New mothers know the truth. Of course, your baby’s first weeks and months can be an exciting, joyous, and incredibly special time. The bond that forms when you hold your newborn for the very first time, which you didn’t think could get any stronger, suddenly does.
But in all the excitement, family visits, and chaos that getting to know your little one involves, new moms often neglect something pretty important — sleep. Newborns wake up during the night, need to be fed constantly, and may take short naps throughout the day. This can make it impossible for new moms to get long stretches of rest, and sleep quality will probably be poor.
Here are seven tips for getting through this time and enjoying it.
Eat the right food
Maintaining a balanced diet can be challenging for new mothers. However, choosing sleep-promoting foods such as kiwis, bananas, and almonds, rich in magnesium and potassium, can contribute to feelings of well-being and calmness, experts at WebMD counsels. Replacing sugary snacks with these healthier options can positively impact your sleep patterns.
Nap when you can
According to online platform Sleep Health Foundation, the advice to “sleep when the baby sleeps” is often overlooked in favour of household tasks. Yet, taking advantage of nap times, whether during the day or night, is crucial. Even if you can’t fall asleep, dedicating time to rest or meditate can be beneficial, as it allows your mind to relax.
Accept help from others
You want to be a supermum, but even supermums suffer from a lack of sleep. At the very least, it saps energy, reduces productivity levels, and hinders one’s ability to make sound decisions. So, when people offer you help, accept it. Whether it’s the bigger things like offering, to babysit or the smaller things like bringing you takeout when you don’t have the energy to cook, say “yes” to whatever help comes your way. It doesn’t make you a bad mum to admit that you’re exhausted. It doesn’t make you weak if you need to seek the strength of others.
Keep baby close to the bed
During night time feedings, you don’t want to be awake any longer than you have to be. Getting up and out of bed can make those middle-of-the-night wake-ups harder than necessary. A bedside sleeper or some kind of bassinet that can be pushed against your bed might be best for this.
a well-rested mother is better equipped to provide the care and love her child needs
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that parents share a room with their baby for at least the first six months of life but do not co-sleep. Many cultures practice bed-sharing, and ultimately it is up to you and your family to decide what works. Discuss your plans with your pediatrician to assure that sleep circumstances are as safe as possible.
Limit visitors
During the first few weeks, there are going to be so many people wanting to wish you well and meet the new arrival. However, you should limit the number of visitors you have in the early weeks of postpartum. This is the time for you and your baby to get to know each other, heal, and rest.
Try “watchful waiting”
According to online platform KidsHealth, for first-time mothers, resisting the urge to respond immediately to every baby sound can be challenging. Learning to distinguish between actual feeding cues and routine noises can lead to more restful sleep for both you and your baby.
The reality is that babies make a lot of noise, even when they are fast asleep, according to online platform Happiest Baby. As a mum, learn to pause before jumping to breastfeed your little one. Eventually, you will learn that their tiny noises might not necessarily mean that they need milk, they’re just sleeping, meaning more sleep for you.
Utilize the pump
While pumping may be time-consuming, it can offer opportunities for longer stretches of sleep. Allowing a partner or family member to assist with nighttime feedings can provide valuable rest for you.
Additionally, building a milk supply can be beneficial for emergencies or moments of self-care. Plus, it will be great for your baby to learn how to take a bottle in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
Prioritizing sleep is a crucial aspect of a mother’s well-being, especially during the early stages of motherhood.
Implementing these strategies can contribute to a healthier and more enjoyable experience for both you and your baby. Remember, a well-rested mother is better equipped to provide the care and love her child needs.
