The Second-Night Syndrome: understanding it to respond better

This phenomenon, which often comes as a surprise to new parents, is characterised by a marked change in their newborn's behaviour. 

Just after birth, your newborn may seem peaceful: they fall asleep easily, wake just long enough to feed before quickly drifting off again. This behaviour can give parents the impression that they have an "easy" baby. 

This calm often gives way to a period of intense restlessness on the second or third night — known as the "witching night". Your baby will suddenly become more agitated. After around 12 hours of peaceful behaviour — a period during which they recover from the birth — they begin to cry frequently and seem to be constantly asking to be fed. They may struggle to settle, become restless, and have difficulty falling back to sleep. And you are left with the feeling that you do not have enough milk.

This phase is relatively little known, which can make it quite unsettling. Most of the time, it coincides with the moment when the’the mother's hormonal excitement subsides and a deep tiredness sets in. Yet this is a normal and key period in your newborn's adjustment to their new environment. 

The "second night syndrome" typically occurs between the second and third day after birth, although it can sometimes arise up to the fifth night. This period of intense restlessness can last between 24 and 48 hours. 

Why do we talk about second night syndrome?

The term "second night syndrome" is used by many midwives and lactation consultants to describe this peak of restlessness observed almost systematically between 24 and 48 hours after birth. While it has not been the subject of formal clinical studies, its repeated observation in maternity wards makes it a reality recognised by perinatal healthcare professionals.

What sets it apart from a simple bout of crying is its predictability and its coincidence with two major physiological events: the maternal hormonal drop (oestrogen and progesterone) and the onset of lactation via the nocturnal prolactin surge. These two mechanisms occur simultaneously, making this night particularly intense for both mother and baby.

It is characterised by a number of different signs: 

• You may feel as though your baby is ravenous, given how much they are demanding the breast. This is known as cluster feeding.
• Your newborn seems unsettled and unable to calm down. 
• It is common for crying to accompany feeds, giving the impression that your baby is frustrated. 
• Despite the restlessness, your baby may fall asleep quickly once they begin to feed, then wake again shortly afterwards. 
• You may feel as though your newborn is struggling with your breast, as if they cannot latch on or are uncomfortable. 

During this phase, you may feel as though you are caught in an endless cycle of settling your baby, feeding them, and getting them to sleep without ever truly managing to soothe them. Rest assured, this phase is normal and, above all, it does not last! Understanding this before experiencing a difficult night can help reduce anxiety and allow you to navigate this period with greater calm. 

During the witching hour, you may feel as though you are stuck in an endless cycle of settling your baby, feeding them, and getting them to sleep without ever truly managing to soothe them. Rest assured, this phase is normal and, above all, it does not last! Understanding this before you experience the witching hour can help reduce anxiety and allow parents to get through this period with greater peace of mind.

The "nuit de Java" describes the moment when your newborn becomes aware of their new environment, marking a significant transition from the security of life in the womb to the outside world. 

Your baby moves from a constant environment at 37 degrees to a world where temperatures fluctuate, sounds are louder and lights are brighter. These changes mark a stark contrast with the calm of the uterus, where all their needs were automatically met through the action of the placenta. 

After losing the reassuring landmarks of the womb, your baby must adapt to a multitude of new sensations. Their nervous system, still immature, operates on an ultradian rhythm (cycles of 50 to 60 minutes) very different from the adult circadian rhythm. This desynchronisation partly explains why it is impossible for them to "sleep through the night" at this stage. The first 24 hours are often too exhausting for them to even notice. However, once those first 24 hours have passed, it is common for newborns to feel the need to release the emotions they have built up, which manifests as agitation and intense crying. 

Carole Hervé, IBCLC lactation consultant

"In addition to these emotional and environmental adjustments, your baby is also going through notable physical changes. Their stomach is seeking larger volumes of fluid and, although colostrum is nourishing, they are beginning to need more. This increased demand for feeds is also a way of getting closer to what they know best and what makes them feel safest: their mother's body. Furthermore, frequent feeds play an essential role in stimulating milk production. The intensity of suckling during this period promotes an increase in milk supply, drawing on the supply-and-demand principle that governs lactation. And no, these frequent feeds are not going to ruin your nipples! It is up to you to provide stability when you latch them on."

Although particularly intense, the "nuit de Java" is a natural physiological process that helps your newborn recreate a familiar environment in which to feel safe and strengthen your bond of attachment. 

Sleep and crying: understanding your baby's rhythm on day 2

On day 2, two hormonal mechanisms occur simultaneously in both mother and baby:

• In the mother: the sudden drop in oestrogen and progesterone (which collapse within 2 to 4 days after the delivery of the placenta) weakens emotional stability. At the same time, prolactin reaches a nocturnal peak — which is precisely why stimulating the breast that night is so valuable for establishing milk production.
• In the baby: the accumulated sensory overload (lights, noise, handling) raises cortisol levels. The non-nutritive sucking reflex is their primary tool for lowering this cortisol and returning to a state of emotional security. This is why skin-to-skin contact and sensory closeness with the mother are just as effective as feeding itself.

