4. Rest or Sleep When Baby Sleeps
If you are able to nap during the daytime, it is likely that you already are. If you are not able to, make sure that you go to bed at the same time as your little one(s) each night. Nope, you won’t be able to binge that new Netflix series that everyone is talking about, but the extra hours of sleep that you will get are just so precious. You may be able to squeeze in a whole extra sleep cycle to help you wake up feeling more human and less mombie the next day.
5. Meditate
Meditation works wonders for tired minds as a restorative practice. It is scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and depression during pregnancy and beyond (1). Personally, I credit meditation with supporting me through miscarriage, divorce and postpartum anxiety. I learnt of the power of meditation in 2014 when I travelled the foothills of the Himalayas to train as a yoga and meditation teacher. It was every bit as inspiring as it sounds and it transformed my life forever, equipping me with skills for taking care of my mental health and wellness whatever life throws at me. Whether you have practised meditation before or not, you can listen to a meditation designed specifically to support you to relax and sleep via my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/rqHy1HPwHfM
Life on little sleep is most certainly different, but that does not mean that it cannot still be full of love and joy. You are probably sick of hearing that this season of sleeplessness will not last forever, but whilst it is ongoing, be kind to yourself. Let go of anything unnecessary that does not serve you or your family and do so in the knowledge that you are making the best choices for yourself and them.
Source:
1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34162788/
These tips are adapted from Danielle’s book, ‘Self Care: The Breastfeeding Edition (50 Practical, Evidence Based Tips for Nursing Moms)’, available to order here, now: www.thebreastfeedingmentor.com/book.
