreams!
*The Naked Truth in Breast-Feeding Campaign: I pledge to disclose the details of my breastfeeding behavior and demand the same of every researcher, health authority and journalist, male or female, who has ever uttered or written the word "breast-feeding."
Your<span>Voice</span>
Ask Us Anything About Parenting
TheTalkies:RelatedVideos
-
Not So Friendly Skies: Man Accused Of Molesting Sleeping Woman On Plane
A New Jersey man is in trouble after allegedly molesting a woman while she slept aboard a flight from Newark to Phoenix. According to a federal complaint, 48-year-old Bawer Aksal put his hands inside her shirt to touch her breasts, and then down her shorts, touching her genitals. When she awoke, the victim says Aksal was breathing heavy and said, "kiss me."
-
Tokyo Cuddle Cafe Lets You Cuddle With Girls
Need a hug?
Tokyo recently became home to the first ever ‘cuddle cafe, allowing paying customers to sleep (innocently) or snuggle with a girl. However, snuggling with a complete stranger isn't cheap as the admission fee is $40. If Tokyo's Cuddle Cafe is to expensive for you, you can try the 'Girlfriend Pillow', which emulates the curves of a woman's body with breast-like padding.
-
Rower Overcomes Odds, Returns to Hero's Welcome In Chicago
Almost two months after rower Jenn Gibbons embarked on a 1,500-mile solo rowing trip to raise awareness and funds for the breast cancer recovery group she leads, the 27-year-old and her vessel, Liv, returned to Chicago shores Tuesday.
But during one of many nights Gibbons spent sleeping in her vessel, a man police believe was tracking her movements online broke into her cabin and sexually assaulted her while she was moored along the shore of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
-
The Effects of Breast Feeding
It is a question every new mother has to face: to breast feed or not breast feed. Anne got some insight on the pros and cons.
SitesWeLove
- Site Map
- |
- Staff
- |
- Terms of Service
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Trademarks
- |
- Advertise With Us
- |
- About Our Ads
- |
- AOL Downloads
- |
- Contact Us
- |
© Copyright 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Aol Family
ReaderComments (Page 1 of 2)
12-24-2010 @ 8:57AM
Inadequate Wife said...Frankly, I think any parent (mom or dad) who expects to get a lot of sleep during the first year is crazy. I cannot imagine being selfish enough to have fed my daughter formula under the vague promise that I might have gotten more sleep for myself.
Sorry, less sleep for me is a small sacrifice to pay. In exchange, my daughter reaped the benefits of being less sick than her peers, being highly gifted, and having great relationships with both of her parents, even during the teenage years.
Which of those potential benefits was I willing to "trade in" for more sleep for ME? Not a single one.
And for the record, my daughter began sleeping about six hours straight through the night at about three months - more than adequate for me to get some decent sleep.
She never had or needed formula, and I'm proud of it!
Reply
12-26-2010 @ 2:30PM
Donna said...Never even considered breast feeding, both my sons are double major honor/gifted students at the U of F, engineering and finance, engr and business, straight A's all through high school with over a year credits going into college, never were sick except for standard things you want them to have, accomplished all milestones months ahead in age, never had any discipline or any other type issues. Ate well on table food. Drank 4 ounces with the very first bottle, slept the night first night home from hospital, would sleep 4-6 hour stretches from time born, started with cereal at one month mixed in formula. They got enough to eat that they were able to sleep and grow, not constantly waking to be fed. I have absolutely no regrets as I cannot consider one thing that could have been better than it was in either of their growing years up until the present day. They are 23 and 19. I truly believe having Grandparents and Father and brother all feeding them and bonding was a wonderful experience, and the freedom it gave me kept me from being overtired, over stressed like I see all of my breast feeding friends and relatives, I was a very happy rested content Mother! Take your breast feeding and put it somewhere, the main reason I never had a desire was all the bulls_i_ that my sons couldn't be healthy kids if I didn't. I know that isn't true and my brother, myself and all my cousins were bottle fed and not a one of us had any health, growth or behavioral problems. Keep up the brain washing, because it really affects Mothers who end up not having milk, my stepdaughter about lost it in depression because she simply didn't have enough milk and he got so frustrated he wouldn't even try to eat, this went on for weeks and he lost weight and got dehydrated, all because she was so guilty we couldn't get her to give formula until the Dr threatened to put the baby in the hospital.
