As a new mother, you want to be prepared in everything that entails taking care of your newborn baby. Preparation is also important for it is this period when new moms will have to make adjustments and encounter many surprises. A good example which new mothers have to be prepared for is the need to be awake when their newborn wakes up at night. This can be considered as among those stressful parts of being a new mother.
The good thing is that this is temporary. Still, you want to make sure that you are also getting enough sleep along the way, something that most moms have a hard time doing so due to not knowing what to do. So, what do you need to do in order to get that much needed sleep of yours while still able to provide the care needed by your baby?
Delegate Feedings
Keep in mind that you are not the only source of nourishment your baby. If possible, have someone take care of your child’s feedings at certain time at night so you can get your much needed rest and sleep. This is one good way of preventing the occurrence of postpartum depression, which sleep deprivation may easily trigger. It is true that it is not possible to delegate someone to take care of your baby’s 2am feedings, but doing this at least once or twice a week may just be what you need to stay sane after giving birth.
Take Naps When You Can
Yes, a wife and a new mother entail a lot of tasks that need to be done during the day, making it impossible to take naps. But being able to take naps while your baby sleeps at day is not the only way you can do it. You can still be productive while your baby is awake. A good example would be when nursing your child. Nurse your baby while lying down and take this opportunity to take a nap as well.
Get Daddy to Take Part and Feed Baby
Of course, being a mother can be tiring, particularly for new ones who are still adjusting to the change. But this does not mean that you need to do everything when taking care of your newborn. Let daddy help you as well so you can get your much needed relief. Have a bottle of expressed milk or baby formula ready. When your baby cries at night for a feed,, let your husband handle the task. This will also help as a bonding time for them.
Rooming Options
Perhaps, you’ve got the nursery prepared. But does this really work for everyone? Experts advise that if the chosen sleeping arrangement is disturbing everyone from their sleep, it only indicates the need to try another possible arrangement. Also, the best one is always what makes you comfortable. If that means having the baby with you in the bed for a more convenient approach during feeding time, so be it.
Taking opportunities to sleep when it presents itself also helps. So try using eye masks or even a white noise machine to make it easier for you to do so.
Commentaires