Advice for Sleep Deprived Parents

I remember when I was expecting my firstborn. I couldn't wait for him to come. I was so eager to hold him, feed him, change him, and such. I somehow figured it wouldn't be hard at all. I imagined days full of cuddling, and I just knew that nighttime feedings would be few. Yeah, LOL.

Then my little angel was born. Although I always loved caring for him, feedings, changing and all I soon realized that it wasn't exactly easy. I figured out how very much care a new baby needs. I also figured out that most nights there are more than five feeding sessions between 8pm and 6am. Burps at 3 am still need to come out, no matter how much patting or rubbing it takes. Wet bedding and sleepers need to be changed in the wee hours of the morning just as they do during the day. Having a new baby is a day and night job.

Parents can end up feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. What are parents supposed to do when caring for their baby both day and night has begun to take it's toll? There are many things that can be done. Here are five...

1. The first tip that will help you to be less exhausted and to have more energy is to eat well. Eating a healthy and balanced diet is the number one most important thing you can do. Getting less sleep is hard enough, but adding your new responsibilities of being a parent on top of that can be really draining. Your body needs to be well nourished in order to keep up. It is also a good idea to continue taking your prenatal vitamins. This is often recommended. Not eating well will result in extreme fatigue, weakness, and even the inability to care for your baby.

2. The second tip that will help sleep deprived parents is to sleep when you can. If baby is sleeping go ahead and nap. You'll have two or so hours between each feeding and if the night was a long one then take advantage of a two hour slot during the day. A short nap can do wonders. Make sure baby is either next to you in a bassinet, or that you have a reliable baby monitor set up and turned all the way up.

3. The third tip that will help to perk you up is to drink coffee. Non coffee drinkers all around the world started drinking coffee when their babies were born. Why? Coffee really does help to wake you up. It will keep you alert and provide you with enough stamina to make it through the day.

4. The forth tip that will help sleep deprived parents is to not expect too much from yourself. The first months after having a new baby are not easy. You will be exhausted. Wait a while to get into new activities, or to take on projects. Likewise, a day that is followed by a night of three hours sleep is not a good day to try to get the whole house clean. Don't push yourself too hard or you will burn out.

5. The final tip that will help you as an exhausted new parent is to know you are not alone. It happens to us all. After the first few months baby will begin to sleep through the night. After that you'll have all of your energy back again. Until then, take it easy, and don't push yourself. Ask for help from others. Eat well. Take vitamins. Sleep when you can. Drink lots of coffee, and know you are not alone. Thanks for reading and take care.