The newborn falls asleep while feeding and wakes up as soon as placed down.

It is common for newborns to fall asleep while feeding and then wake up immediately upon being placed down. This phenomenon may occur because the baby has not yet entered deep sleep, or it may indicate insufficient breast milk supply.

1. Baby is not fully asleep: During breastfeeding, babies may enter a state of “pseudo-sleep”—appearing to be asleep but remaining lightly conscious. If placed in the crib at this stage, they often wake up promptly. To address this, gently massage the baby’s earlobes or tap the soles of their feet during feeding to keep them alert and encourage continued nursing until they are fully asleep before laying them down.

2. Insufficient breast milk: If maternal milk supply is inadequate, the baby may not feel satiated and may cry vigorously. In such cases, prompt consultation with an obstetrician or lactation specialist at a local hospital is essential. Under medical guidance, galactagogue medications—such as Tongru Granules, Cui Nai Pian (Lactation-Promoting Tablets), or Ru Quan Granules—may be prescribed to enhance milk production.

Breast milk provides optimal nutritional value for young infants. However, as the baby grows, if breast milk alone cannot fully meet their developmental needs, timely introduction of complementary foods is crucial.