Reply
12-26-2010 @ 3:05PM
AskMeAnything said...Donna,
If I were rude, I might note that the fact that you were bottle fed clearly affected your ability to grasp concepts like 'on average' and 'over populations' and 'more likely to' and 'statistics indicate.' It also apparently affected your ability to read a single babycare book when your children were young, EVERY ONE OF WHICH would have told you (even 23 years ago) that you NEVER put cereal in a baby's bottle or start solids at 4 weeks; and that healthy babies are expected to wake and eat at night for quite a few months. But since I'm not rude, I'll atttribute it to simple defensiveness. (i.e., "My babies turned out fine, so obviously all the studies are wrong.")
But NOBODY has ever claimed that your 'sons couldn't be healthy kids if I didn't' [breastfeed.] What knowlegable folks claim [with a vast amount of peer reviewed research evidence to support it] is that ON AVERAGE breastfed babies are healthier. ON AVERAGE they have a slightly higher IQ. Formula fed babies are *more likely* to get sick.
Breastfeeding is not a guarentee of perfect health/genius IQ, and formula feeding is not a guarantee that your child will be constantly ill and in special education. And if you can point out whoever claimed that behavioral l problems or ability to eat table food had any connection to breast vs. formula I'd be fascinated to see the cite. I'd also love to see a cite to indicate that bottle feeding is the only way fathers and grandfathers can bond with the children/grandkids.
I'm sure you had good reasons to formula feed, but frankly I find it rather sad that your main reason seemed to be to spite all the experts who tried to tell you that breastmilk was better. (If your children HAD been one of those who developed allergies, or choked on their thickened formula, or died from SIDS ... would you still have insisted that it doesn't matter and that education about the benefits of breastmilk is 'brain-washing?'
(Indeed, if women ARE being brainwashed, how to do explain that fact that the vast majority of them DON'T breastfeed? (Barely one in 5 babies in getting ANY breastmilk at one year -- the minimum time recommended by the AAP. And most of the 20% of so who are still being breastfed are also getting formula supplements.)
12-26-2010 @ 3:19PM
Pam said...It's a known fact now that the intelligence gain only lasts until 3 years of age or so, so that shouldn't be a factor for anyone anymore. (My kids are both still very bright and creative at 22 and 19, but I attribute that to genetics more than anything.) We knew none of this 20+ years ago - we chose breastfeeding (BF) because it gave our babies the best immunity (your kids were blessed with good immune systems - that is also genetically inherited) and was also natural - human milk for human infants. And breasts are designed for feeding babies - sexual pleasure is secondary! I am always dismayed when I hear people use words such as "disgusting", etc., when women nurse their babies - how ridiculous! Convenience was a huge plus as well (never having to get out of bed to feed your infant was heavenly!), especially if you were fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom like many of us were. Now with the stories of contaminated formula, I would think more people would choose BF just to ensure the safety of their baby's food supply. I'm sorry, but I would never trust some unknown, unseen hand/machine, etc. to properly mix together a bunch of ingredients that try to replicate nature's most perfect baby food. You do have to watch what you eat (spicy foods are verboten, for one) and you do have to increase your caloric intake, but BF burns 500 calories a day, so it's offset. BF also causes your uterus to "snap" back into shape more quickly, including reduced bleeding, and is a conception deterrant (although not foolproof). There are lots of good reasons to choose natural over artificial, but there will always be women who have physical problems that prevent them from BFing and they shouldn't feel guilty one bit about using formula. But do check with a lactation expert before giving up - many BF problems can be overcome with dietary, relaxation, and technique advice.
12-26-2010 @ 5:46PM
Alexandra said...Donna, I breastfed. I never tried to make anyone feel guilty for bottle feeding. But I think people who brag like you are a-holes.
