I must say, I had a very frequent waker/feeder, but never really felt the sleep deprivation (I didn't catch up through the day either.. not a big fan of day sleeping except when I'm pregnant!).. and I totally put it down to the lovely sleepy hormones that come with breastfeeding.. so whilst I had to get up plenty of times per night.. I didn't really have to wake up fully.. and often fell back to sleep either whilst feeding, or straight after with no problems.

I think if I had to prepare a bottle, and then try to settle the baby back to sleep without boob.. I would have been more awake, and felt the sleep deprivation more.

Very interesting - thanks Barb!