How to Get a Better Night’s Sleep as a New Mother
Being a new mother is anything but easy. While you have a bundle of joy to coo over, you’ve also got to deal with the physical and emotional toll that comes from having a baby. You don’t just bounce back to how you were before the pregnancy, after all. You will likely feel tired, stressed, and in need of a lot of rest.
Of course, it’s difficult to do that when you have a baby to tend to every hour of the day. That doesn’t mean a full night of sleep is out of reach, though – and nor should it be. Here’s how to get a better night’s sleep as a new mother.
Ensure the Cot is Safe and Comfy
For you to get a good night of sleep, your baby needs to sleep. That’s often easier said than done, unfortunately! There are ways to help them both drift off and stay asleep, though, like ensuring the cot is comfortable. Look into various cot types to determine which one is best for you – ask your parent friends for recommendations.
Swaddling is a great way to help babies sleep, too, as it mimics the womb and a parent’s touch. With a baby sleep swaddle from Presley Couture, your baby will feel comforted throughout the night, reducing the chances of them waking up in their cot.
Take Time Off Work
Parental leave is there for a reason, so take as much time off as you can. You might be eager to get back into a routine, but looking after a baby is work enough. Don’t pressure yourself – get some rest, and only think about work when you must. It means that when you do eventually go back to work, you will do so far more refreshed.
Sleep When Baby Sleeps
As a new mother, you likely won’t be able to keep your regular sleeping schedule. Don’t worry; it won’t last forever, but you do need to adjust your sleeping habits. Sleeping when your baby sleeps is the best way to ensure you get plenty of rest. It might take a while for you to get used to, especially if your little one sleeps through the day, but it’ll benefit your energy levels in the long run.
Share the Load
Who says you should take on all the responsibility? If you have a partner, divide the responsibility of looking after the baby fairly. It’s important for both parents to get enough rest, after all. If you are a single mother, sharing the load is a little more challenging but not impossible. Reach out to friends and family and build a support network that helps you when you need it most. It has been said that it takes a village to raise a baby, so don’t attempt it all on your own. Even if you just need your sibling or parent to watch your baby for a few hours while you take a nap, don’t hesitate to ask.
Tire Yourself and Baby Out in the Day
Humans sleep much better when they are tired. As a new mother, you are likely already wearing yourself out enough, but it doesn’t hurt to get outside to make sure both you and the baby are tired enough come bedtime. By giving your little one tons of playtime during the day, they are more likely to quickly drift off later on.
Leave the Chores When Tired
Looking after a baby while keeping on top of chores can feel like an uphill battle. If one day you feel exhausted, but you still have a load of washing to do or a sink of plates to clean, prioritize getting rest. After all, you can do it later when you’re more energized or ask your partner to do it for you!
Find Ways to Relax
With your changed routine, you might find it hard to drop off. It doesn’t help that you likely have a whole new bunch of worries in your life, like whether your baby is safe or if you’ve fed them enough. To get enough rest, you must find ways to relax. Some simple things you can do from home include:
*Taking an Oil-Infused Bath
Lavender oil drops are relaxing, especially when infusing a bath, so splash a few drops in when you get the chance.
*Meditation
Ten minutes of meditation before bed will help relax your body and clear your thoughts, which will aid you in a better night’s sleep.
*Breathing Exercises
If you can’t sleep, breathing exercises might help you out. The 4-7-8 method is particularly useful, so try that the next time you’re tossing and turning.
*Reading a Book
Books will take you to a whole other world (without a screen), so spend some time reading before bed to escape the day’s worries.
Make Use of Natural Sleep Aids
As a new mother, it may seem hard at first, but with the help of some natural sleep aids, getting a good night’s sleep doesn’t have to be so difficult. Cbn capsules, for example, are a great choice. Natural remedies like this one can help you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. These remedies are also healthier for both mom and baby since they don’t have the added side effects that many prescription sleep aids can have.
Establish a Routine
Establishing a routine is much harder for mothers, but it isn’t impossible. Figure out what you want the routine to be early on, and then do your best to follow it. If you are lucky, your baby will start to know when it is bedtime and then feel tired naturally when it comes around. Don’t worry if you can’t always stick to the routine, though. Life as a new mother is anything but consistent!
Keep Baby Near You
One common reason new mothers struggle to rest properly is that they are too worried about their babies. After all, you have a huge new responsibility in your life! If you have never had a kid before, it can almost feel overwhelming. You don’t want to be trying to sleep while overthinking, though, so keep your baby close to you. By knowing your baby is safe and sound asleep next to you, you will find it easier to drop off yourself.
See Your Doctor if You Can’t Sleep
Sometimes, parents can do absolutely everything right and still struggle to get enough rest. If nothing else is working, then consider seeing your doctor for aid with sleep. There are medical reasons you might not be getting enough sleep, from insomnia to stress to postpartum depression. Your doctor should be able to help with all of these problems.
Getting enough sleep is crucial for new mothers. By being fully rested, you will be able to give all your love and attention to your bundle of joy when you are awake.
