Am I over promising here? Maybe, ha! But hear me out mama, sleep deprivation is real and it is getting in the way from moms enjoying their new mama role. How do you get new moms to sleep more? I got the secrets!
Let me tell you about my sleep deprivation experience, it was deadly. I honestly didn’t know it was going to hit me like a ton of brick. With my first born was a little easier because she would wake up every 4 hours. With my twin babies? Forget it. Every 2 hours they would wake up, one after the other.
I literally would cry sometimes because I felt so so tired, stressed, unhappy and wanted to push my husband off the bed! He was sleeping like a baby, even though of course he had to help with the twins, lol.
You see mama, as a new mom you will not get any sleep until you read this post. I’m sure you are going to overcome the sleep deprivation feeling and start sleeping more!
What are the effects of sleep deprivation for mothers?
“Not getting enough sleep really affects your ability to function,” says Mindell. “You’re more likely to make mistakes when you’re tired. You’re more likely to slip and fall, or cut yourself when chopping vegetables, or forget to fasten the straps of your baby’s high chair.” (source)
Ready to start sleeping more as a new mom?
5 ways new moms can eliminate sleep deprivation and start sleeping like a baby
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
1.Sleep when baby sleeps
Yes I know this may feel impossible when you have a newborn baby who literally wakes up every two hours at night. During the day, you don’t want to sleep, you want to get things done. I get it. But trust me, how super helpful it is to sleep while baby sleeps. It will help your mental health and will help you be more present with your newborn.
You do not need to do this every day, but try your best to sleep while baby sleeps often. You’ll be glad you did.
Great baby swing and bouncer options:
2. Nap when visitors come over
Yes! I am not even joking. I mean tink about it, your family and friends go visit you to see your baby. To help you around the house and make things easier for you. So, by all means excuse yourself and let them do their thing. Go nap for 30 minutes to an house. Let your body rest and enjoy this rare opportunity.
I did this with my twins, I went to bed like my family took care of my twin babies. They were happy and always encouraged it. So, do not feel bad about this.
Check out the newborn basics online class for new mamas. Newborn Basics 101 will give you the confidence and knowledge you need to care for your newborn from the start. A comprehensive newborn education that educates BOTH parents on the essentials of newborn care so that you can enter parenthood as a prepared team.
Read these tips next:
8 SMART WAYS TO GET THINGS DONE WITH A NEWBORN
10 BABY SLEEPING TIPS AND TRICKS TO HELP YOUR BABY SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT
THE ULTIMATE BABY TUMMY TIME SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR NEW MOMS (TIPS AND PRODUCTS TO USE!)
3. No phone before bedtime
If you truly want to sleep and I mean deep sleep where your body is completely relaxed. You need to let go of your phone and have a bedtime routine that does not include scrolling through instagram right before you close your eyes. It’s not healthy for you and you need to create a calming environment so you can truly enjoy your sleep.
Read my ebook THE FIRST TIME MOM GUIDE where I share with you how to sleep more as a new mom, how to create an effective routine for your baby and how to find more time for yourself!
4. Create a sleeping routine for your baby
Okay, one of the best ways for moms to get more sleep and avoid sleep deprivation as a new mom is to create an effective routine for your baby. Having a sleeping routine helps baby feel calm and secure in having a schedule. It helps you sleep more and your baby as well.
You can really benefit from helping your baby self soothe so you can both sleep more! Check out this Step-by-Step Sleep Training Guide to Help Your Baby Sleep through the Night.
5. Delegate tasks with your spouse
Why not take turns with your spouse on who’s going to wake up in the middle of the night to feed baby? Of course unless you’re exclusively breastfeeding, then this is not an option.
But, it is an option during the day, when your spouse is back home from work. Ask him to take care of the baby while you take a break. Taking care of a newborn is a team effort and you should include your spouse as much as possible.
Read this next:
10 THINGS YOU CAN EXPECT THE FIRST NIGHT HOME WITH YOUR NEWBORN BABY
15 HELPFUL AND EASY WAYS TO BOND WITH YOUR NEWBORN BABY
Even though sleep deprivation in moms is very common, it does not mean you can’t sleep at all. There are certainly ways that will help you get a good night sleep. Or rest during the day so you can feel energized, well and happier.
Not getting enough sleep as a mama is hard and is not healthy. You’ll be less patient, more irritated and will not enjoy the newborn phase as much. So make it a point to take care of yourself and being opened minded about finding ways to sleep more!
You got this mama, I’m rooting for you.
Leave a Reply