No one can ever prepare a new mom for how tired she will be. I mean before being a mom you think you know what being cansada means, but once you have a newborn to take care of you realize there is a level of tired you had no idea existed. Here are some tips to help you cope with new mom sleep deprivation.
Read more ¿Qué Más?: SEE: The photo that confirms Paulina Rubio is pregnant + 11 celebrities that are expecting for 2016
Image via Corbis
Sleep when the baby sleeps
This advice is given time and time again because new moms should really take it, but they rarely do. Listen to me, when your baby is sleeping go get you some sleep, too!
Take naps
It’s very hard for new moms to get long stretches of uninterrupted sleep that’s why it’s so important to catch a few Zzzs whenever you can. Think of it as refueling your sleep tank in little increments.
Exercise
I know, mami, you are super tired and the last thing you feel like doing is exercising. But the truth is that exercise can not only help you feel more energized it can also help you fall asleep faster. Just don’t do it a couple of hours before bedtime so that you’re not all amped when you should be relaxing.
Ask for help
If you are lucky enough to have people in your life who want to help, let them. Have abuela watch the baby while you nap. Abuela and baby get bonding time and you get rest. It’s good for everyone.
Chores can wait
Dirty dishes and laundry will wait for you until you are awake. You can do chores while both you and baby are awake; you don’t need to waste precious sleep opportunities to clean things that are just going to get dirty again.
Give electronics a rest
If it’s time to sleep, don’t watch TV, don’t get on the computer and keep your hands off your cell phone. Those electronics will suck you in and keep you awake. You know it’s true.
Get in the mood
If it’s hard for you to fall asleep do things that relax you like taking a bath or listening to soothing music.
Talk to your doctor
Sometimes no matter what you do you feel like you can’t fall asleep. Talk to your doctor and see what they recommend. There are some over-the-counter medications that you can take to help you sleep that are still safe if you are nursing.
Complain
You know that saying misery loves company? Talk to other moms in the same situation as you are. You’ll feel better that you are not alone and maybe you can set up some sleep dates where one of you takes care of the babies while the other one naps.
Remember: it's only temporary
It’s hard to remember when you are suffering through the exhaustion, but I promise you that this stage will pass because they don't stay babies forever.