12-26-2010 @ 2:51PM
Molly said...Ok, seriously. I breastfed my son and do NOT think my child is better, smarter, healther than any formula fed baby. I also don't think I am a better parent for having done this. I am SO tired of reading comments from mothers who BF their children and how gifted their children are and how they can't believe others would let their children "suffer" by giving them formula. To me, being a mother involves a lot more than just breast feeding and feeding your children all organic food. Am I anal about my 18 month old's nutrition? Yes. But I do not feel the need to walk around spouting off about how he eats healthy food and I BF him and yada yada yada. Being a mother involves so many other aspects and this is a subject I seriously roll my eyes at every time I read it..
Reply
12-26-2010 @ 3:20PM
Pam said...I breastfed both my babies - first one for 13 months (she weaned herself, basically), and 18 months for the second (he weaned grudgingly) and my first slept through the night (7 hours straight) at 2 weeks and it was several weeks for my son. He was bigger by almost 2 lbs. so that may have made a difference (he nursed more often during the day as well), I don't know, but they are both pretty heavy sleepers now, so maybe it's a basic trait that has nothing to do with food.
Reply
1-05-2011 @ 6:15PM
Maureen said...I breastfed both daughters. I remember the loss of sleep, but that would have happened with bottle feeding a newborn, too. A woman burns more calories and the uterus contracts faster when she breastfeeds. I also found it easier traveling. I will say that I was very careful not to offend or make anyone feel uncomfortable when I breastfed - common courtesy. I didn't breastfeed to make a statement. I'm glad I did and will encourage my daughters to do the same.
Reply
12-26-2010 @ 3:52PM
Ursula said...I nursed my first born for two years and am currently still nursing my second child for ten months thus far. It's hard work and takes a lot of sacrifice, but I do it because it's undisputedly the best nutrition for babies. I don't know many other moms personally who made the same choice, and I don't look down on them for choosing formula. I don't really understand why someone wouldn't at least attempt breastfeeding, but nonetheless, it's a personal decision. But come on now, some replies from the moms who chose formula seem pretty defensive. No matter what your choice was, you have to know that nature knows best. Even the makers of formula tell you that. Don't be so angry.
Reply
12-26-2010 @ 3:54PM
wilmawagler said...I breastfed my 5 children & will never ever be sorry, it is what God intended...Now my dau. is breastfeeding hers & her little boys have never been to a Dr. because they were sick.
Reply
12-26-2010 @ 4:02PM
Sarah said...So a child "suffers" if mom doesn't breastfeed? We shouldn't "stoop" to formula? That's ridiculous. I am so tired of that kind of attitude. Some women have no choice i.e. the milk does not come in and the baby cannot be fed enough. Personally, I was in this boat. People like this writer and members of the La Leche League are almost cult-like in their archaic thinking. Moms: you have a choice. Don't be bullied into submission. Don't let guilt make up your mind. Do what's comfortable for you and your baby.
Reply
12-26-2010 @ 4:20PM
Ursula said...I'm confused as to why anyone would think that they're being "bullied" into breastfeeding. Are there Nursing Police out there somewhere enforcing rules? Are Pediatricians not allowed to advise parents that breast milk is the most healthy option for infants because it might offend someone? Nobody is attacking the mothers of formula fed babies. I find the level of defensiveness interesting.
Reply
12-26-2010 @ 5:59PM
Sarah said...If you meant to reply to me, there is reply button. Anyway, the author uses specific words (I mentioned in my post) that are meant to make a woman feel bad about not breastfeeding. Read the article again. And yes, there is a lot of pressure and guilt put on women to choose breastfeeding. It's not the right choice for everyone.
12-26-2010 @ 7:04PM
Ursula said...Sarah, I was well aware of the reply button. But since you seem to feel attacked, I generalized my comment. But thanks for pointing out the obvious. I did read the article again, just to make sure I didn't perhaps miss something, but alas, I didn't. I did not find anything in there to "guilt" anyone into breastfeeding. The author clearly states that she wondered if women chose formula because they thought they'd be more rested. In this case study, neither side wins. I don't see how the word "suffer" in the context with which it was used, was to guilt mothers who don't nurse. Just as I don't preach to someone who chooses to formula feed, you shouldn't be angry that someone would recommend breastfeeding. And that's all it is, a recommendation.
12-26-2010 @ 9:19PM
Sarah said..."Otherwise who knows how many more children would suffer for the sake of a good night's rest? I do wonder how many formula-feeders turned to the canned stuff on the mistaken assumption of more sleep."
