New Parent Sleep Solutions

Are you a new parent wondering if you’ll ever get a good night’s sleep again? Between feeding, changing, soothing and bonding with your baby, you may feel like sleep is something you left in your past life. But don’t give up hope. Sleep problems are very common among new parents, and we’re here to share a few hacks to catch more zzz’s during this precious time with your baby.

Sync with your baby’s schedule

When a baby comes on the scene, they take over. That means you have to adapt. One of the best ways to get more sleep as a new parent is to sync your sleep schedule with your baby’s, rather than trying to keep to your normal schedule. This means going to bed and waking up when your baby does. This way, you can maximize the amount of sleep you get, even with constant feedings and diaper changes.

Of course, this comes with sacrifices. This may mean you have to give up on some of your personal or social time. During times of frustration, remember that this is only a temporary phase, and eventually your baby will sleep for longer and more consistent periods of time. Until then, prioritize sleep over everything else, and nap whenever you can.

Does breastfeeding make you tired?

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with your baby, while providing them with a precious gift: the best nutrition possible. However, breastfeeding is also exhausting, especially in the first few weeks and months. Breastfeeding can make you tired for several reasons. It burns tons of calories, which depletes your energy reserves, it stimulates the production of prolactin, a hormone that makes you sleepy, and it can interfere with your overall sleep quality, especially when you wake up throughout the night to nurse your baby.

Dealing with breastfeeding fatigue is hard, but there are ways to manage it. Make sure you eat well, drink plenty of water, and rest as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask your partner, a family member, or a friend to help you with other tasks while you’re breastfeeding. If possible, pump some breast milk and store it in the fridge or freezer, so you can take some time for yourself and let someone else feed your baby once in a while.

Does birth control make you tired?

If you’re a new mom who’s using hormonal birth control, you may wonder if it’s affecting your energy levels. The answer is: it depends. Like with many other side effects, some women may experience fatigue, while others won’t notice a difference at all.

Your experience depends on the type of birth control you use, the dosage, and your individual response to the medications. If you think your birth control cycle is making you tired, talk to your doctor about your symptoms, adjusting your dose, or switching to a different method.

Too tired to sleep?

One of the most surreal reports of new parents is that many of them reach the point of being too exhausted to sleep, even when they have the opportunity. This is normal. It can happen when you’re stressed, anxious, or overstimulated, and your brain just can’t shut off. This can lead to a vicious cycle of insomnia and fatigue, which worsens your mood and health.

• To break this cycle, you need to relax your mind and body before bedtime. Here are some tips to unwind and prepare for sleep:
• Don’t use caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, or other stimulants in the evening. Caffeine is a favorite for new parents, but do yourself a favor and steer clear in the latter half of the day, especially if you’re planning on getting any sleep.
• Turn off the smartphone, TV, computer, and all other devices at least an hour before bed. These devices emit blue light, which trick your body into thinking it’s still daytime.
• Listen to soothing music, white noise, or a guided sleep meditation.
  Read a book. This is a proven method of releasing sleep hormones before bed.
  Snuggle with your partner, your baby, or your pet.

Most importantly, remember that this too shall pass, and soon you’ll be sleeping like a baby yourself. Every minute counts, so get as much sleep as you can and enjoy this special time with your baby. You deserve it.

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