Reverse-Cycling

My baby wants to nurse all night long, but won't eat during the day. Why is this happening?

It sounds like your baby is reverse-cycling, which is when babies breastfeed frequently at night and less frequently during the day.

Causes/Solutions of Reverse-Cycling

1. A newborn adjusting to life outside of the womb and having their days and nights "mixed up"

• • Do your best to wake baby to feed more during the day.
    • Make sure baby is not too warm and cozy: un-swaddle, change diaper, undress, and tickle feet.
    • Open the curtains to let daylight in, and try NOT to be quiet, to stimulate baby.
    • If baby is sleeping during the day due to overstimulation, creating a calming environment may be more helpful.
  • Use breast compressions to increase the amount of milk baby gets during daytime feedings. 
  • At night, keep the environment calm and dark. 

2. Separation between mom and baby during the day (for work or school)

• • There isn't anything wrong with baby taking in the majority of their calories when with you.
    • Some moms actually like not needing to pump as much at work.
    • Watch for signs that baby is getting enough to eat. 
  • Breastfeed often when you're with baby.
    • Take advantage of evenings and weekends to nurse on-demand.
  • Learn about paced-bottle feeding, and teach it to your caregiver.
    • This makes bottle-feeding sessions similar to breastfeeding sessions by letting baby control how much they eat and how long the feeding lasts.
  • Store breast milk in small quantities so there is less waste if baby refuses.
  • Learn ways to encourage baby to take a bottle and practice at home.
    • Offer the bottle 1-2 hours after the last nursing, while baby is active but not starving.
    • Make bottle-feeding a pleasant experience by smiling and talking in a soothing voice.
    • Go slow; babies who are used to being fed at the breast like to take their time. Give baby a small taste on their lips and be gentle.
    • Stop if anyone becomes frustrated. Try again later when everyone is calm.
    • If possible, have someone other than you offer the bottle to baby.
    • Click here for bottle refusal tips.

3. Distractions that cause nursing sessions to be cut short during the day 

• • Baby is growing, learning and becoming more curious about their surroundings.
    • Nurse in a quiet, dimly lit room.
    • Cover baby with a light blanket or nursing cover.
    • Bounce or rock in a chair while feeding.
    • Interact by talking, singing and making eye contact with baby.
    • Give baby a toy to play with or wear a chunky necklace.
    • Nurse when baby is just waking or sleepy.
    • Take advantage of nap time and night feedings, when baby is less distracted.
  • Mom is busy with other tasks.
    • Breastfeed while wearing baby in a sling.
    • Do your best to watch for early hunger cues and set aside time for 8-12 breastfeeding sessions a day.
    • Ask for help with things around the house, so you can focus on meeting baby's needs.
    • Being busy can be stressful, but breastfeeding releases hormones that calm mom and help her reconnect with her baby.

How to Cope 

Coping with a lack of sleep is difficult. Try to get as much sleep as you can by sleeping in late or going to bed early and napping when baby naps. Know that this is likely a short-term issue and baby will adjust to a more "normal schedule."

Your baby is benefiting from every drop of breast milk. Keep up the hard work!

SOURCE:

https://kellymom.com/bf/normal/reverse-cycling/