Surviving the nighttime feedings

Sleep is a valuable thing!  Have you ever heard the expression... you'll never appreciate something until you lose it?  When you lose sleep it affects every part of your day.  You can't think, talk, or sometimes eat.  I remember when sleep was more valuable than food.

How do you survive the around the clock feedings?  It's not just "midnight" feedings.  It's around the clock!  Here are a few tips to help you...

Tip # 1 Use a night light during the night.  It's never too early to start teaching your newborn the difference between night and day.  I use the Cloud b Twilight Constellation Night Light.  

It's a little ladybug that projects stars in colors of red, blue, and green. It's great! It's perfect for nighttime diaper changes and feedings.  It continues to be something my baby loves.  She'll be able to use it as a night light for years to come.

 

Tip # 2 When you're a breastfeeding mommy, you need to drink lots of water so you'll have frequent trips to the bathroom.  Use a night light in the bathroom too.  If you keep your environment dim during the night, it also keeps you in a "sleepy" state so you can go back to sleep easily.  Nothing is worse than a bright shining light blaring in your face at 4:00 am!

 

Tip # 3 Use black out curtains in your bedroom.  You never know when your little one will decide to sleep for a couple of hours.  It could be 2:00 pm and the sun is shining bright!  If you keep your room dark it will be easier to sleep in the middle of the day.

 

Tip # 4 Schedule your doctor's appointments, visitors, and trips during a convenient time of day.  If it's difficult to make an 8:00 am doctor appointment, then schedule it for the afternoon next time. 

 

Tip # 5 If you need help, ask for it!  Daily tasks such as laundry, cooking, and cleaning shouldn't get in your way of rest.  I remember wanting to do another load of laundry as soon as my baby went down for a nap.  True, laundry needs to be done.  Just make sure you're taking care of yourself :-)