TIP 8 – Get Out and About During the Day.
- Do not let sleep rule your life during the day everyday.
- Get out at least once a day for yours and your baby’s sake. It will make a huge difference to your frame of mind.
TIP 9 – Appreciate the Tiny Human You’ve Created
- By far and away the top tip. Your perfectly imperfect little person is here to be loved fully and their rapidly developing brain thrives under the tender, loving care of someone who ‘gets’ them just as they are. Sleep is not who they are. It is one thing in their life but they have so much more value and uniqueness that deserves to be in the spotlight as opposed to something they find so hard.
- Empathise with your baby about their sleep. It’s not a nice feeling for anyone at any age to find the sleep they need to be so difficult to get and sustain. They honestly would sleep easier if they could. This is where they are at and they need their mum and dad to meet them at their point of need instead of berating them for something they simply cannot do.
Sleep is not who they are. It is one thing in their life but they have so much more value and uniqueness that deserves to be in the spotlight as opposed to something they find so hard.
TIP 10 – Know Your Limits and Call in Help When You Need It
- There will be days and sometimes even weeks when despite all your best efforts to keep your head positive and in the game you will be simply done. This is totally normal and understandable. It’s important to recognise when you are hitting the wall and organise a way to get some relief. Whether you just need the chance to shower alone for 15 mins to regroup or if you need to fly your mum in to take on some of your load for the week for a proper break, get the help you need to get back on deck.
- If you feel like you are not coping more often than not, then please speak to your GP. Post Natal Depression is very common regardless of your sleep deprived state, add it into the mix and it can be very hard to keep it at bay. Seeking help is so important because you matter. You deserve to enjoy your baby and your time as a mother. You deserve your happiness.
So with these tips in mind, I’m hoping you can see that this incredibly long, strenuous marathon you are on can be a once in a lifetime character-building, relationship-building, friendship-bonding experience. You CAN survive this, whether or not your baby starts sleeping longer. Stop waiting for the day and start living today by finding acceptance, appreciation, love and a whole load of venting to get you through.
You can do this mama. You really can. Stay strong x
Originally published HERE. Carly Grubb is the mother of two young boys. She writes for her blog Grubby Mummy and the Grubby Bubbies and has a particular passion for advocating for a gentler path for tired mothers and their babies. Be sure to follow her on Facebook.
