All Things Breastfeeding Podcast

From Barbara Robertson What is 2nd Night Syndrome? 2nd-night syndrome is a common feature of newborn behavior. It typically occurs on the 2nd night after birth, when the baby’s behavior shifts from sleepiness to greater wakefulness, often asking to nurse frequently. Our colleague, Jan Barger, has discussed this. In her description of this she says, “All of a sudden, your little one discovers that he’s no longer back in the warmth and comfort – though a bit crowded – womb where he has spent the last 9 months – and it is SCARY out here!” No wonder babies are upset!” Correct! Infants are upset, but our takeaway message to families is that this is normal and your baby is fine. And, happily, there are things you can do that may help. What does 2nd Night Syndrome look like? The key sign of this is that the baby wants to be held continually and nursed frequently. This is expected behavior. The baby is shifting from being fed through the umbilical cord and held constantly in the womb