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If you are a new mom, you are probably wondering how long do sleepless nights last with your newborn. Most new mothers find getting adequate sleep to be a challenge. I was losing my mind and unsure how to get the energy to be the best mom to my baby.
Getting up always is disruptive to quality sleep, and you’re not alone if you’re feeling exhausted and irritable. No one talks about sleep regression, how you are a new mom dealing with postpartum and trying to navigate getting back to yourself.
I decided now that my preschooler, Noah, is getting older and is starting to sleep more through the night. It would be an excellent time to share what I had to do to return to a semi-normal life after a baby.
I wanted to give moms a cheap code for surviving the first few months as a mother. This post serves as a survival guide. I’m here to help you get more quality sleep and offer coping strategies to make temporary sleep loss easier.
This post is about how long do sleepless nights last with newborn.
Sleepless Nights
New parents often do not know that your lack of sleep with a newborn is at an all-time high in the first year. Every parent will go through a period where you won’t be able to sleep. My husband and I got back to having eight hours of sleep when our son got closer to six months.
All babies are different, so if you are looking for more information about what to expect, the American Academy of Pediatrics is an excellent resource for more official information. Remember that this is for the US, so this might not be applicable if you are in another country.
Getting your baby to sleep any month of age can be challenging, but I’m going to share a few tips on getting your and your baby’s sleep pattern back on track.
Understanding sleep cycles
Sleep quality is more important than the number of hours you get. Most people need 90 minutes to 2 hours of uninterrupted shuteye to enter deep rejuvenating sleep.
New moms need methods to provide adequate rest when they frequently get up to care for their babies. Developing a bedtime routine is less critical and more about getting enough sleep.
90 Minute Nap
Use naps to supplement your nighttime sleep. Until your baby sleeps through the night, naps can help you survive. Take a nap when your child falls asleep during the day. Feeding your baby before a nap may help you both sleep longer.
Also, having a family member come by that you can take daytime naps will also help you get healthy sleep.
How to Ask for Help
In the early months, ensure you ask for as much help as possible from everyone, including your partner. Even if breastfeeding, your partner can take turns with night feeding if you express and refrigerate your milk. You can also get more rest if your partner brings the baby to you at night for breastfeeding, so you don’t have to walk around as much.
Resources for Moms
The first weeks are often the most demanding, so think ahead to arrange the support you need. If your budget permits, consider hiring a temporary nurse. Your parents or other loved ones may be able to move in temporarily. Or you can exchange mutual assistance with other parents in your neighborhood.
This will also help with postpartum depression, as moms develop this because of the lack of support and sleep. The good news is that it’s treatable, and your healthcare provider is the first place to start.
Newborn Nighttime Feeding Schedule
Newborn babies wake up every few hours. Having someone else do the first nighttime feeding is a great way to get some unbroken sleep.
Even if you take over later in the night, you’ll have gotten some much-needed rest. It’s a good idea to try and have this mapped out before the baby arrives so your mental health in the first few weeks of parenting stays intact.
National Sleep Foundation
Rest assured that this is temporary, and I look forward to getting back on a regular sleep schedule. You and your family will rest better when you have regular bedtimes. You can visit the NSF for more details if you are concerned about your sleep habits or want to get an idea of what is typical for new parents.
Best Products for Sleep
Sometimes, a warm bath is not going to work with your newborn. With developmental milestones happening rapidly, a baby’s development is a consistent uphill battle.
You know that sleep is essential for your physical health and well-being. So being able to find highly recommended products will help decrease the mood swings that come from no rest and get you some well-deserved quiet time.
Lutron Diva LED+ Dimmer
Price: $25.75
You will have to get up in the middle of the night to do feedings. Not cupping on the light will keep you and your baby calmer for longer periods. Getting this dimmer is what you need to get back to having a good night’s sleep.
The Play Gym by Lovevery
Price: $140.00
If you want something to grow with your newborn, you want to try this playmat. Not long is it cozy for newborns, but because most of the gym is made of soft fabrics, it will be easy for your child to safely sleep on their back in the first months.
Lovevery is one of the top brands for Montessori-type products, so if you are looking to lean into that route, here is a great option to start.
Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet
Price: $1,695.00
Get a little fancy with how your baby is sleeping. If you are looking to increase your baby’s shorter sleep cycles, this bassinet will help you get so much sleep. This is worth the investment if you want to boost your sleep by 1-2+ hours which automatically responds to cries. As a new parent, I highly recommend putting this on your registry.
It’s proven to improve your baby’s sleep patterns and is worth it for a good night’s sleep.
Baby Merlin’s Microfleece Magic Sleepsuit
Price: $39.95
Loved swaddling your baby? After your baby exists in the newborn stage, you’ll notice that your swaddled baby rolls all over the place, which happens as they age. Here is a great transitional item to add to your baby’s clothing.
You will need to get them out of a traditional swaddle and upgrade them to s special swaddling blanket-type product for safety and development. It comes in three colors and is critical for your infant’s development.
Snoobear White Noise Machine
Price: $99.99
While the swaddle might work for your baby, different babies need different things to go to sleep. I used a white noise machine for my son, and for the early weeks, it worked wonders. It’s travel friendly and has ten different settings, and it comes with an app (iPhone and Android) so that you can control it wherever you are.
SlumberPod Portable Privacy Pod Blackout Canopy Sleeping Space
Price: $163.05
Want your child to have a best-uninterrupted sleep? Invent in this canopy. This is something that I wish was available when my son was smaller.
It grows with your child, so starting at four months, you can introduce this to your infant, and with its bottomless design, it fits over your existing playards. What’s so cool about this is that easy to assemble, which means you can travel with this ever were.
How to Deal with Sleep Deprivation
Take it from a toddler mom. If you are not getting enough sleep, the risk of SIDS increases. In the beginning, you will only be able to go longer stretches if you get some sleep, especially in a 24-hour period. Night feedings will become more common, and there will always be better times to get sleep o a regular basis.
If you are struggling with poor sleep, here are some self-care tips you will need to get through the first weeks of months of postpartum.
Meditate
Meditation provides some of the same benefits as sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep or there’s no time for a nap, try some quiet deep breathing.
Eat a nutritious diet
You can improve your sleep by avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol. Drink lots of water because dehydration can be tiring. A balanced diet will also help provide the energy you need.
Do light exercises, as approved by your healthcare provider
If your doctor says exercising is safe, a gentle workout may help you sleep better. You can find resources online or at your local library.
I have a postpartum workout idea if you want something low-impact.
Take a shower
A simple shower may help you feel refreshed fast. A few minutes under the shower and changing clothes can help you feel more awake.
If you have concerns about trying to shower with your baby at home, here is a great bouncer you can put your baby in so that you know they are safe and you can get some mommy time.
Decrease other stressors
As a new mom, you have a lot going on, so try to minimize any additional stress. Older children may be able to pitch in with more household chores. Postpone any big decisions until you can think more clearly.
Talk with your doctor
Sleep deprivation can severely affect anybody, and new mothers are already dealing with hormonal changes. Consult your doctor if you need help managing all the changes. Your doctor can recommend keeping you and your family happy and healthy.
Being a new mother is a joyful and enriching experience. While adjusting to your new life, I’m here to tell you that you will start to get back to sleeping healthy again, and you will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
As a preschool mom now, I can understand what this hard work has done for my quality of life. Job at getting the quality sleep you need, and look forward to many happy years with your new baby. If you are looking for first year postpartum advice, this post give you all the products you need.
This post was about how long do sleepless nights last with newborn.
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