Between pregnancy and being a new parent, you might feel as if a good night’s sleep is off the cards for a few years in a row. However, this does not have to be the case. Then, if you are struggling to sleep well as a new parent or a mom-to-be, here is what you can do in an attempt to get some high-quality sleep.
When you are pregnant or a new mom, you want to invest in a mattress that will support your changing body and take pressure away from your musculoskeletal structure. You should look around for an extra firm mattress that holds its shape and ensures that you can get comfortable and do not wake up stiff and aching. Not only this but when you are a new mom, firm mattresses can be an excellent option as they can allow one parent to get out of bed to care for your child while the other sleeps on, meaning that both of your sleep patterns do not need to be interrupted. However, you should be aware that an extra firm mattress can sometimes take a little while to get used to if you have always slept on softer beds before now. After a while, though, you are likely to find that you do not regret the change that you have made to your mattress.
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Take Turns for the Night Shift
Unless you are a single parent, it is important that you share the night shift between you and that one person is not left to wake up and care for the baby. This will ensure that you can both get sleep on alternate nights and will mean that one person is not left sleep deprived and struggling for years on end. If you are both struggling to adapt to the change in your sleep pattern, you should consider enlisting the help of family or friends to babysit occasionally, as this can help to take the pressure off you and can ensure that you remain functioning enough to look after your baby and work during the day.
If you are struggling to get to sleep while you are pregnant or a new mom, whether because of health issues or worry, you should make sure that you take the time that you need to relax before bed. For instance, you might decide to take up meditation or try doing an activity that you enjoy, and that calms you down half an hour before bed, such as reading a book. You should try to stay away from your phone, and you should also try to maintain a bedtime routine once your child is asleep, such as showering, brushing your teeth, and generally getting ready for bed, as this can tell your body that it is time to get some shut-eye.
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Create a Comfortable Bedroom
It is also important to create a comfortable bedroom to sleep in. For instance, you should think carefully about the wall colors you want, as some colors are more calming. For instance, light blues can be a great option for bedrooms, as can neutral colors, such as off-white. You might also look around for soft furnishings such as curtains and throws that can keep you warm and make your room seem cozier. This can help you to relax and de-stress and can also create an environment conducive to a good night’s sleep.
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Avoid Sleeping with Your Baby
Sleeping in the same bed as your baby can be dangerous, as your baby could end up getting hurt. Sleeping in the same bed as your baby can also disturb your sleep. Then, you should make sure that you avoid sleeping with them. However, rather than placing them in a nursery as soon as they are born, you should think about introducing a crib into your room in which they can sleep. Sleeping near them can minimize the time you are awake when you feed them and can prevent your body from waking up completely and from believing that it is time to get up long before it is time.
