01/08/2023
Young babies are dominated by their needs for food, comfort and sleep rather than the environmental stimuli of light and dark, day and night. Adult circadian rhythms dictate our internal body clocks which influence energy levels, sleep patterns and moods. Two main hormones control circadian rhythms and are influenced by the light of day and the darkness of night. Cortisol is the stimulating "get going in the morning" hormone, and the hormone Melatonin peaks in the evening in response to reducing light, helping the body "wind down" in preparation for sleep. Newborn babies are oblivious to day and night and do not begin to develop circadian rhythms until about 2 months of age. The breastfeeding mother's cycle of sleep/wake hormones transferred in her breastmilk gradually influence her baby's circadian rhythm to develop. Environmental cues of the morning and evening activities help establish baby's rhythm in sync with the family over time. Having baby's bassinet or pram located in the hub of the household during the day and exposed to family sounds and activities is beneficial to baby's sensory experience. Reducing stimulation during and after night feeds will assist baby to settle sooner after being fed, and close proximity to his parents will help baby settle until the next feed. Page 98 NewBaby101 - A Midwife's Guide for New Parents eBook $9.95 www.NewBaby101.com.au
