Most parents eagerly await the arrival of their new baby without dwelling too much on the sleep deprivation that may lie ahead. While eager parents, whether new or experienced, may focus on the excitement of having a new addition to their family, few give much thought to what happens if their new bundle of joy decides that sleep is really not necessary or at least not necessary at night. This can often result in frustration, disappointment and even anger when the new parents find themselves overwhelmed by chronic sleep deprivation. While most parents find ways to cope, sadly some parents give into to their worst impulses and their infant pays the price sometimes with devastating consequences. To help thwart that terrible outcome here is some advice for developing patience and tips for dealing with sleep deprivation due to an infant.
Remind yourself you are the adult in this situation. As simple as this sounds it often helps to have reminders that you are in control of your emotions while your infant is not. If you need reminding of this in difficult moments, other parents report posting positive affirmations where they can see them before dealing with the baby as something that helps when confronting a crying infant night after night.
Do not be afraid to walk away. While no one is advocating neglecting your infant, many babies are difficult to soothe even when they have been fed, changed, burped and rocked. If you find your baby is among these difficult to handle infants and you have tried everything, then place your infant in a safe place (crib, swing, infant seat etc) and walk away. While the baby may still be crying this will give you the time to regain your control and you will be better able to help your infant learn how to sleep.
Accept help wherever you can. Well-meaning parents who are even in the throes of severe sleep deprivation will sometimes be hesitant in accepting offers of help. Whether the offer comes from a friend, family member or someone you have hired to help (babysitter, nanny, mother’s helper etc) don’t be afraid to use the help. This break from the high intensity care of an infant will help refresh you for when you have to face those long nights of sleeplessness alone.
Sleep when you can! Whether you are the main caretaker for your new baby or the supporting partner be sure that you make sleep a priority. Studies have shown that anyone suffering from sleep deprivation can gain some relief from even a short nap. If you are the caretaker for your non-sleeping infant be sure that when the baby does sleep (no matter how short the time) that you do to. If you are the supporting partner who perhaps is at work during the day try to arrange a time for a short nap. Close your office door for a few minutes or find a quiet place to nap for a few minutes at lunchtime and you will find both your strength and patience improved for dealing with your new baby.
Try to focus on the fact that this time in your life will not last forever! Most babies work out their sleep issues or at least the majority of them within the first six months of life. Try to focus on the joy of your new baby and know that this time will pass quickly and one day you will sleep through the night in your own bed! And worst case scenario- even if your darling newborn never becomes a great sleeper just remember eventually that becomes less and less of an issue.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to
This is really helpful. I am struggling with sleep deprivation myself at the moment with a new baby – it’s all a bit if a shock. Realising it’s not forever does help, especially as a first time mum. A similar article here gives a similar message of “it’s not forever!”
http://hubpages.com/hub/Surviving-babies-and-sleep-deprivation