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Sleep, Rest, and Breastfeeding

Table of Contents


Overview

Rest and sleep are important to breastfeeding women for keeping up their energy and their milk production.

Help yourself sleep well

Get plenty of rest

You likely will not have a normal schedule when you first start to breastfeed. But you can take naps and find time to rest for short periods throughout the day, such as when your baby sleeps.

In addition to rest, exercise will also help you feel your best. For the time you are breastfeeding, try to plan a routine that incorporates both rest and exercise.

It is very important to ask for help when you need it. Ideally, plan ahead for certain periods that a friend, relative, or babysitter can come in to help with your chores and child care so you can exercise or rest.

For information about how to help your baby sleep well, see Sleep: Helping Your Children—and Yourself—Sleep Well.


Credits for Sleep, Rest, and Breastfeeding

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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