How to Deal with Second Night Syndrome?

You’ve just came home from the hospital, and your newborn just don’t stop crying?

Your baby, who was sleaping peacefully just moments ago, suddenly becomes a bundle of nerves?

As if that’s not enough, they’re on a non-stop breastfeeding marathon. And let’s not forget the sleep deprivation that hits you like a ton of bricks.

You start questioning everything: Did I break my baby? Am I doing something wrong? And oh, the classic: Is my milk supply enough?

But don’t worry, mamma, that behavior is the “second night syndrome”. And it’s as normal as it gets.

What is the second night syndrome?

Second Night Syndrome typically occurs about 24 hours after birth and affects nearly all newborns. During this time, your baby will want to nurse frequently but will often fall asleep quickly at the breast. When you try to put them down, they are likely to wake up. If you nurse them again, they will feed briefly before falling asleep again.

This behavior is a normal part of your baby’s adjustment to life outside the womb.

In the womb, babies have everything they need – perfect temperature, food, cozy space.

But once they’re born, it’s a big change.

They have to get used to sleeping in a crib, deal with room temperature changes, and figure out if they’re too hot or too cold. Going from the womb to the real world is a big adjustment for them.

How can we blame them for being fussy?

5 Signs of baby’s second night

• Tons of Cluster Feeding: Your baby wants to eat again right after finishing a feed, acting hungry even shortly after being fed.
• Instant Sleep: Falling asleep immediately when feeding begins.
• Restlessness and Fussiness: Showing signs of restlessness and increased fussiness.
• Difficulty Settling and Constant Need for Comfort: Struggling to settle down to sleep, seeking comfort through breastfeeding or being held.
• Short Sleep Spells: Sleeping for short periods and waking up frequently, needing to be fed or comforted multiple times.

How to handle the challenges of the second night syndrome?

• Be Prepared: Second night syndrome can catch you off guard, leaving you feeling confused and worried about your baby’s sudden mood change. Anticipating it and understanding what’s happening can help you meet your baby’s needs (and your own) better during this time.
• Recreate the Womb: Your baby has just transitioned from a warm, cozy, dark, and secure womb to a big, bright, and cold world. This change can be scary for them. You can ease their transition by recreating the womb’s sensations. Swaddle your baby, keep the lights dim, and use white noise to soothe them.
• Embrace Cuddles: Skin-to-skin contact is incredibly beneficial for both you and your baby. It helps with breastfeeding and calms your baby down. Don’t worry about spoiling them or creating bad habits—hold them close and cuddle as much as needed. Share the cuddle duty with your partner so you can both get some rest.
• Limit Visitors: Consider minimizing or even declining visits during the first day or so. Since babies are sleepier during the initial 24 hours, use this time to rest and prepare for the second night.
• Trust Your Baby’s Needs: Your baby may seem like they’re starving, but unless you’re having serious breastfeeding issues, they’re likely not. Remember, nursing is more than just about milk—it’s about comfort and security for your baby. Let them feed as much as they want during the second night to help boost your milk supply.

Dealing with Second Night Syndrome might seem challenging, but with the right tools, you’ll do just fine.

Remember that this is normal, and that there isn’t something wrong with your baby.

It’s important to be patient with both your baby and yourself.

One day you’ll get to enjoy some good sleep again… even if it’s a few years down the road!

How was your baby in the second night? Let me know in the comments below.