Sleeptraining and Breastfeeding at the Same Time? Yes — And Here’s How
Sleeptraining and breastfeeding
Sleeptraining and breastfeeding: There’s a widespread myth floating around in parenting circles: you have to stop breastfeeding before starting sleep training. At SleepyStar, we’re here to set the record straight — because you don’t need to choose between breastfeeding and better sleep. In fact, many families find that both can work together beautifully when approached with a clear plan and realistic expectations.
What to expect
Why Feeding Method Isn’t the Issue
Whether your baby is breastfed, bottle-fed, or somewhere in between — sleep training is less about what they eat and more about how they fall asleep. Many babies, especially between 8 and 12 months, develop strong associations between feeding and sleeping. When they rely on the breast as the only way to settle, they often wake during the night and expect the same comfort to fall back asleep.
This isn’t about hunger — it’s about habit.
Understanding Sleep Associations
Babies learn through repetition. If they always nurse right before falling asleep, their brain links the two together. Over time, this connection becomes a powerful sleep association. So when they stir between sleep cycles (as all humans do), they may fully wake and cry out, looking for the same feeding pattern that helped them drift off in the first place.
This is where sleeptraining can gently step in — to support your baby in learning new, independent sleep strategies that still allow space for connection and comfort.
You Don’t Have to Wean to Sleeptrain
Here’s the good news: you can absolutely continue breastfeeding while teaching your baby to sleep more independently. In fact, many families keep one or two night feeds (especially for younger babies) while still working toward longer stretches of rest.
If your baby no longer needs night feeds for nutritional reasons — often the case around 6 months and up, unless advised otherwise by your pediatrician — then sleep training can focus on gradually removing that association, without needing to stop breastfeeding altogether.
We’ll Help You Understand the “Why” Behind the Wake-Ups
At Sleepystar, we look beyond the wake-up itself and ask: what’s driving it? Is your baby truly hungry? Or are they simply relying on a familiar routine to get back to sleep?
This distinction is key. Once we know the reason, we can tailor a plan that fits your baby’s needs — and yours. Because better sleep isn’t just about babies. It’s for parents too.
Breastfeeding and Sleeptraining: A Balanced Approach
Sleeptraining isn’t about letting your baby “cry it out” or giving up breastfeeding. It’s about gently creating new patterns that help your baby feel safe, secure, and confident falling asleep in other ways. That might mean adjusting the timing of feeds, introducing a consistent bedtime routine, or using gradual methods to separate feeding from sleeping.
And yes — all of that is possible while still breastfeeding during the day, and even at night if you choose.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Choose between sleeptraining or breastfeeding
You can have the breastfeeding journey you want and support your baby’s sleep. These two goals can absolutely go hand in hand.
With guidance, patience, and a rhythm that works for your family, your baby can learn to sleep soundly — and so can you.
Ready to make a change that supports both sleep and connection? we are here to help. Sweet dreams! ✨😴Sleepystar is here to help.
