When you’re a new mother, the sheer excitement of bringing a baby into this world has yet to wear off, but you need to get some rest, right? New moms will feel plenty of emotions: overjoyed, the shared thrill of your entire family—and let’s not forget the chaos of getting used to this new little earthling in your life. So maybe you’re a little nervous, too. Now that your bun is fresh out of the oven, it’s all the more difficult to focus on yourself. Because all you want to do is spend your time caring for your little one and getting to know their every move, coo, and giggle.
Restoring your energy can mean the difference between being sleep-deprived and having the vigor to spend time with your baby. Plus, practicing self-care, including getting enough sleep, will be instrumental in helping you make the most of motherhood and bond with your baby. Here are a few key sleep tips to boost your sleep quality and get ample rest as a new mom!
Ever heard of outsourcing?
Moms, asking for help is by far the best way to restore your energy and heal faster than you normally would. If you haven’t already, talk to your partner and/or your other family members to see if there’s a way you can delegate some of your tasks, so as to preserve your energy, get more rest, and spend more time bonding with your little one.
Simply put, don’t wait to feel exhausted or overwhelmed, but try to communicate your needs to those around you. Your loved ones will be happy to help, that’s for certain. It takes some time to get used to your new role, and you should get all the rest you can, especially in those first several months.
Change your sleep environment
If your bedroom is a chaotic place with zero room for proper rest, chances are that you’ll twist and turn and spend time doing anything but sleeping. Plus, if you do manage to fall asleep, you’ll wake up with all kinds of aches and pains as a result. For starters, new moms should check for types of mattresses and pillows that could be most beneficial for proper support and comfort. Finding the right kind will help you prevent neck and spine issues and you’ll be able to help your body heal more quickly.
Bonus sleep tip: You can also add a few scented candles and bedroom-friendly plants to add more Zen into your room.
Sleep when your baby sleeps
You might not be too big on afternoon naps. In fact, at first, it could be almost impossible for you to relax long enough to actually fall asleep that early in the day. But doctors often advise new moms to try this practice for a while. It can take some time to adapt, but it will definitely be worth it: You’ll get more downtime without disrupting your baby’s sleep patterns, and your partner can use the time to handle some chores around the house.
Practice meditation
Even new moms who have strong support systems—helpful spouses, grandparents at the ready—still find it extremely difficult to fall asleep, despite the exhaustion motherhood brings. This kind of restlessness is common among new moms. You might feel the urge to be with your baby more or to spend time bonding. And you could also find yourself feeling afraid that you won’t hear your baby cry.
First of all, you can reduce those worries by keeping your baby’s crib next to your bed. Then again, you can use a baby monitor to give you peace of mind while you sleep in your own room. But perhaps most effective of all, you can try meditating and performing breathing exercises immediately before bedtime. This helps to reduce your stress levels and prepare your mind for restful sleep.
Every mom will find her own specific set of activities to relax and unwind. Sleep is crucial to maintain your overall health, so there are no excuses to avoid that downtime: it will benefit both you and your baby. Use these sleep tips to help get your rest and rebuild your energy to adapt to your new role and have more zeal to bond with your baby!
Looking for advice on how to help your baby sleep? Check out our article on 6 tips to teach your baby to sleep alone here!
About the Author
Mia Taylor is a 33-year-old blogger who writes about beauty, fashion, and travel. She had always been passionate about fashion and over time she has developed a style of her own. Mia loves to mix and match and inspire girls with her advice about outfit and accessories. She loves telling a story about her travels and providing beauty tips with readers.
LifeAsMama
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