Everyone knows how tiring being new mothers can be, with the baby constantly keeping you awake all night. However, not many people realise how important sleep is to new mothers. Most just assume that it is common for new mothers to suffer from sleepless nights and would casually dismiss the topic. When in fact, sleep deprivation could lead to various issues for the mother’s health.
The Importance
Sleep is vital for you to be a better mother for your baby. Firstly, with enough sleep, you can be more alert. When you’re alert, this can prevent any injuries or accidents for not only yourself but also when caring for your baby. Having an adequate amount of sleep would also mean you’d be less grumpy and irritated.
Other than that, having enough sleep could also help you produce more milk supply as the lack of rest usually affects a mother’s milk supply. With the right amount of sleep, not only will you be a better mother, but you’ll also be a happier mother once you’re not feeling grumpy or irritated.
Besides all of that, you’ll also have a sharper mind and better memory. Mothers tend to be very forgetful after having children and sleep deprivation contributes to that. With that, you’ll also have a better sense of judgement. Sleep is essential for our brains in order to function well.
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The Problems
If you’re a new mother who is always on the state of sleep deprivation, it can lead to some major health issues. One of the main issues would be having postnatal depression. This happens when a mother is stuck with frustration from not being able to have enough sleep and having to care for a baby by herself.
Other health problems resulting from sleep deprivation would be heart attack, high blood pressure, inflammatory diseases and stroke. It can also affect your immune system. When you’re not getting enough sleep, your immune system weakens and you’ll be more prone to sicknesses. This is because your body repairs itself when you’re sleeping and it won’t be able to do so if you don’t get to sleep.
Obesity and diabetes are also things caused by sleep deprivation. Your metabolism will not be as good as when you have enough sleep. Besides, going to work out on a normal day is already hard enough, imagine having to do it while you’re sleep deprived. You’ll eventually feel too lazy to do it and that leads us to such health problems.
Tips on How to Get Sleep
- Sleep when your baby is asleep
Take the opportunity to get some shuteye when your baby falls asleep. This is the chance for you to take a short nap before your little one is up. Forget the chores or anything you have to do for a while and get some sleep, every minute counts.
- Make use of people around you
When you have a friend or family around, take the chance to sleep while having them watch over your baby for a short while.
- Take turns with your partner
You shouldn’t have to be the only one waking up to tend to your baby at night. Come up with a schedule where you and your partner can take turns to care for the baby while the other rests.
- Encourage independence
Try not to go to your baby each time a little whimper or cry is heard. If you’re sure your baby has been fed and the diapers are changed, let your baby cry themselves to sleep. Sooner or later, they may get used to it and will be able to sleep through the night without needing you.
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