Parent Sleep Tips!
A little-known reality is that exhaustion or postpartum fatigue is a key trigger of more than 500,000 cases of postpartum depression each year. When it comes to postpartum fatigue, there are a number of things at play that lead to excessive tiredness and exhaustion. Aside from the demands placed on your body during labor and delivery, the
lack of sleep you get caring for a newborn along with being on high alert during much of the time can all take its toll on you. Studies show that women reporting depression, anxiety and sleep issues as well as those who are breastfeeding are at significant risk for extreme fatigue. Other factors impacting fatigue levels include the parent’s age and the number of children they’re caring for. Even the length of labor and perineal pain can contribute to postpartum fatigue. Sometimes a medical issue is at the root of a birthing person’s postpartum fatigue. If you suspect that your tiredness is related to more than just recovery and sleep deprivation, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.
A few tips to avoid exhaustion or fatigue and when to sleep
Try to go to bed earlier.
Sleep/cat nap/rest whenever baby is sleeping.
Ask responsible visitors to watch baby so you can take a nap or shower.
When possible have support person bring baby to and from the birthing person for a night feeding so it’s easier for them to go back to sleep.
Fatigue & Rest
Most new parents don’t get enough sleep. When you are sleep deprived, you may feel confused, moody, or anxious. If you have a support person, talk to them about ways you can work together to get enough sleep.
Here are some tips:
Rest when your baby is sleeping during the day
Make sleep a priority over chores
Put your baby in a bassinet or crib next to your bed for convenience
At night, go to sleep when your baby does
Try to get as many hours of uninterrupted sleep as possible
If possible, take turns with a support person to care for your baby during the night
