Helpful Hints For Sleep Deprived New Mamas

From Lilsugar.com

I was shocked to read this article that was posted today because IT IS SOOOO ME RIGHT NOW. Read on for tips on how to make do while being sleep deprived:

Once you're a parent, you never get the same quality of sleep again. Well, maybe when the kids move out. Whether you are up feeding an infant or keeping your ears open for signs of a restless tot, you've kissed your hours of deep shut eye good bye. But, there are a few ways mamas with brand new babes can help themselves adjust and deal with sleep deprivation.

1. Plan Ahead While pregnant, take care of all your household tasks from cleaning the linen closet to organizing the nursery and freezing some homemade meals so you can focus on the baby once you bring him home. [My comments] Um... yeah right. My nesting instints made the house spotless. But did that matter? No way. The house goes to shiznit when you have a baby and I'm slowly learning that it might be unavoidable!
2. Send Baby to the Nursery Rest up before you are released from hospital. If you are comfortable sending your bundle of joy to the hospital's nursery, the nurses will tend to him and you can get some z's before you head home without help. [My comments] This is sooo true. I once heard from my BF that they used the nursery while at the hospital and I was like, no way I wouldn't want to be without my new baby. But um, I spent 5 days int he hospital and by day 3, we were scheduling an appt with the nursery for the evening. It would get booked up so many new-parents were using it. Its a MUST HAVE!!
3. Nap When Your Newborn Does...Even if you aren't tired, rest when your baby does. Learning to nap at the same time as your newborn can be beneficial for weary mothers. [My comments] If you know me, you know Napping is not my deal. So this is probably one of my biggest mistakes. When the baby naps (and its rare) I try to clean or do stuff online. But cleaning is tricky because you can't do things like put dishes away since you have to be quiet...
4. Pump and Hand Over the Bottle: If your babe takes a bottle, pump and hand it to your husband. Allowing him to take on one or a few of the feedings will give you longer stretches of sleep. [My comments] I did this early on (when LJ was about 4-5 weeks old) not because I didn't want to breastfeed him but because I had to get him used to the bottle since I would be returning back to work. I actually enjoy feeding him now and would not substitute it for a bottle. I love the connection I have with him during each feeding.
5. Eat Properly: It's not uncommon to get caught up in new mama duties, but don't forfeit a healthy diet. Eat nutritious foods that fuel your body so you don't tire easily. [My comments] I'm tryinggggggg
6. Don't Watch the Clock: Counting hours of sleep rather than sheep can make a mama more tired. Ignorance can be bliss when it comes to how much dream time you are clocking. [My comments] This is a tid bit unrealistic because I have to watch the clock.. I schedule feedings that way, make plans, work, run errands, do outings... How can I not watch the clock! Man, didn't I just write a blog about how lost I am with the time change?
7. Hop in the Shower:A quick rinse in the shower or soak in the bath may relieve tired muscles and trick heavy eyelids into opening. [My comments] After having a baby, a shower becomes your sanctuary. It is just heavenly. That's the best word to describe it.
8. Think Positive:The sleepless nights won't last forever! Your tot will eventually tire and allow you some shut eye. Focus on the miracle that your newborn is and all the wonderful things he brings to your family. [My comments] For sure, positive thoughts are the most important thing in order to be happy and my LJ and my family bring me the GREATEST joy and positiveness.
9. Call in Supports:If you cannot function, call in support. Family members and friends (especially fellow moms) are usually more than willing to take advantage of one-on-one time with a cuddly newborn so mother can hit the hay. [My comments] Holla!!! What would i do without my mom!!!! She is the BEST BEST BEST!!!