You might never have realized how deeply you love your bed until you're a new mom. Sleep deprivation is a normal part of parenthood, and self-medicating with caffeine and medications isn't healthy when you're nursing. One day soon, you'll all sleep through the night and wake up rested. Until then, learn how to cope so you can enjoy this time without feeling like a zombie.
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Breastfeed In Bed
Adopt A Preschooler's Bedtime
Your baby's schedule dictates how often you get up during the night and when you start your day. The only element you control is when you go to sleep. The typical parent of a baby should be asleep by 10 p.m. to get a full night's sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Depending on your baby's sleep and feeding routine, you may need to be in bed at 8 to feel rested by morning. Delegating older children's bedtime tasks to your partner allows you to rest up so that 3 a.m. feedings won't destroy you.
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Ask For Help
Surely you're surrounded by friends and family clamoring for a little time with your new baby. Accept their offers to help with anything you need by assigning them babysitting shifts. Invite your parents or in-laws to visit for a weekend, or go with your baby to stay with them. While the grandparents swoon over the baby, you can slip away to nap. A close friend who knows how to care for baby can also watch him while you lie down for an hour.
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