04/10/2021
โจNight feedsโจ by
โ
"It is biologically normal for newborns to wake frequently overnight ๐
โ
It boosts your ๐ฅ supply ๐๐ผ and is natureโs way of ensuring we check on our ๐ถ๐ป during the early weeks when they need lots of care.
โ
This does not make it any less exhausting ๐ด๐ตโ๐ซ
โ
If you also find yourself in this season, I hope this reminds you youโre not alone โฅ๏ธ
โ
Everyone is different but these are things Iโm finding help:
โ
๐ I take Poppy into living room to feed.
I find it harder to normalise broken sleep when someone else is sleeping soundly next to me ๐ (Tris is incredible at so much, but if youโre breastfeeding, this is just the reality ๐คท๐ปโโ๏ธ)
โ
๐ Iโve ditched the apps - I found them super distracting and didnโt find tracking feed/sleeps/poos was adding value. I try not to scroll or use my ๐ฑ during feeds as I also find this makes it harder to nod off after ๐ด
โ
๐ Dimmable touch lamp! Mines from โVavaโ bought on Amazon Aus. Letโs off soft glow, keeps the vibe zen๐๐ผ๐ด
โ
๐ Hydrate hydrate hydrate.
โ
๐ Snacks. Muesli bars are my go-to, but anything you can eat one handed is a good little energy booster.
โ
๐ If I need stimulation to stay awake I chuck on an episode of Friends or something similarly comforting.
โ
๐ Tris hangs with Poppy from 6ish so I can snooze longer- this has been huge and if your partner has any time off or is able to offer you this, even short term, Iโd say this is the fatigue game changer.
โ
๐ Afternoon nap. Whether itโs 20 mins or a lush 2 hrs - take whatever you can!
โ
๐ Food drops. Also game changer. Not having to work meal prep into the second half of the day when you start to feel ๐ฅด is so nice. Thank you to beautiful friends for feeding us โฅ๏ธ
โ
๐ Normalise it. Reminding myself and anyone who asks, โHowโs she sleeping?โ that frequent wakes are a healthy, normal part of newborn development helps me feel okay.
โ
๐ If youโre struggling with exhaustion or a lack of support be honest with your partner, talk to PANDA, the MCHN hotline, or reach out to a friend. Just because itโs normal doesnโt make it easy ๐
โ
What helped you through the long nights?
