Being a new mom is not an easy job. The body goes through a tremendous change and the mind is still coming to terms with it. Motherhood is fulfilling, but one needs to take extra care to enjoy this special phase of life.
Did You Know?
According to a study by Silentnight Beds, in the first 2 years of their child's life, parents miss out on 6 months worth of sleep.
Being a new mom is not an easy job. The transition from a woman to a mother is filled with many obstacles, but the tiny baby cradled in the arms make it absolutely worth it.
The numerous responsibilities and sacrifices can take a toll on the health. Not to forget the postpartum depression and all the pressure. Most moms are always wondering if they are doing things right because they want to be perfect moms. Amongst all this, it is important not to ignore sleep.
Ways to Get Sleep After Having a Baby
You probably must have heard this tip a zillion times. You know why? Because it works! It is a very simple (though slightly difficult to execute) way of catching up on all the lost sleep.
Divide all the important chores between you and your spouse. This way, one person can cook while the other does the laundry. One can handle the baby till the other cleans the kitchen. Basically, all the work won't pile up on the new mom, and she'll get more time to rest and relax.
Small naps, long naps, power naps, just about any nap will do. Sleeping at a stretch for a considerable amount of time is very difficult for most new mothers. Naps are like a blessing after those sleepless nights.
You gotta be realistic, and say no when needed. Motherhood is your biggest priority right now, and you deserve to focus on it completely. Don't try to keep everyone happy, just take care of yourself.
If your mother or mother-in-law wants to help you, don't say no. Trying to do everything on your own may sound cool, but it's not easy.
Eventually, it will take a toll on your health. If your friends, neighbors, or relatives are genuinely taking an effort to ease some load off your shoulders, just let them. Compromise a little, if need be, and utilize that time to doze off.
If the baby is sleeping in a different room, you'll have to get up and go there every time she cries. The best way to handle this problem is to keep her bassinet near your bed. That way, you can easily feed or soothe her and get back to sleep.
You may not be able to nap every time you are free, but you can simply lie down and relax. All the running around and extra work, plus less sleep can tire you out. Just stretch out, unwind with a good book, or simply do nothing for some time. It will help, a lot.
You don't have to get up every time the baby needs to be fed. Just pump and go to sleep. Your husband can feed the pumped breast milk when the baby gets up at night.
Plan all important tasks well in advance and make a schedule with your partner. If there's some commitment you just simply cannot miss, ask your friend or mother for help. Don't try to squeeze in too much work in a single day. Intelligent planning will help you get proper sleep.
There will be some difficult days, when everything will be a big mess! But don't stay up late doing the laundry or cleaning your closet when you haven't had a good night's sleep in ages. You have to understand that as a new mom, you'll be able to get enough sleep only if you prioritize it.
Sleep deprivation is very common in new parents. Good sleep is the foundation of a healthy body. If the mind and body is sound, then only can one properly take care of their little bundle of joy. Things are easier said than done, and dealing with sleep deprivation is not easy, but not impossible either.