E44: Keeping Newborns Awake During Feeding

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What if you could keep your newborn awake during feeds with just a few simple techniques? Join us on The Ordinary Doula Podcast as we tackle this common challenge faced by new parents. In this episode, we explore the natural sleepiness newborns experience in their first 24 hours due to the tiring birth process and drastic environmental changes. We break down how this initial phase shifts into increased hunger and frequent cluster feeding by the second day, leading to frustration for many parents. By day three, as milk production kicks in, feeding patterns start to stabilize, helping parents set more consistent expectations.


Listen to practical and effective strategies to keep your baby awake and engaged during feeding times. From the importance of skin-to-skin contact to techniques like mid-feed diaper changes, gentle stimulation through rubbing and patting, and strategic placement on flat surfaces, we cover it all. We even discuss handy tips like using a wet wipe for gentle arousal and how to manage your baby's natural tendency to doze off during feeding, whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Tune in for valuable insights that will help create a comfortable yet stimulating feeding environment, ultimately leading to longer and more satisfying sleep periods for your newborn.

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Show Credits

Host: Angie Rosier 
Music: Michael Hicks 
Photographer: Toni Walker
Episode Artwork: Nick Greenwood 
Producer: Gillian Rosier Frampton
Voiceover: Ryan Parker