As a new mom you have a lot going on and your little newborn baby might not be the best sleeper quite yet. It is hard sometimes to get enough sleep and even harder to catch up on it.
Here are some signs you might be experiencing sleep deprivation:
- Trouble concentrating
- Forgetfulness
- Mood swings
- Blurred vision
- Alterations in appetite
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, this is the time do dial up your support network and make sleep a priority as soon as you possibly can. Please find some tips below that might get you some more sleep.
Sleep Routine
Start implementing a relaxing routine, such as taking a warm bath and have dad, family or friends watch your newborn or reading a few pages of a book before bed, plus turning off electronics at least 1 to 2 hours before bedtime.
Comfy Sleep Environment
Along with streamlining your bedtime routine, make sure you have a comfortable and relaxing sleep environment. Is your bedroom a relaxing place you actually want to fall asleep in? Keep clutter, exercise bikes, unfolded laundry, and that stack of bills out of the bedroom and add things that soothe you like plants, beautiful decoration.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
There’s no badge of honor for powering through sleeplessness on your own. Whenever possible, accept help — or go ahead and ask for assistance from family and friends.
Take turns with your partner
Sometimes the best help is in plain sight – your partner! A bit of teamwork can make a major impact. Try and take turns at night getting up with the baby so that you can each get some uninterrupted sleep.
If you’re a nursing mom, once the nursing relationship is established, try to go to bed at the same time as the baby and see if your partner can feed the baby a bottle of pumped breast milk at the first wake-up so you can get a solid chunk of sleep during the first portion of the night.
My newborn photoshoots are relaxed and most of my parents catch up on some well deserved sleep. I love how comfortable my parents feel while I take care of their newborn. Ready to book your session?