Sleepy Baby in Early Breastfeeding Written by drg Retno Wiangga Definition Sleepy baby is a sleepy or inactive baby. In early breastfeeding baby who is asleep will be more difficult to suckle the breast. The way babies are born greatly affects early breastfeeding. Normal and natural labor can make the breastfeeding process smooth. Naturally the body prepares itself for breastfeeding. Enlarged breasts, dark areola and nipples that become supple. At 4 months of pregnancy colostrum begins to be produced. But production and milk discharge will wait until hormonal changes that occur after the baby and placenta out. Babies naturally have reflexes to search and suck. Pathophysiology In normal and natural labor, hormones that work in labor also work to prepare for breastfeeding in both mother and baby. During labor the oxytocin is responsible for strong contractions. With increased oxytocin and pain during contractions, endorphins are released. Along with the release of the baby through the birth canal, catecholamines are released. Catecholamines provide a boost for the mother. When the baby is born with a high catecholamine level then he is an active baby. When skin to skin, then the baby’s suction will stimulate oxytocin. Healthy infant will alert within 2 hours after birth and baby will sleep approximately 20 hours per day but the baby is still awake to suck. In a sleepy baby, the baby will sleep prolonged and will not wake up to suck. Causes of sleepy baby Sleepy or inactive babies are caused by interventions in labor such as induction, epidural anesthesia and separation of the baby from the mother after the baby is born. Intervention in labor (mother’s cause) Induction by pitocin, pitocin does not enter the blood so that the pituitary gland is not aroused to release endorphins. Epidural anesthesia decreases the levels of the hormone oxytocin. Without endorphins and oxytocin, the catecholamines will not be released. This makes mothers and babies less responsive. Babies who are exposed to anesthesia epidural reflex and swallow it will be disturbed making it difficult to suckle in a few hours or days. Separation of the baby from the mother after birth (causes in infants) Babies who do not do skin to skin contact after birth interfere with the baby’s ability to find breasts and stick. Babies who are treated together with her mother will get a quick response when showing signs want to drink. Physical closeness also makes the temperature, heart rate and breathing more stable so the baby will be more active suckling.