How to Deal With Sleep Deprivation After Baby Arrives

Many women can't wait until their baby is born. They think that life will be blissful with their new bundle of joy. What many women don't realize is that if their baby doesn't sleep well, neither will they. Sleep deprivation can hit many new mothers hard and they are left feeling depressed, exhausted and stressed out. Follow these steps to deal with sleep deprivation after the baby arrives.

Instructions

1

Take naps when your baby sleeps during the day. This is the single most important way to catch up on your needed sleep. Many women say that they can't nap during the day because that is when the housework needs to get done. It is best to remember that having a clean house is much less important than your health.

2

Bring your baby outside during the day if you are sleep deprived. The fresh air will help you cope with your uneasy feelings of being exhausted and burnt out.

3

Arrange for someone else to sleep over once a week during the first few months after your baby arrives. This person can care for the child at night while you sleep. If you can get one good night's rest during the week, you will feel a bit more rejuvenated for the rest of the week.

4

Talk to your doctor about sleeping medicine. Many mothers have a difficult time falling asleep after each feeding, so a sleep inducer may help you sleep more soundly during the time you actually get to sleep.

5

Ask your husband to help out more during the nighttime feedings. Many women feel like they should be the only one waking at night to feed the baby. While your husband needs to sleep for work the next day, you need to sleep to care for the baby the next day too.