When I had my first baby, I didn’t want to be away from him, not for a second. In the hospital I wouldn’t let them take him out of the room, even when I was so exhausted I couldn’t see straight. I get home from the hospital and was taken aback by having to breastfeed him every hour and a half, and then I wouldn’t go to sleep when he did. I would try to clean, or cook, or eat. At night, I slept with my hand on him in his bassinet so I could make sure he was breathing.
I shouldn’t have been surprised when I had a case of the baby blues that was rather intense, I’m still impressed that it was as bad as it was. It never occurred to me that not getting enough sleep would have anything to do with the baby blues. I just never put the two together. So what can you do?
Effects of sleep deprivation include:
- Irritability
- Inability to concentrate
- Lowered immune system
- Mood swings (crying being one)
- Inability to deal with stress of any kind
- Decreased appetite
These are just a few of the signs, but couple that with the stress and uncertainty of a new baby and the crying that comes along with the little package and you’ve got a recipe for some bad times.
So what can you do to help avoid this?
Eat Right – I know it sounds bad, I mean you just had a baby, you deserve some Krispy Cremes. I’m with you there, but there’s nothing that can sap your energy quicker than high starch, high fat, high calorie foods. Try to eat right and you’ll see the difference. I usually have a veggie drink as my afternoon snack. I juice some carrots, broccoli, spinach and whatever else sounds good. I slam that drink and I immediately can feel a boost of energy. It’s great for when I’m feel sapped and lethargic.
Accept Help – Ya, sure. This one is so hard for me. I never want any help from anyone because I’m capable of doing everything myself! Of course that has led to some crazy, frustrating times where I end up crying while ripping my hair out. Sometimes you need help. If someone offers, you may just want to take them up on it. I’m hoping this time around I’ll accept enough help so I can get some sleep at some point. Swallow your pride and accept assistance. If you’re bottle feeding, it’s time for daddy to step up to the plate and help, so get some sleep!
Forced Hygiene – I laugh as I write this, but it’s true. I went from getting up early every morning, jumping in the shower, blow drying my hair, putting makeup on and dressing well to suddenly having a baby. Then everything stopped. I would take a shower about, oh, once every three days. Sweats were perfectly acceptable. My hair didn’t see a blow dryer for at least six months straight and a braid was my idea of “doing” my hair. It’s actually recommended that you do your regular hygiene routine, even if you have to force yourself to. It helps with not only your smell (lol), but your outlook and in turn your energy level.
Those are just three things to help out and get you some extra energy or Z’s. You’re baby comes first but remember (as I forget constantly) that you are the primary caregiver and if you don’t take care of yourself then how can you take care of your baby?
