Most new moms are in seventh heaven after giving birth to their little bundle of joy, but many also find it pretty difficult to get back to the pace of life they were accustomed to in their pre-motherhood days. Looking after a baby is not easy and new moms especially find themselves giving less and less time to their needs.
Sleep debt or a lack of sleep is a common problem among mothers. What you ideally need is to make the best use of your time and get adequate sleep and rest. Inadequate sleep can take a toll on your mind and body and lead to exhaustion.
Here’s a list of the five best sleeping tips to help you enjoy every wonderful moment with your new baby. Incorporate these simple sleeping aids in your routine and you will find that you are sleeping better.
Say yes to a helping hand
Be open and flexible to help from family and friends. Remember a good sleep is beneficial to you and your baby – it’s important to have your quota of sleep to stay healthy and energetic. Accept the help of friends and of family members who offer to lend a hand. If required, also look out for professional part-time help.
Snooze with your baby
Adjust your sleeping time to your baby’s. You could end up taking short naps at intermittent periods, but that’s okay as it will give you enough rest. A short nap of even 15 to 20 minutes is likely to make a big difference. Once you start sleeping with your baby, it will improve your sleep patterns. Resting next to your child can also act as a sleeping aid. You will also need to monitor the baby less often. So get a pillow and plonk down next to your little kid when they're snoozing. If you are unable to sleep, try some herbal tea or relaxing music – they can be good sleeping aids.
Be prepared for the night
Keep everything you need for night time feeding at hand before you go to bed. Filling up bottles with formula from pre-measured containers saves time and effort when your baby wakes up hungry in the middle of the night. It’s even better if you are breastfeeding as you avoid the hassle of preparing baby food at midnight. Keep the diaper-changing table ready with fresh diapers and wipes.
Take turns with your partner
Take turns with your partner to nurse the baby.
Turn down the noise
A common mistake moms make is turning up the baby monitor so loud that they can hear every little gurgle their baby makes. The monitor should be loud enough to pick up your baby’s cries, but not too loud that it keeps you up at night.
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