Oxytocin, the bonding hormone, also plays a central role: released during skin-to-skin contact, it simultaneously soothes both mother and baby, and triggers the milk ejection reflex. It is a virtuous circle you can activate from the very first moments.

The fussy night is a phenomenon that is not limited to breastfed babies. Indeed, newborns fed formula from a bottle display similar behaviour, which proves that it is not solely a sign of hunger. 

Likewise, this behaviour occurs regardless of the type of birth, whether vaginal or by caesarean. It is a normal physiological response that contributes to the initiation of lactation, through the baby's active suckling. 

If you are planning to breastfeed, it is not advisable to resort to a bottle of formula during this phase. Contrary to what one might think, giving a bottle to settle the baby can compromise the milk coming in and delay the issue, whilst also depriving your baby of the comfort they are primarily seeking: contact with your skin. 

As difficult as the fussy night can be, and even if you feel that your milk supply is insufficient and that this is frustrating your baby, it is really worth persevering. Your patience will be rewarded: your body will thank you for it, and so will your baby! 

Marie, co-founder of Jolly Mama:

"My first fussy night completely threw me. I felt like my baby was hungry all the time and that I didn't have enough milk. In reality, it was quite the opposite: it was the moment when my body was receiving the signal to produce more. With hindsight, and after three breastfeeding journeys, I understand that this night is a real physiological turning point. Cluster feeds are a powerful message sent to the maternal body: 'it's time to get things going'. Psychologically, it's intense too. After the calm of the first few hours, the baby seeks absolute closeness. Skin-to-skin stimulates oxytocin, that key hormone which promotes both milk let-down and the settling of the baby."

Soothing a baby during this night can be a challenge, but there are a few techniques to help you manage this period more easily. 

On-demand breastfeeding

Keep your newborn at the breast as often as needed. Use breast compression to stimulate milk flow. Don't hesitate to switch sides when they show signs of restlessness. 

Manual expression

If direct breastfeeding is difficult, you can manually express colostrum and offer it to your baby on a teaspoon. Just a few drops can be enough to soothe them.

Skin-to-skin

Keep your baby skin-to-skin as much as possible. This is where they feel most reassured, close to the familiar rhythm of your heartbeat and the warmth of your body. To get the most benefit from this closeness, place them in just a nappy against your bare chest and cover their back with a blanket. 

Stress management

Keep visits to a minimum during these first 24 to 48 hours and prioritise a calm, gentle and quiet environment. Remember that your baby is going through very intense changes and needs to feel reassured. 

Swaddling

Wrapping your baby in a swaddle blanket or cradling them in a baby carrier can give them a sense of security similar to what they felt in the womb. This can help them fall asleep and, above all, feel calm. 

Support

Make sure someone can step in to help if needed. This second night is often the one where your partner goes home to rest, reassured by how the first night went. Unfortunately, it is often during this night that you will need the most support. If that isn't possible, don't hesitate to ask the midwives or maternity nurses for help. They are well used to these lively nights and can be an invaluable source of support. 

Organisation

Knowing about this phenomenon helps you prepare for this night in the gentlest way possible. You can keep a soft night light within reach, a good book, some milk cookies or even some herbal teas to support lactation. 

🍲 To support you through those demanding first nights

The broth Mama Poule, rich in collagen and essential nutrients, offers ideal nutritional support to help you recover your strength. Warm, comforting, and ready in just a few moments even in the middle of the night, it is the perfect recovery companion for those first days in the maternity ward and at home.

The best way to get through the Java night is to prepare for it before it arrives. Here are some simple recommendations to put in place from the very first moments after birth:

• From Day 1: rest whenever your baby sleeps. Every moment of sleep counts.
• From Day 1: practise skin-to-skin contact as much as possible to stimulate oxytocin production and help your baby get used to your scent and warmth.
• Before Day 2: let those around you and the maternity ward staff know that you would like to be supported that night. Designate a clear relay (partner, midwife).
• During the night: alternate skin-to-skin contact, babywearing and on-demand feeding. Don't try to "manage" alone.
• Afterwards: be kind to yourself. Getting through that night is already a strong commitment to your child.

This phenomenon is physiological and normal. However, certain signs should prompt you to contact the maternity unit team or a healthcare professional immediately:

• Fever in a newborn (temperature> 38°C)
• Intense lethargy: your baby has not woken to feed for more than 4 hours
• No stools or urine in the first 24 hours of life
• Marked yellowing of the skin (neonatal jaundice)
• High-pitched, unusual crying that does not resemble hunger or discomfort cries

In these cases, this is no longer simply a restless night but potentially a sign requiring prompt medical attention. Do not delay in seeking appropriate care.