All moms know that a baby’s sleep schedule rarely matches up with your own. Here are some tips to help you survive and adjust to a new baby’s sleeping pattern.
A bundle of joy doesn’t seem so joyous when it’s keeping you awake at 3 am.
The average new mom gets less than 4 hours sleep per night. But despite how universal the experience is, moms often feel isolated and unable to cope with their situation.
That’s why we’ve put together a few tips below that will help you cope with baby’s sleep schedule.
Manage Your Mood
It may sound easier said than done, but managing your mood will carry you through these difficult months.
We think of our moods as arising directly from triggering events. But the truth is, our mood is at the mercy of a dozen factors ranging from tiredness to hunger.
That’s why it’s important to see your mood from the outside if you want to manage it.
Acknowledge that you’re irritable today because of a poor night’s sleep, for instance. Step away from the feeling and look at the logic–that way, you’re more likely to control your emotions.
Keeping yourself healthy will also help your mood stay in check. Eat right, get exercise, and go outside. The less negative mood impactors you have, the more energy you’ll have to cope.
Some babies will experience 4 or 8 month sleep regression. Figuring out your coping strategies now can prepare you for the comeback later.
Change Your Schedule
Motherhood is often a wake-up call in more ways than one. Accepting your life has changed rather than fighting it is a valuable state of mind to adopt.
Adjusting your sleeping pattern can help ensure you’re not as burned out by baby’s sleeping schedule. That likely means going to bed earlier so you can maximize the amount of time you have to build that precious sleep into your day.
If your baby has a preferred time of day to sleep, try leaning into that. Adapt yourself to sleep during those times, too.
Get used to living in short bursts of time, but don’t try to cram activities. Each time you get a break, sort out the things you need to do–one at a time.
Ask for Help
Isolation is one of the biggest struggles new mothers face. But many moms feel they’re being bad parents if they don’t figure out how to do things by themselves.
Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. You don’t have to do everything alone.
Speak to your partner or your family. Even if you’re not asking for favors, talking about your feelings can still offer a huge outlet.
You’ll often end up surprised at the support people are willing to offer you. Motherhood is one of the most difficult things you’ll ever face. Overcoming your pride and accepting help is a large part of that.
Surviving Baby’s Sleep Schedule
These are just a few tips that should help you survive baby’s sleep schedule. But no matter how bad things get, don’t forget that this isn’t forever. Your baby will soon develop proper sleeping habits, and you’ll learn to appreciate sleep all over again.
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