Sleeping as a new mom is pretty difficult.
For some it might be nearly impossible.
Unfortunately, there will be always be a level of losing sleep whenever you bring a newborn baby home. This is just part of the process.
There are, however, some things that you can do in order to stop yourself getting too self-deprived too early on.
You need to keep your mood stabilised and your energy levels consistent when you are looking after a newborn, and sleep is the only solution for this.
These are our top 4 tips for new moms looking after their own sleep.
Sleep When Your Baby Sleeps
A great rule of thumb to start with is to sleep whenever your baby sleeps, whether this is day or night.
It’s easy for us to fall into the trap of being awake the whole time our baby is awake, and then as soon as they fall asleep we go into productive mode and try and get loads done.
Listen, I get it.
But that load of washing can wait just a little while longer, you need a nap.
Sleep whenever your baby sleeps and you won’t have to worry about what they’re doing while you’re asleep. It might be a bit of an unusual schedule at first, but it will really help you steal some more hours of sleep during the day.
Don’t try and be supermom by over-doing it, be a good mom by looking after yourself as well as your baby.
Accept Help From Others
Reach out for help when you need to.
It doesn’t have to be full-on babysitting, and your baby never has to leave your house, if you aren’t comfortable with that yet.
Having friends or family come round to supervise your baby while you lie down for a nap is super helpful.
You can relax knowing you’re still close by to your baby, but you can get the sleep you need knowing someone you trust is in charge and on watch.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, your friends and family will usually be thrilled to be able to help in an easy and proactive way, and who doesn’t love getting to spend time with a lovely newborn baby?
Keep Electronics Out of The Bedroom
When it comes to sleeping at night time, try and keep all of your electronics out of the bedroom, apart from your baby monitor, of course.
You need to prioritise rest and create an environment conducive to good rest and sleep.
Don’t waste hours of precious time scrolling through social media or Googling things that you are worried about.
Take a proper break away from everything, and get some sleep.
With keeping your phone out of the room you will notice you sleep better and you fall asleep much quicker without all that blue light shining in your face.
Wind Down Before Bed
It’s important to take some time to relax before you try and sleep at night. If you try and sleep right away and then can’t, you might just end up feeling more frustrated.
Take some time to yourself, again away from electronics, and just try and relax.
Read, have a cup of tea, do some drawing, or write in a journal.
It’s important to make time for yourself in your crazy new life as a mother, and it is important to keep making yourself a priority.
