Sleep deprivation and motherhood go hand in hand. Like a baby and diapers. Or baby and colic. Or a baby and teething…
In general, in the first year after the birth of the baby, the rhythm of the whole house changes, which cannot be the case – a new person has appeared, and he needs all the attention of the world.
And most of all, from the attention of his mother.
Lack of sleep affects health, attention, perception of the world, in general – your whole life. Here’s what to do in the first months while your baby’s routine is adjusting:
Make rest a priority.
There is no housework, laundry, or ironing that is more important than your holiday. The old folks say, “When the baby sleeps, you sleep too,” and they’re absolutely right.
The thing about babies is that you don’t know how long they’ll sleep, and you can’t count on them sleeping long enough to have time to do the housework and rest before they wake up again and want to nurse. a hug or just to cry at will.
If you can’t sleep, at least lie down. Recent childbirth and breastfeeding are two of the most energy-consuming events in a woman’s life. You need rest, fruit, and water. Even if you are not sleeping, use every convenient moment to lie down.
Getting up at midnight
It is inevitable. In the first months, you will feed your child often, usually every 3 hours, and most babies don’t mind eating at night. At the same time, you will have to change diapers. You can make nighttime activities easier by having everything within reach.
If possible, do not turn on the lights. The less you stand in the light, the easier it will be to fall asleep afterwards. The light that comes from the street lamps is also enough to change your diapers.
Of course, if you are giving your child milk from a bottle, you need to be more careful with the amount of milk and water, as well as the temperature of the water, so don’t take unnecessary risks.
Don’t look at your watch
The more you look at the clock, the more it will dawn on you that you only have two hours of sleep or an hour left until the next feeding, and it will make you even more nervous. Go to bed and sleep every time with the attitude that you will sleep long and sweetly.
If you can’t sleep at all, don’t worry too much. Not everyone can fall asleep on command with their child. If you’re one of these moms, don’t overextend yourself because it will make you even more nervous. Tell yourself “I’m not going to sleep, I’m going to rest,” and get comfortable in bed with your eyes closed. Sometimes just 10 minutes is enough for the body and mind to reset.
Hypersensitivity to sounds
Most mothers develop it – they wake up from the slightest noise, and often from non-existent sounds because it always seems to them that the baby is awake and something is happening to him.
This is completely understandable, and nature has made it so that the mother takes care of her baby in the best possible way. Sometimes soft music can drown out the usual household noises. And it will help you relax and do something for your soul.
A bedtime ritual
It is important both for your baby’s good sleep and for your own sleep. Put the little one to sleep, take your turn to take a warm shower after his bath, put on some comfortable pajamas, and settle into bed with a book. Sleep will come quickly, and you will be soothed by the baby snuggling next to you.
If the next day’s tasks are running through your head, write them down on a piece of paper. This way, your mind will calm down so that it won’t forget anything and will set itself up for rest.
Peace and quiet
You and your baby need peace and quiet to make your baby’s first months the best they can be.
Don’t try to be a mother-heroine with a perfect house and cooked meals for the whole family. A woman cannot do everything in one house, taking care of a newborn. Any accounts of such successes are either exaggerated or at the expense of the mother’s health.
And such heroics are not necessary. Ask your fathers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters for help, and take care of yourself with the same attention you take care of your baby. In just six months, everything will be much better, we guarantee you!
