You’ve been told to prepare for sleepless nights when your baby comes out, but there’s nothing quite like it when it happens – more so if you’re breastfeeding.
The good news is that it’s possible to have a restful sleep, Momma. Here’s what you can do:
It’s time you hear this from a non-corporate context: Dress for success! With a comfortable sleepwear that has breastfeeding access, you won’t have a hard time figuring out how to make your baby latch easily.
You’ve probably heard “Sleep when your baby sleeps” from well-meaning family and friends. It’s a tip you shouldn’t dismiss, but know that you won’t always be able to sleep when your baby sleeps for different reasons. However, don’t underestimate the power of a 15 to 30-minute nap. It can reenergize you and make you mentally alert for the next hours of the day or so.
Keep your baby’s crib or bassinet nearby so you won’t have to spend too much time awake when baby needs to feed. Having him or her a few steps away will also save your energy.
Like a trooper ready for battle, you need to make sure all your and your baby’s essentials – breast pump, change of clothes, lampin, diapers, and a glass of water and snacks for you – are within reach. Time spent walking from your sleep area to your pantry or kitchen is time robbed from your precious sleep.
It’s not an old wives’ tale: there’s science behind making your room dark, or at least dim, to help you and your baby sleep longer. The darkness helps the body produce a hormone called melatonin, which makes you sleepy.
There will come a time when you will be able to predict your baby’s sleeping pattern. Pair this sleeping pattern with dream feeding, or feeding your half-asleep baby, and you just might have the formula for a much longer sleep in your hands.
Whether it’s for changing nappies or rocking your baby to sleep, help coming from your husband or in-laws are keys to having a restful sleep, too. Don’t hold back in asking for help when you need to. You’ll be surprised the people around you are more than willing to give you and your baby the rest you both need.