How to Still Get Some Sleep With Your Newborn Baby

The first days and weeks of motherhood are trying enough with dealing with your physical recovery, learning the ropes of feeding, changing, comforting and soothing your baby, emotions that are at the mercy of your raging hormones, and adjusting to your new responsibilities. This is enough to cause stress, emotional upheaval and anxiety, without the added problem of sleep deprivation. Here are a few tips for getting more rest once your baby arrives.

1. Breastfeed. By breastfeeding, you get health advantages for your baby and yourself, you get to avoid the worst form of engorgement,and you get a free, perfect food for the newest member of your family. Breastfeeding also ensures you will get more rest. Rather than having to get out of bed several times a night to prepare and feed a bottle, you can take your baby to bed with you and feed while lying down. Then, when the baby is done you can pop her back into her co-sleeper or bassinet. Breastfeeding saves you hours of night time sleep deprivation. You can also lie down during the day to feed your baby while you get some rest.

2. Take naps when she does. It may be hard to heed this advice when you have dishes and laundry piling up. However, neglecting your need for rest carries much graver consequences: emotional instability, higher likelihood of postpartum depression or baby blues, and slower physical recovery. It should be as simple as: If your baby is sleeping, so are you.

3. Eat right. Now, even more than when you were pregnant, you need to eat right. Fill up on fruits, veggies, whole grains and water. This will help you feel better about yourself, boost your energy supply, provide adequate nutrition for breastfeeding, and help you lose your post-baby weight.

4. Take it easy. 1 week postpartum is not the right time to jump into a vigorous exercise routine. You need time to heal and rest. Take a walk if you want some exertion and fresh air, but don't dive into a hearty cardiovascular workout. Instead, think about how nursing your baby is the equivalent of running a mile, and snuggle in with your baby.

5. Ask for help. Your mother, your friend or your church should be there to offer you support. If your husband is already back to work, don't be afraid to let other people know what you need. Most people love taking care of a new baby, but aren't sure how to offer their services or whether or not you want them. Ask a friend to come over and babysit while you take a nap. With any luck, she'll also dip into your housework.

Early motherhood is emotionally and physically taxing. You will be subject to varying emotions and struggles without adding a lack of sleep to the equation. By taking opportunities to rest, eating right and asking for help, you can make the early weeks with a newborn much more enjoyable.