The arrival of a new baby brings joy and excitement, but also sleepless nights for new parents. New moms, in particular, can struggle to get enough sleep due to the erratic schedule that comes with caring for a newborn. This sleep deprivation can lead to a range of health hazards, including depression, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart disease. In addition, lack of sleep can cause stress, reduce productivity, and impair reaction times, making new parents more prone to accidents and injuries – which can be dangerous around infants.
Dr. Sibasish Dey, Head of Medical Affairs, South Asia at ResMed, emphasizes that understanding which sleep strategies work best for both the new mom and the baby is crucial. “Compared to adults, infants have shorter sleep cycles,” he notes. With that in mind, here are some tips to help new moms get the sleep they need.
Sleep with the baby
Sleeping whenever the baby sleeps may not be easy, but experts agree that it can be one of the best healing practices for new mothers. Simply cuddling with the baby can promote a sense of relaxation and reduce stress levels.
Feel comfortable declining invitations
As a new mother, your responsibilities have increased, and your social life may not be as attractive to you anymore. Don’t push yourself to go anywhere, and don’t feel guilty about avoiding visitors in order to establish a routine.
Set up a good routine
According to Dr. Dey, a peaceful sleeping environment and a consistent night-time routine that promotes restfulness at night is essential for a new mother. Establishing a routine can help both the mom and the baby adjust to their new life and create a sense of structure.
Balance the responsibilities
As bringing a child into the world is a mutual decision, it’s the responsibility of both parents to provide care without the burden falling on one parent. It’s important to work together and support each other in order to achieve a good balance in caring for the baby.
Employ relaxation techniques
Try to catch up on meditation, breathing exercises, and small walking routines. These can help new moms unwind and improve their sleep habits. While taking good care of oneself can be challenging when caring for a newborn, getting enough sleep also needs to be a top priority. If new moms have trouble sleeping in the weeks and months following their baby’s birth, they should talk to their doctor, who can help determine their healthcare requirements.
In conclusion, new mothers need to prioritize a good night’s sleep and develop a range of sleep strategies that work for both themselves and their child. With a bit of effort and the right mindset, new moms can overcome sleep deprivation and enjoy a healthy, restful lifestyle.
