We all know how exhausting being a new mother can be, with the baby constantly keeping you up all night. However, most people don’t realise how important sleep actually is to new mothers. People would just assume that it is common for new mothers to suffer from sleepless nights and casually dismiss the topic. When in fact, sleep deprivation could lead to serious health issues for the mother.
The Importance
Sleep is essential in order for you to be a better mother to your baby. Firstly, you can be more alert with an adequate amount of sleep. When you’re alert, it prevents injuries or accidents for not only yourself but also when you’re caring for your baby. Having enough sleep would also mean that you’d be less grumpy and irritated.
Other than that, having enough sleep could also make the production of breast milk easier 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 irritated.
Besides all of that, you’ll also have a sharper mind and better memory. Mothers tend to be quite forgetful after having children and sleep deprivation is one of the factors for that. With that, you’ll also have a better sense of judgement. Sleep is vital in order for our brains to function well.
The Problems
If you’re a new mother who is always in the state of sleep deprivation, it can cause you some major health issues. One of it would be having to go through postnatal depression. This happens when a mother is suffering from the frustration of not being able to have enough sleep while 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 any sleep.
Obesity and diabetes can also be caused by sleep deprivation. Your metabolism will not be as good compared to when you have enough sleep. Besides, going to work out on a normal day is already difficult enough, imagine having to do it when 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 yourself some sleep when your baby falls asleep. This is the chance for you to take a short nap before your little one is up and in need of your attention again. Forget the chores or anything you have to do for a moment and sleep, every minute counts.
- Make use of the people around you
Whenever you have a friend or family around, use the opportunity to get some shuteye 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’s needs at night. Come up with a schedule where you and your partner can take turns in taking care of the baby while the other rests.
- Encourage independence
Try not to go to your baby every single 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 grow used to it and will be able to sleep through the night without needing you.
For more similar articles, please visit Mamahood.com.sg.