Lack of sleep while breastfeeding may be experienced by many new mothers. If left unchecked, lack of sleep can lead to severe fatigue, stress, distraction mood and appetite, and lack of concentration. To overcome this, there are some tips that you can easily apply.
Newborns usually have an irregular sleep schedule, because they are still adjusting to the normal baby sleep cycle. In addition, the nutritional needs of newborns are still high, so they will wake up every 2-3 hours to feed, both during the day and at night.
Adjusting sleeping patterns with your little one might make you sleep deprived while breastfeeding.
Tips To Not Sleep Deprivation While Breastfeeding
Here are some ways you can do to avoid sleep deprivation while breastfeeding:
1. Share tasks with Dad
In order not to sleep less while breastfeeding, Mother can discuss with Dad about the division of tasks, if by chance you don't have a household assistant.
For example, the father takes care of the housework, while the mother takes care of the little one, including breastfeeding. That way, Mother's sleep time will still be fulfilled.
2. Sleeping with baby
One of the best ways you can do to avoid sleep deprivation while breastfeeding is to go to sleep when your little one sleeps. That way, when he wakes up, Mother is more energetic. When sleeping, don't forget to turn everything off gadgets and lights, so that the atmosphere becomes calm and you get quality sleep.
3. Feel free to ask for help
For some mothers, having a baby does not mean free from homework. So that you can still get enough sleep, you can use the services of a household assistant or ask the closest person for help to take care of the baby.
4. Avoid consuming nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol
To prevent insomnia, you should avoid consuming foods or drinks that contain nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol during the day or night. Instead, you can drink a glass of warm milk before bed to make you sleep more soundly and quality.
5. Do light exercise
Doing light exercise regularly, such as meditation, yoga, exercise, or just a morning walk, will make you sleep more soundly and reduce fatigue. In addition, taking the baby for a walk every day for about 15 minutes can also be the right choice to overcome lack of sleep while breastfeeding.
By doing some of the tips above, it is hoped that the mother will no longer be sleep deprived while breastfeeding her little one. Mothers don't need to worry, usually babies will sleep longer after the first 3 months. It is important to remember, adequate sleep is also important to support the recovery process for nursing mothers who have the flu.
As your baby gets older, his sleep cycle will become more regular, and he will be better able to tell the difference between night and day. In addition, he also does not need to be fed milk at night as often as before.
If you're still having trouble dealing with lack of sleep while breastfeeding, have trouble sleeping, or feel tired throughout the day, don't hesitate to consult a doctor to determine the cause and get the right treatment.
