WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Prioritizing Rest and Sleep for New Moms

Newborn
Post-delivery time
Prioritizing Rest and Sleep for New Moms
Parenthood is an incredible journey, but it comes with its own set of sleep-related challenges. Frequent feedings, diaper changes, and comforting a fussy baby can disrupt even the most seasoned sleeper's rest.
Amidst the demands of caring for your newborn, ensuring you prioritize your own sleep is crucial.
A Well-Rested Parent: Key to Fulfilling New Responsibilities
Adequate sleep directly impacts your ability to fulfill your new role as a parent effectively.
Sufficient sleep enhances your patience and overall parenting experience.
Here are strategies to optimize your sleep:
  1. Embrace the Baby's Sleep Schedule: Newborns take frequent naps totaling 16 to 18 hours per day. Napping when the baby does can be challenging but restorative.
  2. Prioritize Rest Over Chores: Focus on sleep rather than household chores. Friends and family will understand, and it's a temporary phase.
  3. Team Effort for Night Duties: Share nighttime responsibilities with your partner. Breastfeeding moms can pump milk for nighttime feedings.
  4. Co-Sleeping Alternatives: Place the baby's crib near your bed for easier access while ensuring safety. Co-sleeping is discouraged due to safety concerns.
  5. Lean on Your Support System: Seek help from friends or family members for chores or baby care, allowing you precious rest.
  6. Leverage Parental Leave: If possible, utilize parental leave to manage baby care responsibilities and obtain more sleep.
Adopting Healthy Sleep Hygiene Practices
Establishing good sleep hygiene habits is crucial, regardless of your parenting status.
To enhance your rest quality:
  • Limit Caffeine: Avoid consuming caffeine close to bedtime, as it can disrupt your sleep cycle.
  • Electronic Curfew: Minimize electronic device use before bed to prevent interference with sleep patterns.
  • Stick to a Routine: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, accommodating your baby's nighttime awakenings.
Fostering Healthy Sleep Habits for Your Baby
Developing healthy sleep habits for your baby contributes to better rest for both of you:
  1. Gradual Independence: Place babies in their crib while drowsy to encourage self-soothing and independent sleep.
  2. Self-Soothing Techniques: Allow babies time to comfort themselves instead of immediately intervening.
Research Insights: The Impact of Independent Sleep
Studies reveal that infants and toddlers who learn to fall asleep on their own tend to sleep longer and wake up less frequently.
Children who mastered independent sleep were also found to have fewer nighttime awakenings. Parents' work schedules were noted to influence sleep duration.
Remember, sleep patterns evolve as children grow.
Although sleep may be limited now, restful nights will come with time. Parenthood's initial sleep challenges are part of a fleeting phase.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Rest for a Fulfilling Parenthood Journey
As you embark on your journey as a new parent, remember that prioritizing sleep isn't just a luxury but a necessity.
Ensuring you get sufficient rest will not only benefit your well-being but also enrich your parenting experience, allowing you to cherish every moment with your little one.
C
Chantel
30 Oct 2023

Hello mommas, hope everyone had a great weekend, new moms how are you surviving with the newborns...me I'm barely living I'm so exhausted cnt even think straight or had an appetite if I can get an hr of rest ima take it lol.... we are a month in and hopefully it gets better with sleep...

Newborn Post-delivery time
9 comments
C
Casey
Are you nursing or formula? Trying to figure out why baby isn't sleeping.. Fussy ? Always sleep when baby is, glad you take the hr of sleep when you can
27 Mar 2024

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Chantel
I do both...yea I try to when I can especially dealing with 3 little boys at home too
27 Mar 2024

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Xavier
16 Apr 2023

New moms, how do you deal with baby shower excitement? This is my first baby, my baby shower is tomorrow and I’m so nervous. I feel like I won’t be able to sleep tonight just because I’m happy for tomorrows big day. ✨😭

Newborn Post-delivery time
2 comments
Y
Yoyo
19 Jan 2023

New moms / Moms : If you haven’t already. APPLY TO GET FOOD STAMPS AND WIC! Don’t sleep on it. Get on Google and look it up and sign up! I actually paid all my desserts for my babyshower with my food stamps😌

Newborn Post-delivery time
5 comments
🐣
🐣🐰💐Meghan Renee💐🐰🐣
Yes girl!! Without those, there is no way to afford formula. It is crazy!
27 Mar 2024

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Yoyo
I love food stamps🥲
27 Mar 2024

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Tayla
6 Dec 2022

New/first time moms … how are your baby sleeping..??! Mines dnt sleep at all !!🥴🥲

Newborn Post-delivery time
1 comments
M
Mmmm
Mines cry’s all night hes 6 days old
27 Mar 2024

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Nelly
20 Oct 2022

Hello new moms and moms to be. This is my first pregnancy and I'm 17 weeks and 2 days. Please I always have numbness,tingling sensation,pins and needles in my arm and palm. Is it a normal symptom that comes with pregnancy? I suffer alot at night. I can't sleep because of it and I cannot sleep on my sides either because it makes it worse. I usually sleep on my back with my pillows elevated. Like I sleep in a sitting position. Does anyone feel the numbness,tingling sensation and pins and needles? What do I do because it's driving me crazy? Can someone help please? Or share your experiences if you have ever had any of such reaction. Thanks

Newborn Post-delivery time
12 comments
A
Avery
this happened to me a couple of times last month, i’m not sure what it is but it went away after a little
27 Mar 2024

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Nelly
Oh myyy😥😥😥 it's so discmforting...
27 Mar 2024

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Tonya
2 Oct 2022

Good Morning Mommy’s and Moms to be!! I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing Sunday. #Worship #Football #Food #plentyofnaps #Rest

Newborn Post-delivery time
2 comments
L
Lilly 💕😻
Thank you, You too💝
27 Mar 2024

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Sharnell
Good morning gorgeous 🥰thanks and hope you have a great blessed day✨💙
27 Mar 2024

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Romeka
8 Sep 2022

Moms who normally sleep on their stomach, how do y'all get a good rest at night? #ImRunningOnE 😩🥹

Newborn Post-delivery time
20 comments
K
Kayla
I didnt. It sucked.
27 Mar 2024

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R
Romeka
yes! I'm tired every morning which makes my work day so long. I'm exhausted by the time I get home. 😓
27 Mar 2024

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