S2, Episode 1: Newborn Sleep
In this episode, you’ll hear Cassie and I discuss:
What does an overnight doula do?
Check-in with the family and answer any questions
Depending on the time, do an activity like a bath and bedtime
The doula takes over for feedings, either bottle feeding or bringing the baby to the birth parent
Help babies with sleep skills and educate parents
Provide information and resources outside of shifts
What myths are parents hearing about newborn sleep?
Parents think babies can stay awake for long periods of time, which can make babies overstimulated
Parents hear that they should never wake a sleeping baby, but babies need to be woken frequently to eat during the day (and eat at least 8 or more times in 24 hours)
What should parents expect for newborn sleep?
The first few weeks should be baby-led
Babies should eat every 2 - 3 hours
Babies should, when possible, have full, efficient feeds
Babies will wake frequently during growth spurts
There shouldn’t be a sleep schedule or routine during this time
Babies will only stay away 30 - 45 minutes: this is time for a feed, a diaper change, maybe a moment outside, then back to sleep.
This is a time to learn your baby and fix any issues that might arise
What do you tell parents who want a schedule or routine a newborn?
Newborns don’t need to be sleep-trained or put on a schedule
The first few weeks are for eating and sleeping
After a baby has been cleared for longer stretches, they will still eat every 2 - 3 hours during the day but can start to (when they are ready) to sleep longer at night
Sleep training is to fix issues that come up later on, and it’s not realistic to expect a newborn to sleep long stretches
Where should a newborn sleep?
Many naps are contact naps. This means a parent or caregiver is holding or wearing a baby
There should be time / space for the ideal future sleep environment
For many, that might mean in a parent’s room or nursery in a crib or bassinet (or other safe sleep space.) To promote independent sleep, this might include a sound machine and darkness.
Some of these naps might happen in the car or in a carrier or on-the-go. Cassie suggests the 80/20 rule: baby sleeps in an ideal environment 80% of the time and on-the-go for 20% of the time
When can a baby start a routine?
Around 4 - 6 weeks, many families might already be following a routine
A routine is more realistic in comparison to a schedule because it allows for flexibility
This can be like EASY or eat / wake / sleep
A routine can be calming and provide security
What are wake windows?
Wake windows are the amount of time a baby can stay awake; from the time they open their eyes to when they close them
For a newborn, it might be 30-45 minutes. As time passes, the wake windows get longer and longer
They make it easier to plan for the day and follow a routine
What are healthy sleep habits from day one?
A sleep space can be dark with blackout curtains
A sleep space can have a sound machine to block out noise
A sleep space should be safe with no toys or blankets in the bed
Keep the same sleep routine, and keep it short to avoid being overtired
What are tips for managing sleep with multiple children?
Don’t try to stretch the baby’s sleep; get the baby to sleep first then focus on the older children
Have safe sleep activities for the older child, like stickers or special toys to play with while you’re putting down the baby
Be prepared in case you’re triggered by the older child waking up the baby
What should you do if your baby has their day / night switched?
This might look like a baby that is very awake in the middle of the night or early morning
Parents can help with this by establishing a circadian rhythm; take baby outside as much as possible
This can be a walk, standing outside, taking a nap on the blanket; any fresh air will help baby learn this
What are your favorite resources?
You can find Cassie on her Instagram or website
Enjoy the episode!
Cassie is a loving wife to her husband of 12 years, Conan. And mom to 2 boys, CJ who is 6 years old, and Carter who is 3 years old. She is a postpartum doula, certified newborn care specialist, certified new parent educator and American Red Cross CPR Instructor. She specializes in overnight newborn care, parent education and nursery consulting, serving OC, LA and SD. Her goal is to prepare and empower parents to feel confident and excited to begin their journey as new parents by providing education and realistic expectations during this new phase of life.
