Is being a new mother tiring you out and making it impossible for you to look after yourself?

Becoming a mother is a big responsibility, but it is also a wonderful and rewarding experience. As a new parent, if you are unable to sleep, it can have various negative impacts in your daily life. Emotional changes due to postpartum, the overwhelming responsibility of a new baby, mental stress, and physical changes in your body like strained eyes and muscle pain can occur if you are unable to rest properly.

These problems can often become larger and affect your career, as you will not be able to give your professional life your all. Your relationships with your partner, friends, and family can be affected as you may not have enough time or strength to give them the attention they need. And, lastly, sleep is important to keep your mental stability in check so that you can take care of each spectrum of your life.

So it is important to appreciate and focus on yourself so that you can take care of other things and keep a balance between motherhood, your personal life and your physical self.

Although the responsibilities of raising a newborn may at first seem overwhelming and daunting, you will quickly adjust to them. All your attention will be focused on your little munchkin, but it's important to remember to take care of yourself, too, and get enough sleep.

• Help your baby sleep well at night

If your baby sleeps well at night, there is a high chance you will as well! It is suggested that you keep the room at a comfortable temperature and make sure the crib or bassinet is safe and comfortable for your baby. Consider using a white noise machine to help drown out any external noise that might disrupt your baby's sleep.

Try swaddling- Swaddling can help your baby feel secure and calm, which may make it easier for them to fall asleep.

Offer a pacifier- Some babies find sucking on a pacifier soothing, which can quickly take your baby to the dream world. Plus, they look so cute!

Rock or sway your baby- Gentle movement, such as rocking or swaying, can help your baby relax and fall asleep. You can shop for a cradle bed at TBS and cradle your baby to a deep sleep.

Avoid stimulating your baby before bedtime- In the hour before going to bed, stay away from stimulating activities like watching television or listening to loud music.

Be patient- It's important to remember that every baby is different, and it may take some time for your baby to develop a healthy sleep routine. Be patient and try different techniques until you find what works best for your little one.

If your baby sleeps well through the night, then it will give you ample rest and energy to take care of them the next day.

• Place the crib next to your bed

Placing the baby's cot or cradle bed right next to your bed can put you at ease during the night. It can be a convenient and practical arrangement, especially during the early months when your baby will need frequent feedings and diaper changes.

It can also provide a sense of comfort and security for both you and your baby, as you will be able to easily reach out and tend to your baby's needs during the night and then quickly get back to your bed to sleep.

• Include relaxing activities in your bedtime routine

We know this may sound very obvious, but at the same time, it is difficult to do so with a newborn.

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help you wind down and get a better night's sleep. This might include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing some relaxation techniques. These activities can help you calm down if you feel too tired to fall asleep. This can put your mind and body at ease and make it easier to fall asleep.

It's important to try and establish a regular sleep schedule, even if it means waking up in the middle of the night to feed or comfort your baby. Having a consistent sleep schedule can help regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

You can also develop good sleep hygiene through habits such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, and getting regular exercise during the day. These habits can all help improve the quality of your sleep and your life, and they can actually boost your professional career by ensuring that you always perform at your best in good health and spirit.

If you still face difficulties falling asleep, creating a comfortable and calming sleep environment can bring a change. This might mean investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows, keeping the room at a cosy temperature, and using blackout curtains to block out light.

You can do the same for your baby by purchasing comfortable baby mattresses from TBS so that both your baby and you can rest snugly.

• Avoid screen time before bedtime

We understand that having a baby can be a bit overwhelming at times. All your attention is fixated on your baby all day, and you rarely have time to yourself. If possible, limit your screen time to the daytime.

It is generally recommended to avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime. This is because the blue light from screens has been proven to interfere with melatonin production, which makes it more difficult to fall asleep. In addition, the stimulation that screens provide can make it more difficult to relax and wind down before bed.

• Don’t forget to look after yourself

It's easy to put your own needs on the back burner when you have a newborn, but it's important to prioritize self-care. Make sure you're getting enough to eat and drink, and take some time for yourself to relax and recharge. You don't have to do it all alone.

It's also normal to feel a range of emotions as you navigate this new role. Remember to be patient with yourself and your baby. Every parent makes mistakes, and that's okay. Your baby is learning and growing, and so are you. Trust yourself and your instincts. You are already doing a great job as a mother.

• It’s okay to get some help

Why bear everything on your own?

You can opt for bottle-feeding during the night, which your partner can take turns doing with you. Don't be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or a healthcare professional for support and guidance.

A study at UCLA shows that new mothers must have a good 7-hour sleep to keep their emotional health in check and that postpartum sleep deprivation can accelerate a mother's biological age by almost 3 years!

If you're having trouble sleeping despite trying these tips, don't be afraid to seek help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you're experiencing chronic sleep problems or feeling overwhelmed. Apps like MamaMend are specifically designed to keep your postpartum health in check.

We hope that these tips help you and your newborn baby have a good night sleep so that you can have the well-deserved rest that you need to focus on yourself, your career, and your mental peace. Remember to enjoy this special time with your new little one and cherish every moment because before you know it, they will be all grown up.