The word "suffer" has negative connotations. She is suggesting that formula-fed babies suffer because they are not breastfed, no matter the context. And by the way, your passive-aggressive way of recommending breastfeeding is not hard to spot. One just has to read your first post. Speaking of passive-aggressive...your reply to my own post was most definitely "an attack". How you love that word!
12-26-2010 @ 4:22PM
ANA said...I think breatfeeding is a very personal choice and up to the responsible mother. Doctors and government make a big mistake pushing breastfeeding since not all women responsibly get adequate nutrition to feed their babies and assure their child's brain development from the right amount of nutrients intheir diets. Breastmilk has been the most natural and best way to feed a mother can feed her baby more so before processed foods, additives and pesticides crept into mother food supply. There has been a 600% jump in autism and other nerological disease in the last 25 years unexplained since breastfeeding became the norm. We live in a different time with many environmental factors that may affect responsible mother's milk from her nutrition as well as cow's milk. People should not jump to conclusions about harmful toxins in formula as there can be pesticides in mother's milk too and certain hormones that can affect the content that pass from mother to child. Whether breast fed or bottle fed, the end product fed to the baby should be 100% organic.
Reply
12-27-2010 @ 4:16PM
genie said...I am thankful that my Mother breastfed all 5 of us, and the I breastfed 3 of my four. All of my family were healthy growing up, seldom had to go to the Dr. and my own children also.
Breastfed my first 3 and then formula for my fourth, because I had to have vein surgery, and the Doctor recommended I not breast feed her.
The fourth one has had more trouble with her weight, than any of the others, and I regret that I did not breastfeed her also. Many reports now say that breastfed children have less weight problems!
I would recommend that any Mother breastfeed their children, it also helps you relax, and enjoy the close moments with them.
Reply
12-26-2010 @ 4:47PM
kati said...OK so breastfeeding 3 babies for 3 months each makes you an expert? What are you trying to prove? And why?? I breastfed 3 babies for ONE YEAR EACH. I don't go around bragging about it to make myself seem superior or put down women who choose to formula feed. I mention it here just to say it was the easiest and best decision for me and MY kids. I am not going to bash any woman for choosing or having to formula feed or breastfeed. It's none of anyone else's business what a mom decides to give her baby to eat so long as she is doing her best to ensure the child has adequate nutrition. If formula feeding is what you want or need to do, then do it and don't feel guilty. If it's breastfeeding, again don't feel guilty.
As a mother we're all bombarded with advice and ideas from other people, then we also have to deal with passive-aggressive fools who try to bash our decisions or make themselves feel superior for their own. I'm a good mom, not because I breastfed but because I did what's best for me and my kids. As for sleep? I got 2-3hrs at a time for about the first 9 months for each kid, it was awful and I was a zombie. If my babies would have slept more with formula and thus me too I would've done it because I'd be more capable of caring for them in a less-sleep-deprived way.
I applaud women who breastfeed and women who formula feed, heck I applaud any mother who does the best for themselves and their child. If you don't, then that's your issue.
Reply
12-26-2010 @ 5:26PM
Mindy said...When are we going to stop all of the guilt? Being a mother is a hard enough job (despite being worth the work) without judging or condemning others who are doing the best that they can for their situation, no matter what that decision is. Why can't we be a support for each other instead?
I know that the feeding choice I made for my children was a great choice for them and for me. (I won't even mention what that was, because I don't want to add any more fuel to this fire). They are bright, well adjusted, healthy kids. But most likely, they would have been no matter what because my husband and I are healthy, bright, and well adjusted. (Interestingly, my husband and I were fed opposite methods as babies -- but both came out gifted, talented, and healthy. Wonder how that happened?)
Bottom line: there are alot of factors at work to make a healthy child. This is only one part. Stop judging someone else and just be happy you have the privilege of CHOOSING the food your child eats. Some people don't even have the fortune of feeding their children anything!
12-26-2010 @ 5:20PM
bjmckean said...Did the author mention sleeping with the baby? I nursed all 3 of mine. When they woke up, I'd plug them in and we'd go back to sleep.
Reply