Breastfeeding, bottle feeding and sleep: a rhythm of closeness and trust

Guest blog by lactation consultant Teddy Roorda.

Feeding your baby is so much more than simply satisfying hunger. It is a moment of pure intimacy, a small ritual filled with warmth, security, and reassurance. Whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed, every feeding moment is an opportunity to embrace your little one with attention, eye contact, and love. These small moments are what create a deep bond and help you discover a safe rhythm together.

When your baby falls asleep at the breast, something truly special happens. It’s a moment of deep connection, where you and your little one settle into a rhythm that belongs only to you. Skin-to-skin contact, the warmth of your touch, and the gentle sound of your heartbeat create a profound sense of safety. At the same time, your body releases oxytocin — often called the “cuddle hormone” — strengthening your bond and surrounding you both with calm and reassurance.

Breast milk also supports your baby’s natural sleep rhythm. It contains melatonin, which is present in higher levels at night and subtly helps regulate sleep. Each feeding becomes a soft, comforting ritual — a quiet flow of closeness and care that soothes both parent and child.

In the early weeks, frequent feeding is completely normal and important. Newborns often feed 10–12 times a day, and sometimes even more during the night. This not only meets their nutritional needs but also helps establish milk production and prevents discomfort such as engorgement. It’s perfectly natural for babies to sleep a lot and occasionally need a gentle wake-up to feed — their little bodies are working hard, growing, and discovering the world more each day.

Whether you use the breast or a bottle, every feeding moment is a chance to connect with your baby in a loving, attentive way:

• Eye contact and touch: Hold your little one close, look into their eyes, smile, and gently stroke their skin.

• Warmth and security: Even with a bottle, your baby feels held, cherished, and safe as long as your attention and touch are present.

There are some small differences in sleep between breastfed and bottle-fed babies. Breastfed babies often wake a bit more frequently because breast milk is digested more quickly. Bottle-fed babies may sometimes sleep for longer stretches. Still, both groups sleep about the same total amount over a full feeding cycle. Fragmented sleep in the first months is completely normal and reflects your baby’s natural biological rhythm.

1. Turn every feeding into a small ritual

Hold your baby close to you, speak softly, and gently stroke your little one’s skin. A warm blanket or a soft cushion can add even more comfort, making the moment feel calm and secure for both of you.

2. Combine breast and bottle with love

Alternate between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding in a way that feels right for your family. Focus on connection and attention, not just on the act of feeding. What matters most is the loving presence you bring to each moment.

3. Create a safe and peaceful sleep environment

Allow your baby to drift into a deep sleep before gently transferring them to the crib. Make sure the sleep space is safe and free of loose pillows or blankets, so you can both rest with peace of mind.

4. Listen to your baby

Learn to recognize early hunger cues, such as lip-smacking or rooting. Crying is often a later signal of hunger. Let your baby feed until they naturally stop — whether at the breast or with the bottle — trusting their ability to regulate their own needs.

Feeding is an act of love, patience, and attention. Breastfeeding creates a natural rhythm of connection and sleep, but bottle-feeding can be just as loving when you continue to offer closeness, eye contact, and warmth. Every shared moment is an investment in trust, bonding, and a deep sense of security.

Your rhythm together can be unique. What matters most is that each moment is filled with love, presence, and gentle touch. In this way, not only does your baby grow, but so does your bond — a warm, safe foundation for the life you are building together.